Can Heartworm Be Treated? A Guide for Dog Owners

Heartworm can be treated with medication and management, but prevention is key to avoid the disease's potentially fatal consequences

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Heartworm disease can sound scary, and for a good reason—it’s a potentially life-threatening condition that every dog owner should know about. If your pup has been diagnosed with heartworms or you’re looking to protect them, the good news is that heartworm can be treated. But as with most health issues, prevention is far better than cure. Let’s dive into what heartworm is, how it’s treated, and what steps you can take to keep your dog healthy and happy.

What Is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that is transmitted to dogs through mosquito bites. Once inside the dog, these worms mature and live in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels, causing damage and leading to severe health problems.

How Do Dogs Get Heartworm?

It starts when a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites your dog. These larvae enter the dog’s bloodstream and migrate to the heart and lungs, where they grow into adult worms over about six months. Adult worms can be up to a foot long (yes, you read that right!) and can live for several years, wreaking havoc on your dog’s health.

For more on how pests like mosquitoes and fleas impact dogs, check out our article on the hidden dangers of fleas​.

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease

Heartworm can be sneaky because symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is advanced. Common signs include:

  • Mild, persistent cough
  • Fatigue after exercise
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Swollen belly (caused by fluid buildup)

If left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to heart failure or even death.

Can Heartworm Be Treated?

Yes, heartworm can be treated, but the process is no walk in the park. The treatment is lengthy, expensive, and can be tough on your dog. This is why prevention is always the better option.

The Heartworm Treatment Process

Diagnosis

Before starting treatment, your vet will perform tests to confirm the presence of heartworms. A common test is the antigen test, which detects proteins released by adult female heartworms in the dog’s bloodstream.

Initial Stabilization

If the infection is severe, your vet might start by stabilizing your dog. This could involve managing symptoms like coughing and fatigue before proceeding with the actual treatment.

Killing the Adult Worms

The primary treatment involves melarsomine dihydrochloride, an injectable medication that kills adult heartworms. The injections are spaced out over a few months to minimize risks.

Killing the Microfilariae

Microfilariae are the baby heartworms present in the bloodstream. Your vet will prescribe a separate medication to kill these larvae and stop the lifecycle.

Restricting Activity

During treatment, it’s crucial to restrict your dog’s activity. Exercise can increase the risk of complications like blood clots caused by the dying worms.

For tips on keeping your dog calm and healthy during recovery, check out how to teach your dog to love and cooperate with treatments​.

What About Advanced Cases?

If heartworm disease has progressed significantly, your dog may need additional interventions, like surgery to remove adult worms. This is usually reserved for extreme cases, as it’s highly invasive.

The Cost of Heartworm Treatment

Heartworm treatment can be costly, ranging from $500 to over $1,000 depending on the severity. This is another reason why preventive measures, which are much more affordable, are essential for all dog owners.

Prevention Is Key

Preventing heartworm is far simpler, safer, and less expensive than treating it. There are several options for heartworm prevention:

  • Monthly oral medications like Heartgard or Trifexis.
  • Topical preventives that also protect against fleas and ticks.
  • Long-lasting injectables like ProHeart, which can provide protection for six or even twelve months.

If you’re considering switching preventive treatments, check out our guide on how to transition between flea and tick treatments​.

Can Heartworm Be Cured Completely?

Yes, if treated early and appropriately, heartworm disease can be cured. However, the damage caused by the worms may not always be reversible, particularly in advanced cases. This is why regular vet check-ups and year-round prevention are essential.

Final Thoughts

Heartworm is a serious condition, but the good news is that it can be treated and, better yet, prevented. As a dog owner, staying informed and proactive about your pet’s health is the best way to keep them safe from parasites like heartworms.

If you’re ready to start protecting your dog, learn more about the best flea and tick medicine without a vet prescription to pair with heartworm prevention​.

Your furry friend relies on you to keep them healthy—so take the steps today to protect them from heartworms and other pests. A happy, healthy pup means a happy, worry-free you!

can heartworm be treated

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