What are the symptoms of heartworms?

What are the symptoms of canine heartworm?

Symptoms of heartworm disease may include loss of appetite, lethargy, exercise intolerance, weight loss, fever, dyspnea (difficult, labored breathing, shortness of breath), coughing, weakness, dull dry coat, and hemorrhage.

There are no symptoms at all until the disease is advanced.   In advanced stages of heartworm the symptoms are those of congestive heart failure:  dull dry and scruffy coat, lack of energy, coughing, difficulty breathing, syncope (fainting – temporary loss of consciousness due to poor blood flow to the brain), exercise intolerance, abnormal lung sounds, abnormal heart sounds, ascites (fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen – caused by the kidneys and liver not eliminating fluid/toxins from the body properly, due to the heavy heartworm infestation), hepatomegaly (enlarged liver),  Hemoptysis (blood in the sputum),Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat),anorexia, weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting and death. 

Heartworm has been reported in all 50 states.  It is found in dogs, cats, foxes, wolves and other wild carnivores as well as in sea lions and humans.

Killing heartworms can be dangerous for your dog.  Dead worms can clog small blood vessels causing organs to fail making it imperative that your dog be confined to a small space to try and prevent this from happening.  Older, sick, or pregnant animals may not be able to tolerate traditional veterinary treatment and some canines are simply sent home to die without care, as the traditional heartworm treatment would kill the canine.  This is why HeartWorm Free™was created.HeartWorm Free‘s™slow method of treatment has its benefits, which allows your dog to recover slowly.  HeartWorm Free™ works well for all dogs, young, elderly, and can even be used for pregnant dogs.  Suggested dose for pregnant dogs is one-half the recommended dose while the female is pregnant and then the full dose can be resumed as soon as she has her puppies.  HeartWorm Free™ does NOT require your dog to be confined.

Heavy infestation of heartworms can cause swelling in the lungs, pulmonary arteries, kidneys, and heart which will eventually cause the dog to die.  Heartworm can also cause anemia and liver damage.

The longer your dog has heartworm the greater the risk you are taking for heart, lung, pulmonary arteries, liver, and/or kidney damage.

Filed under: Canine illnesses Tagged: | heartworms