Dogs are our loyal friends, but did you know they’re at risk of a sneaky killer called heartworm? According to some veterinary associations, one out of every four dogs is infected with heartworms, and outdoor dogs have an even higher risk, with a 50% chance of getting it! To protect our best buddies, this blog will give you an in-depth look at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of heartworm disease to help you stay informed of hidden risks in your furry friends.

What is heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease, or dirofilariasis, is a parasitic infection affecting dogs. Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm infesting mosquitoes, which can carry thousands of tiny larvae inside them. When a mosquito bites a dog, it injects these tiny larvae into the dog's bloodstream, where they will grow and reproduce, and eventually settle in the dog's heart and lungs.

5 stages of heartworm transmission

Stage 1: Larvae circulate in the bloodstream of an infected dog, waiting for a mosquito to bite the dog.

Stage 2: Larvae enter the mosquito’s body and grow.

Stage 3: Infective larvae will stay in the mosquito’s salivary glands and migrate to other dogs when the mosquito bites them.

Stage 4: Larvae grow within the tissues of the dog and then invade its blood vessels.

Stage 5: Larvae become adult heartworms. They live in the heart and give birth to larvae, which spread throughout the dog's body via the bloodstream and remain hidden there.

When a dog is infected with heartworms, they will grow and reproduce in its body, leading to different symptoms such as:

Coughing and difficulty breathing: As heartworms can infect the lungs and heart of the dog, it can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing and difficulty breathing.

Loss of appetite: The dog may experience loss of appetite and weight loss.

Lethargy: The dog may become tired and lethargic, and even experience seizures and fainting.

Enlarged liver and spleen: As the parasites grow and reproduce in the dog’s body, it may lead to enlarged liver and spleen.

Diarrhoea and vomiting: The dog may experience digestive problems such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

Infected dogs may also experience other symptoms. So, how can we diagnose potential heartworm infections in our furry friends? The most commonly used methods include:

Blood tests: A blood test will be performed to check for the presence of heartworm larvae. It normally takes 5 months for larvae to become detectable in the bloodstream.

Echocardiography: An ultrasound scan of the dog’s heart can show the presence and number of heartworms.

X-rays: A radiograph of the dog’s lungs can spot abnormalities in the lungs and heart to help determine the condition.

Common treatment methods for heartworm disease:

Medication: A vet may administer antibiotics and parasiticides to kill the parasites and prevent them from growing and reproducing inside the dog's body. This treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a vet and requires regular follow-up examinations to ensure the disease is under control.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to eradicate the parasites.

Prevention of heartworm disease includes:

Take preventives regularly: Some medications can prevent heartworm infections.

Avoid mosquito bites: Use mosquito nets or mosquito coils in indoor areas and avoid staying outdoors for a long time to reduce your dog’s chance of getting mosquito bites.

Regular health check-ups and blood tests: Bring your dog for a health examination every year. Make sure to include heartworm tests to check for any larvae in the bloodstream and facilitate early prevention.

Heartworm disease is a serious condition that can have severe consequences if left untreated. Although there are effective treatment options available, prevention and timely treatment are key to protecting our furry friends from the risks of heartworm disease. As pet owners, it's essential to understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for heartworm disease and take proper actions to prevent and treat it. This is the only way to ensure our furry friends can live a healthy and happy life. If your dog shows symptoms related to heartworm disease, seek veterinary care immediately.

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