Dog Heartworms - Heartworms in Dogs

more info at: http://www.doghealthproblemsadvice.com - Sam Meisler DVM, a small animal veterinarian, discusses Dog Heartworm Disease - how to treat and how to prevent heartworm disease in dogs.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• dog heartworms
• dog heartworm
• heartworms in dogs
• dog heartworm disease

[TheBrindleBoxer]

If you are giving your dog preventative treatment monthly, then miss 2 - 3 months, then restart the treatment, is your dog in the clear? Or is it possible that your dog could've become infected within the 2 - 3 month lapse in treatment?

[doghealthproblems]

@TheBrindleBoxer It is definitely possible for your dog to have been infected with heartworms with a 2-3 month gap. Ivermectin (Heartgard or Iverhart) is the best one to use immediately after a gap and then monthly for the next 12 months. It has the best "reachback" and will make it less likely for your dog to get heartworms.

Thanks,

Sam

[code9146]

Hi. My dog is a labrador aged 13. Recently, he's been making haking noises almost as if he wants to be sick. Im also unsure whether his lack of energy and general 'laziness' is due to his old age or perhaps heartworms. Being a typical labrador, he still loves his food and has never lost his appetite.

if he does have heartworms, generally, do older dogs have a high success rate regarding treatment?

Thanks

[doghealthproblems]

@code9146 Yes, if it is caught early then the prognosis is much better and quite good. Thanks, Sam

[EGMAG]

arsenic is a poison and most dogs suffer and die from treatments

[doghealthproblems]

@EGMAG Actually, the heartworm adulticide we use (Immiticide) has a much safer window than the previous adulticide that we used back in the 80s and earlier. In fact, I have never ever lost a heartworm positive dog to immiticide nor caparsolate toxicity (in 20 years of practice). Pure arsenic is toxic to most animals but immiticide while considered an arsenical is not the same thing. I appreciate the comment. Comments such as these allow one to dispel myths that are brought up. Thanks, Dr Sam

[angrybirds957]

I dont know if somebody actually read my coment earlier but no need to reply now. He passed away 1 hour ago.

Dear Dumbo,

Rest in peace

[angrybirds957]

My Cocker Spaniel has heart worms. He

doesn't run anymore. He lost a lot of

weight. Did I take him to the vet on time?

Please reply!!!

I took him to the vet today btw

[Marcus7339]

@alfamares0022 thanks but shes ok now!

[alfamares0022]

@Marcus7339 go get her checked!!!!!!!!!! they can die from this

[alfamares0022]

hi, i was wondering i have a belgian malinois that is starting the heartworm treatment. I was wondering how worried i should be considering we are going to be adopting him soon, should we be looking for more current vet bills? Will he be more prone? Will his heart be affected forever once the worms are decomposing? Please, please help with this :/

[Marcus7339]

Hi,i have a pit bull terrier. recently she has been losing lots of energy daily and now she cant even stand up straight. does she have heartworms=(?

[tigerlily7485]

@code9146  tickfever!