Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms of Heartworm Disease

HEARTWORM AWARENESS MONTH

Have you ever wondered what a heartworm is or how it affects your pet's health? Heartworms are parasites transmitted by mosquitoes that attack a dog's lungs, heart, vascular system, and other organs. Heartworm disease caused by these heartworms can be devastating to a dog's health, and can even be fatal if not caught and treated early. 

Giving your pet their monthly heartworm prevention can save you time, money, and heartache! Just keep in mind that in order to refill your heartworm prescription medication, your pet MUST get their annual heartworm test first. 

Dogs with large numbers of heartworms can develop a sudden blockage of blood flow within the heart leading to a life-threatening form of cardiovascular collapse. Without prompt heartworm treatment, few dogs survive. ​ It all starts when an infected mosquito bites a dog.

Facts about Heartworm

Microfilaria (baby heartworms) can appear in a dog's bloodstream as early as 6 months after the initial infection. 

Within 70 days, larvae can develop into young heartworms.

​Worms can grow from 6 -12 inches in lengths and attack the cardiovascular system as well damage the arteries that they reside in. 

Heartworms can live up to 7 years. Dead worms collapse and get clogged into arteries causing blockage, impaired bloodflow, and increased blood pressure that can lead to heart failure. 

All dogs who have heartworms are diseased and may not always show symptoms! It is important to treat dogs right away. 

The Cost of Treating Heartworm Disease
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There are several places where you can purchase your dog's heartworm medication. It could be your vet or an online store! Typically, the cost of heartworm prevention ranges from $5-$15 per month based on your dog's weight. Compare this to the cost of treating heartworm which can range from $400-$1000. Treatment can also entail injections and oftentimes hospitalization of your pet is required. Preventing heartworms from hurting your pet is the responsible thing to do - it is also safer and more affordable!

While heartworm medication is highly effective, its not 100% effective. This is why we encourage our clients to bring their dogs in yearly to get tested. Furthermore, prescriptions for heartworm preventative medication cannot be renewed until a heartworm test is completed. 

Remember "12"
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We recommend following the American Heartworm Association's counsel that you give your dog their heartworm preventative medicine 12 months a year and bring them in every 12 months for their heartworm test.

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease
According to the American Heartworm Association, signs of heartworm disease may include:

• a mild persistent cough
• reluctance to exercise
• fatigue after moderate activity
• decreased appetite
• weight loss​
• swollen belly
  

If you've noticed any of these symptoms in your pet, contact your veterinarian right away. If you live in the Cypress, Northwest Houston, Spring, or Tomball area, call us at 281-970-0601 to schedule your dog's heartworm test right away. The earlier the treatment, the less damage there is to your dog's vital organs.

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Is it time to schedule your pet's heartworm test or do you have question about your pet's health? Visit Dr. Tanner Tracy here in Cypress, TX. 

Call (281) 970-0601 or click on the button below to schedule an appointment.

We accept CareCredit and are seeing new patients.  ​

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