Heartworms

How does a dog get heartworms?

Heartworms are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The mosquitoes pick up the larvae of the parasite from the blood of an infected animal and pass them on to a healthy dog when they bite again. The larvae then migrate through the dog's tissue until they reach the heart. There they grow into adult worms, which can be up to 30 cm long. The worms multiply and clog the heart and pulmonary arteries, which can lead to heart failure and pulmonary embolism.

How do I recognize heartworms in my dog?

The symptoms of heartworms are often non-specific and only appear late, when the disease is already advanced. The signs include

• Coughing
• shortness of breath
• weakness
• weight loss
• Blood in the sputum
• fainting
• Abdominal swelling

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to the vet immediately. The vet can do a blood test to determine if your dog has heartworms. They may also perform an x-ray or ultrasound of the heart to assess the severity of the disease.

How can I prevent heartworms in my dog?

The best way to prevent heartworms in your dog is to give your dog regular preventative medication. These medications kill the larvae before they can develop into worms. There are different types of preventative medication that can be given as tablets, chewable snacks or spot-on preparations. You should discuss with your vet which medication is best for your dog and how often you should give it.

In addition to medication prophylaxis, you can also try to reduce your dog's exposure to mosquitoes. This includes not walking him in areas with lots of mosquitoes, keeping him indoors at night and protecting his sleeping area with a mosquito net.

How do I treat heartworms in my dog?

If your dog is already infected with heartworms, he needs to be treated as soon as possible. The treatment consists of several steps:

• First, your dog will need to receive a series of injections to kill the adult worms. These injections are very strong and can cause side effects such as pain, fever or inflammation. Therefore, your dog will need to be closely monitored during treatment.
• Secondly, your dog must take a medication that kills the larvae. This medication must be given for several months to ensure that all larvae are eliminated.
• Thirdly, your dog will need to receive supportive therapy to improve their heart function and prevent complications. This includes medication to lower blood pressure, dehydrate or prevent blood clots.
• Fourthly, your dog must be given a strict rest period to avoid stressing his circulation. He should only go for short walks and should not run or play. This rest period can last up to six months.

The treatment of heartworm is lengthy, expensive and risky. It is therefore much better to prevent the disease than to cure it.