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Covington Veterinary Hospital
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260-432-0571


  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Services
    • Cat Services
    • Dog Services
  • Careers
  • Resources
    • Forms
    • Grief Support
    • Scratchpay Application
    • All Pet Card

Dog Parasites

Heartworm Disease in Dogs

How are heartworms spread?

Heartworms are transmitted when a mosquito bites an infected dog and then bites another dog. The mosquito injects microscopic larvae, called microfilariae, into the second dog’s bloodstream, beginning the infection process.


Can heartworm be spread from dog to dog directly?

Heartworm is not transmitted through direct contact between dogs. It requires a mosquito to complete its life cycle and spread from one dog to another.


Can humans get heartworm?

Human heartworm infections are extremely rare. The parasite does not typically complete its life cycle in people, so the disease is uncommon.


What are the signs of heartworm disease?

Clinical signs of heartworm disease vary - Some dogs may show no symptoms at all, while others experience coughing, reduced exercise tolerance, and, in advanced cases, heart failure with fluid accumulation in the lungs, abdomen, or even limbs.


Can dogs die from heartworms?

Heartworm can be deadly - even with treatment. It’s heartbreaking and avoidable, which is why I always recommend prevention first. It’s the kindest, safest path for your dog.


How is heartworm disease diagnosed?

Heartworm disease is diagnosed through a blood test that detects adult heartworms. Because it takes approximately six months from the time of infection (via mosquito bite) for adult worms to develop, the test only reveals infections that occurred at least six months prior.


When should my dog be tested?

We recommend annual heartworm testing starting at one year of age. If a dog has not begun prevention or missed a dose, testing is advised six months after initiating or restarting prevention.


Is there a way to prevent my dog from getting heartworm disease?

My preferred method of heartworm prevention is the ProHeart 12 injection. It’s a once-a-year shot that continuously targets heartworm larvae immediately after a mosquito bite, preventing them from maturing into adult worms. An alternative is monthly oral tablets, which kill larvae that have developed over the previous 30 days. However, this method is more vulnerable to lapses - missing or delaying a dose may allow those larvae to mature, increasing the risk of heartworm disease.


What if I miss a dose of prevention medication?

If you've missed or delayed a heartworm dose, administer it as soon as you remember. Be sure to inform the clinic, as we’ll likely recommend retesting your dog in six months.


Can I skip the heartworm prevention in the winter?

It's not recommended to skip heartworm prevention during winter months. Monthly preventatives work retroactively by targeting larvae from the previous 30 days, and indoor overwintering mosquitoes can remain active year-round. If mosquitoes are present inside your home, your dog remains at risk for heartworm infection.


What if my dog has heartworms?

If your dog ends up with heartworms, don’t panic - we can treat it. The process takes around six months and starts with oral meds to weaken the worms. After that, we give a few injections into the muscles along their back to slowly kill the adult heartworms.


Is the treatment painful?

The heartworm treatment includes an injection that goes deep into the muscles of the back, which can be painful and cause swelling. It’s tough - but we take steps to keep your dog comfortable throughout the process.


Is there a risk with treatment?

Treating heartworm disease carries notable risk. As adult worms die within the heart, fragments can break off and travel to the lungs, potentially causing complications like blood clots and difficulty breathing. To minimize this risk, we strongly recommend six months of strict activity restriction during treatment. While compliance can be challenging, it's essential to support a safe recovery.


What is the recovery process like?

The recovery phase can be tough - it includes ongoing medication, regular vet check-ins, and very limited activity. Your dog will need to stay calm, on leash, and avoid any rough play. It’s challenging, but all these steps help protect them during a vulnerable time.


Are there long-term problems for heartworm treated dogs?

Most dogs do pretty well with heartworm treatment, but it’s important to know that the disease can leave behind some lasting damage to the heart and lungs. Even after successful treatment, your dog might not be quite as energetic or exercise-tolerant as before - but they can still enjoy a happy, active life.

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Covington Veterinary Hospital

6104 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804, United States

260-432-0571

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