What Are The Symptoms Of Heartworms In Dogs
Heartworm disease is a serious infection that can be fatal if left untreated. Unfortunately, it’s also very common in dogs across the U.S. According to the American Heartworm Society, more than 50 percent of dogs in some areas have been infected with heartworms at some point in their lives—and many of these cases go undiagnosed until late stages of infection because they are asymptomatic (meaning no obvious signs or symptoms). If you’re worried about your dog’s health and want to know whether or not he might be suffering from heartworm disease, here are some common signs:
Coughing is the most common and noticeable sign that your dog has heartworms.
Coughing is the most common and noticeable sign that your dog has heartworms. When a dog has heartworms, the worms can interfere with their breathing and cause them to cough. However, coughing is also commonly caused by a variety of other problems including asthma, allergies, bronchitis and more. If you notice that your dog is coughing often—especially if they have difficulty breathing after coughing—that’s when it’s time to see your vet.
A heartworm-infected dog may have decreased appetite or even lose weight.
If your dog is infected with heartworms, they may have a decreased appetite or even lose weight. This is because the heartworm larvae can cause anemia (lack of red blood cells), which can lead to fatigue and lethargy. Heartworms also affect the nervous system in its advanced stages, causing tremors and convulsions as well as paralysis of the front legs.
Many dogs with heartworm also experience general malaise, including low energy levels and a reluctance to exercise.
- Low energy levels
- Lack of appetite
- Lack of interest in play
- Lack of interest in other dogs and people
- Lack of interest in toys and treats
If a dog has severely advanced heartworm disease, it’s possible that he will faint after mild exercise.
If your dog starts to faint after mild exercise or has difficulty breathing, it’s possible that he has heart failure. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, take him to the vet right away. Heartworm disease can be fatal if it’s not treated properly, so prevention is important!
The important thing to remember is that if you start to see any of these symptoms, you should take measures to prevent a serious infection, not just treat the symptoms.
The important thing to remember is that if you start to see any of these symptoms, you should take measures to prevent a serious infection, not just treat the symptoms.
It’s also important to note that some dogs may have other symptoms that are specific to their breed or age. For example, puppies and senior dogs can experience heartworm in different ways than adult dogs.
The important thing to remember is that if you start to see any of these symptoms, you should take measures to prevent a serious infection, not just treat the symptoms. A heartworm infection can be dangerous for your dog, so if you suspect something is wrong with him then it’s best to have him checked out immediately.
