Parasites are one of the most challenging health risks our dogs face. Some stay on their fur, while others manage to penetrate and get inside. One of those parasites is heartworms.
Heartworms are the reason for heartworm disease in dogs. They are otherwise known as Dirofilaria immitis, a type of parasite that comes from mosquitoes and their bites. These worms live in a dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels, causing serious health issues.
Because these worms affect the heart and other vital organs, they can cause significant damage if not treated promptly. In this blog, we’ll teach you everything about canine heartworms so you’ll get a good idea of the dangers and ways to prevent them.
How Does a Dog Get Heartworm?
Heartworms spread through mosquito bites. These bites transmit larvae into the dog’s bloodstream, essentially making their way toward the heart, lungs, and other vital organs.
These microscopic larvae will mature in six to seven months, growing up to 12 inches long. Once matured, they start disrupting normal blood flow and affecting an organ’s functionality. While staying here, they can leave for up to seven years.
Here’s a closer look at the life cycle of heartworms:
Transmission. A mosquito bites an infected dog, picking up the microfilariae.
Development. The microfilariae mature into larvae for about 10 to 14 days.
Infection. Once the mosquito bites another dog, the larvae are transmitted into the dog’s skin, where they enter the bloodstream.
Maturity. The parasites continue to develop and mature into adult heartworms for 6 to 7 months. They eventually stay in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels.
Reproduction. The adult heartworms produce microfilariae, ready for a mosquito to pick them up. This restarts the entire cycle.
What Dogs Are High Risk for Heartworm?
Heartworm disease affects dogs of all breeds and ages. However, dogs in warm and humid climates carry an increased risk of heartworm disease due to the prevalence of mosquitoes in these areas.
Additionally, dogs that spend too much time outdoors, especially in the warmer months, will be more susceptible to a heartworm infection. Even then, mosquitoes can enter the home and infect indoor dogs.
How Long Can Dogs Live With Heartworms?
Dogs can live for years with heartworms, but their health and condition will progressively decline. However, active dogs tend to decline faster due to the strain physical activity puts on their already compromised cardiovascular systems.
What Are the Signs of Heartworms in Dogs?
The symptoms of heartworm disease in dogs become worse as the condition progresses, with caval syndrome being the most severe sign. Here are the signs you must know.
Early Signs
Mild, persistent cough. This is often the first noticeable sign, often from heart or lung problems. It may sound like a dry cough that doesn’t go away with time.
Fatigue. Affected dogs may get easily tired even after light physical exercise. This includes short walks and playtime.
Moderate Signs
Labored breathing. As the infection progresses, affected dogs may have difficulty breathing. This is because the heart and lungs are struggling.
Weight loss. Chronic heartworm infection can reduce a dog’s appetite and drain its resources, leading to weight loss.
Increased lethargy. Dogs may appear unusually tired and sluggish. This weakness is generally caused by poor heart function and circulation.
Severe Signs
Collapse. In severe cases, the worms can block and obstruct blood flow to the heart, resulting in collapse.
Pale gums. Pale gums indicate poor blood circulation or anemia, which is a concern.
Coughing up blood. Blood during coughing often indicates the advancement of the disease and lung damage.
How Do Vets Diagnose Heartworm Disease in Dogs?
The diagnostic methods we use to detect heartworms in dogs include blood antigen tests, microfilariae detection, and imaging tests.
Blood antigen tests help vets detect proteins from adult female heartworms. This method can identify the parasite even before symptoms appear in your dog.
The microfilariae detection method detects immature worms that circulate in the dog’s bloodstream. And finally, diagnostic imaging tests, such as ultrasounds and X-rays, identify whether your dog has any heart, lung, or artery damage.
If you notice any of the signs, it’s crucial to have your dog checked immediately. The chances of a smooth recovery increase depending on how early the vet catches the disease.
Heartworm Treatment for Dogs
Treating heartworm disease in dogs involves a series of steps to eliminate the worms while trying to minimize complications. Before the actual treatments, our vets will administer heart medications, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Once the dog is stabilized, we will inject medications in a series of timed doses, usually 2 to 3 doses over a month. This treatment targets and eliminates adult heartworms in the dog.
During the treatment process, dogs must not do any physical activity. Doing so will cause complications such as pulmonary embolism, a condition in which the dead heartworms cause obstructions and blockages.
If any microfilariae are present, then additional medications will be provided. This will require follow-up appointments and even prolonged clinic sessions.
Recovery and Prognosis for Heartworm Disease in Dogs
For mild to moderate cases, the prognosis is very good. Most dogs will recover from the damage. In severe cases, the permanent heart and lung damage will require continuous medication and limited activity.
After heartworm medications have been administered, dogs must be kept at home, and any physical activity must be restricted. Physical activity increases the risk of complications during the treatment process.
Follow-up care and regular preventive treatments will be recommended. You can opt to have your dog take monthly preventives, which often come in chewables, or an injectable medication every 6 to 12 months.
Once your dog returns to normal, they can slowly return to their regular activities.
Can Heartworms Go Away on Their Own?
No, heartworms cannot go away on their own. Once a dog is infected, the worms will continue to grow and reproduce, progressively causing damage to the heart and other essential organs. They must be treated with specific medications as prescribed by vets.
Vet Tips: Heartworm Prevention for Dogs
Preventing these worms from infecting your dog is a much better scenario, as it’s safer and more cost-effective. Here are some preventive measures you can take:
Monthly Medications. There are preventative medicines, often in the form of topicals and oral tablets, that can be given monthly to dogs. These medications kill heartworm larvae before they mature.
Long-Acting Injections. Injectable medications are available to protect your dog for up to six months.
Annual Testing. During your routine checkups, we may perform annual testing to check for any signs of heartworm. This also ensures that preventative medications or injections remain effective.
Mosquito Management. You must also eliminate any threat of mosquitoes in and around your home. You can use insect repellents, maintain ponds, and close windows.
"Your dog gave you their heart, be sure to protect it."
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Final Thoughts
While heartworm disease in dogs can be fatal, it’s preventable and treatable. Working with our veterinarians is the best way to protect your dog against heartworms. We can help you develop a prevention plan, schedule regular testing, and perform treatments as needed.
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