Heartworms in dogs could be worrying, but it is not a life sentence for your furry buddy if the condition is determined early and treated with heartworm therapy. Because of their high contagiousness and quickly spread, heartworms in dogs have the potential to be deadly. You have to inspect your dog for heartworms and start therapy immediately.
Signs Your Dog Has Heartworm Disease
Nonetheless, if a dog is not detected or treated by a veterinarian within six months after being infected, it might not show any signs and symptoms. Dog health issues, such as diabetes and hyperactivity, could be extra recognizable in pups and active dogs.
Even so, dog owners need to understand heartworm illness’s warning signs and symptoms. Heartworm health problems can be split into four stages, each with its own symptoms.
Stage 1: Relentless Coughing
It is common for a dog to begin coughing if heartworms have infiltrated the lungs and started increasing in the lung and surrounding arteries– dry, unproductive cough, which is obvious after exertion. Coughing fits in dogs can be so serious that they trigger dizziness or perhaps passing out in certain dogs.
A dog coughing simply once is not a reason for worry, but owners should speak to a vet from veterinary internal medicine if the cough intensifies or persists. Since heartworm causes dry coughing, the symptoms are quickly noticeable.
Stage 2: Lethargy
Lethargy is the second sign of heartworm infection in dogs. When your dog displays lethargy, it might quit playing, going for strolls, and even eating. You must take your dog to the veterinarian asap if you see any of these symptoms.
If left unattended, it can result in canine depression and other major health issues. Dogs become lethargic when they lose interest in activities and only move a limited amount. When this occurs, they are more likely to become overweight since they no more participate in the exercise.
Stage 3: Panting and Shallow Breathing
If your dog is struggling with heartworms, it will be challenging to obtain the blood and oxygen they require. In addition, liquid may develop around blood vessels, making it more difficult to breathe due to parasites creating their way into the lungs and limiting airflow. This is painful and harmful for dogs, who rely on living to survive. Immediately book an appointment from the vet website to have them thoroughly examine your pet.
Stage 4: Fainting
A trip to the clinic is in order if your dog suddenly falls unconscious without warning. At this moment, the parasite population has increased, causing damage throughout the dog’s body. Blood arteries and veins can start to permeate with the liquid developed in the lung.
This is rather hazardous since the liquid can quickly block blood arteries and create fainting and collapse. Your dog might be nearing the end of its life if this is the only behavior you notice in them now.
Final Thoughts
All of your dog’s requirements are met by you. The only way these animals can tell us something is wrong is by sending signals to our bodies since they can not communicate verbally. Heartworm in dogs can cause pain and even death if the parasite spreads out too rapidly. Please call or bring your dog to an animal hospital like Barton Heights Veterinary Hospital if you find these signals.
