Heartworm Test

Heartworms are worms that invade the heart of your dog. A dog becomes infected by being bitten by an infected mosquito.

If a dog has heartworms, what symptoms should I look for?

You may not notice any symptoms in the early stages, but once they have reached 6 months, which is maturity. You may notice coughing or fainting after exercise, so it is best to make an appointment to visit the vet.

How does a dog get heartworms?

A bite from an infected mosquito spreads heartworm disease.

What are the treatment options for heartworms?

There are different options for treatment of heartworms; this is something that would be discussed with your veterinarian to pick the best course of action.

Why is recovery for heartworm treatment so challenging?

Depending on when a heartworm infection is diagnosed there may already be severe and lasting damage to the heart, such that heart failure can be a complication. When treating heartworm infections, allergic reaction to the dying worms can occur as well as embolism within the lungs.