The worms live in the right side of the heart and generally cause severe heart and lung damage before any signs of disease become apparent. Dogs can have up to 100 worms living in their heart for up to 7 years.

General Signs of Heartworm in Dogs

• Coughing (especially after exercise)
• Difficulty Breathing
• Lethargy
• Weight Loss

Dogs also lose energy. For example, if your dog used to jog with you a mile each day, now he may only be able to make it for 1 or 2 blocks then he might begin coughing and/or even faint.

Heartworm Transmission

Transmission of the heartworm occurs only through the bite of a mosquito. Immature “Larvae” forms of the worm (called “Microfilaria”) float in the blood of infected animals and are picked up when the mosquito bites them. Then the mosquito transmits the heartworm to all of the other animals it bites.

Outdoor dogs are most susceptible but mosquito’s slip through cracks and screen doors with ease therefore, all dogs and cats are at risk. Those living indoors and out. Treatment is risky and extensive, occasionally even fatal. Prevention eliminates the need for a cure.

Heartworm Treatments

Newer heartworm preventative medications also protect pets from fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms (hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms). Most of these products are given monthly as tablets (i.e., Program, Sentinel) or as liquids, which are applied topically to the skin between the shoulder blades (i.e., Advantage, Frontline, Revolution). Before giving any preventative medications, pets should be blood tested to be sure they are not infected.

Your vet can help you decide which product is best for your pet.

TIP: Heartworm prevention is recommended and approved for puppies at least 8 weeks old.
There are no recommended complimentary remedies for Heartworm Disease.