Heartworm Symptoms in Dogs (& How to Treat Them)

Heartworm Disease in dogs can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from no symptoms at all to more extreme, life-threatening symptoms. It’s important for all dog owners to know the common symptoms associated with heartworm disease so that the condition can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

What makes diagnosing heartworm difficult is the overlap of symptoms with other dog illnesses. For example, coughing, decreased appetite, and fatigue are all commonly reported symptoms of other conditions. 

When in doubt, it’s always best to seek an official assessment from a trusted veterinarian if you suspect that your dog may have heartworm (or some other illness).

Below, we outline a few heartworm symptoms in dogs to look out for – and what to do next.

Common Symptoms of Heartworm in Dogs

Heartworm disease symptoms may vary depending on the dog and the severity of the infection. Your dog may not exhibit all of these symptoms. However, the appearance of any troublesome symptoms may be cause enough to seek a diagnosis from a veterinarian. 

Mild to Moderate Symptoms

Here are some possible symptoms of heartworm disease in dogs:

• Mild cough
• Reluctance to exercise
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Persistent cough
• Fatigue after mild activity
• Difficulty breathing
• Enlargement of the abdomen due to fluid accumulation (ascites)

Severe Symptoms

If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, contact an emergency veterinarian right away:

• Fainting or collapsing episodes
• Severe and persistent coughing
• Coughing up blood
• Intolerance to exercise or activity
• Extreme weight loss
• Bluish tint to the gums and skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
• Congestive heart failure
• Swollen abdomen due to heart failure
• Collapse

What if My Dog Shows No Symptoms?

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It's important to note that some dogs may show no symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. But as the infection progresses, symptoms tend to become more apparent and severe. 

If you suspect your dog has heartworm disease or if your dog is displaying any concerning symptoms, it's crucial to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Early detection and appropriate treatment offer the best chance for successful management of heartworm disease. 

Contact Your Vet for a Heartworm Diagnosis

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Diagnosing heartworm disease in dogs typically requires several steps. Exact steps may vary depending on the severity of your pet’s condition and the recommendations provided by your chosen veterinarian.

Here's an overview of the diagnostic process:

1. Physical Examination: Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination of your dog, looking for signs or symptoms that might suggest heartworm infection. Symptoms might include coughing, difficulty breathing, or abnormal lung or heart sounds.
2. Blood Tests: The primary test used to diagnose heartworm disease in dogs is a blood test that detects specific antigens produced by heartworms. There are also tests that can detect microfilariae (immature heartworms) in the blood. These tests are usually conducted in the veterinarian's office or sent to a diagnostic laboratory.
3. Additional Tests: In some cases, additional tests might be recommended to determine the severity of the infection. These tests may include chest X-rays, ultrasound, and blood tests to evaluate the function of organs such as the liver and kidneys.
4. Treatment Plan: Based on the diagnosis, the veterinarian will create a treatment plan tailored to your individual dog's needs. Treatment typically involves multiple steps, including medication to kill the heartworms, rest, and sometimes additional supportive care to manage symptoms.
5. Follow-Up Testing: After treatment, follow-up visits and testing are essential to monitor your dog's recovery. The goal is to ensure that the heartworms have been successfully eliminated. This may involve repeat blood tests to confirm that your pet is free from heartworm infection.

Remember, early detection and appropriate treatment are key to improving the chances of a successful outcome. It will also help to minimize the potential long-term effects of the disease on your dog's health. 

How to Treat Heartworm in Dogs

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Treating heartworm disease in dogs is a multi-step process that should be overseen by a trusted veterinarian. Treatment aims to eliminate the adult heartworms while also managing the associated symptoms.

The typical treatment protocol goes as follows:

1. Stabilization: Before beginning treatment, your dog may need to undergo a period of stabilization. This could involve medications to manage their symptoms, such as coughing, inflammation, or heart-related issues.
2. Confirming the Diagnosis: Confirming the diagnosis and determining the stage of the infection is crucial. Tests may be performed to determine the severity of the disease.
3. Adulticide Treatment: The primary treatment to kill adult heartworms involves an adulticide medication. The medication contains an arsenic-based compound that is administered by a series of injections into the dog's muscle. This treatment aims to kill the adult heartworms living in the dog's heart and blood vessels.
4. Rest: After the adulticide treatment, your pet needs strict rest and limited physical activity for several weeks. This will reduce the risk of complications associated with the dying heartworms, such as pulmonary embolism.
5. Follow-Up: Following treatment, your dog will likely require periodic check-ups and monitoring to assess their recovery progress. Your vet will want to ensure that the heartworms have been successfully eliminated. This may involve repeated blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic procedures.

How to Prevent Heartworm in Dogs

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The best way to “treat” heartworm in dogs is to prevent them from getting it! Prevention is key. Fortunately, preventive medication can be used to protect against future infections. This preventive medication should be administered regularly, as advised by your veterinarian.

Here are a few additional tips for preventing heartworm disease:

• Schedule regular check-ups for your dog with a veterinarian to discuss a heartworm prevention plan tailored to your dog's needs.
• Use the Health Canada-approved preventives prescribed by your vet. These preventive medications are available in various forms, including monthly oral tablets, topical solutions, injectables, or chewable treats. 
• Administer heartworm preventives regularly and consistently throughout the year. Missing doses or irregular administration can leave your dog susceptible to heartworm infection.
• Conduct annual heartworm tests for your dog, even if they are on preventive medication. This helps detect any potential infections early, ensuring timely treatment and preventing the progression of the disease.
• Since heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, minimizing your dog's exposure to mosquitoes can help lower the risk of infection.
• Regularly eliminate standing water - a common breeding ground for mosquitoes. Keep the dog's living area clean to reduce the likelihood of mosquito infestation.
• Stay informed about heartworm disease, including its symptoms, prevention, and treatment options. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions regarding your dog's health and well-being.

Covering the Costs of Heartworm Disease Treatment

While most pet insurance companies do not cover the costs of preventative care (including heartworm preventative medication), they can often cover some of the costs of treatment, specifically when preventive measures were consistently given but lead to an emergency heartworm disease infection. For instance, Furkin Pet Insurance covers up to 80% of eligible expenses associated with unexpected illness or injury. 

Get a quote for Furkin Pet Insurance to explore your options. While you may not want to think about the chance of your pet getting ill or injured, it is always best to be prepared. Whether it’s a broken leg, a flea infestation, heartworm disease, or some other condition, Furkin can help relieve some of the financial stress of an unexpected vet visit.

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