HEALTH
4 min
Heartworm in Dogs: Vet Explains Signs, Causes, & Effective Treatment Plans
Though rare in India, heartworm can be a life-threatening disease for dogs. Dr. Tanaya explains how heartworm spreads, symptoms to watch for, and treatment options.
Table of contents
What are Canine Heartworms?
Heartworms are quite literally foot-long parasites that live inside the heart and surrounding blood vessels, including those near the lungs. Dogs, cats, and other mammals are all vulnerable to these dangerous parasites.
As you can imagine, canine heartworms have the potential to make the infected animals very, very sick. The good news is that canine heartworms are not very common in most parts of India. The bad news is that our tropical climate makes an outbreak a very real possibility.
As you can imagine, canine heartworms have the potential to make the infected animals very, very sick. The good news is that canine heartworms are not very common in most parts of India. The bad news is that our tropical climate makes an outbreak a very real possibility.
Is Heartworm Common in India?
Heartworm in dogs is common in North and South America, Canada, Australia and Europe. Dog owners in these countries are advised to be very diligent about heartworm prevention. It is not as common in India which is why its prevention is not discussed as much as tick fever and other diseases.
In the recent past, there have been reports of canine heartworm been detected in Northeast India. With climate change and the rising mosquito population, heartworms could become a growing concern in the country. Therefore, it is important to stay informed and take necessary precautions, especially if dogs in your area are testing positive for heartworm.
In the recent past, there have been reports of canine heartworm been detected in Northeast India. With climate change and the rising mosquito population, heartworms could become a growing concern in the country. Therefore, it is important to stay informed and take necessary precautions, especially if dogs in your area are testing positive for heartworm.
How Does Heartworm Spread in Dogs?
Heartworm disease begins when an infected mosquito bites an animal and deposits immature heartworm larvae or microfilariae into the host's bloodstream. Over the next six months, these larvae develop into adult heartworms. Once fully developed, the adult heartworms live inside the host’s heart and the blood vessels surrounding the lungs and heart. This is usually when dogs often begin to show signs of infection.
Unfortunately, dogs are the perfect hosts for heartworms. Inside a dog’s body, the worms can grow to full maturity, reproduce, and produce more heartworms. Thus, they can be infected with a lot of worms at the same time.
Unfortunately, dogs are the perfect hosts for heartworms. Inside a dog’s body, the worms can grow to full maturity, reproduce, and produce more heartworms. Thus, they can be infected with a lot of worms at the same time.
Mosquitoes: a shared enemy for you and your dog!
What Are the Symptoms of Heartworms in Dogs?
In the early stages of heartworm disease, the larvae will typically cause little to no noticeable symptoms in our dogs. The real trouble begins as the worms grow larger and multiply.
Early/Mild Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs:
Advanced Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs:
As the disease progresses, signs of heart failure will become more evident:
Early/Mild Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs:
- A mild but long-term cough that does not respond to treatment
- Fatigue and a loss of interest in exercise or physical activity
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
Advanced Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs:
As the disease progresses, signs of heart failure will become more evident:
- Severe coughing, sometimes accompanied by difficulty breathing
- Anaemia and coffee-coloured urine
- Liver issues with fluid accumulation in the abdomen
- Sudden collapse, which can occur if worms block blood flow in the heart
How is Heartworm in Dogs Diagnosed?
There are two primary tests used to detect heartworm in dogs:
1. Blood Smear Test
In this test, a veterinarian examines a sample of your dog's blood under a microscope to check for immature heartworm larvae. These larvae may also be detected incidentally during routine blood tests.
Important Note: In India, there are other parasitic larvae that resemble canine heartworms but do not cause heartworm disease. So simply finding larvae in a blood smear does not confirm heartworm infection.
2. Rapid Antigen Test
This blood test is designed to detect adult female heartworms. It is the test most commonly recommended by veterinarians if your dog is showing signs of heartworm disease.
Additional Diagnostic Tests: If your veterinarian suspects heartworm, they may also recommend chest X-rays and cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) to confirm a diagnosis of canine heartworm.
1. Blood Smear Test
In this test, a veterinarian examines a sample of your dog's blood under a microscope to check for immature heartworm larvae. These larvae may also be detected incidentally during routine blood tests.
Important Note: In India, there are other parasitic larvae that resemble canine heartworms but do not cause heartworm disease. So simply finding larvae in a blood smear does not confirm heartworm infection.
2. Rapid Antigen Test
This blood test is designed to detect adult female heartworms. It is the test most commonly recommended by veterinarians if your dog is showing signs of heartworm disease.
Additional Diagnostic Tests: If your veterinarian suspects heartworm, they may also recommend chest X-rays and cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) to confirm a diagnosis of canine heartworm.
Tiny but deadly, heartworms are no small threat.
Can Heartworm in Dogs Be Cured?
Yes, heartworm in dogs can be treated, but the outcome is not always guaranteed. The success of treatment depends on the size, location, and number of adult worms (worm load) present.
The treatment itself must be done very slowly and carefully as a large number of worms suddenly dying inside the dog can cause more health issues.
Given the seriousness of the disease and the challenges associated with its treatment, prevention is by far the best approach to managing heartworm.
The treatment itself must be done very slowly and carefully as a large number of worms suddenly dying inside the dog can cause more health issues.
Given the seriousness of the disease and the challenges associated with its treatment, prevention is by far the best approach to managing heartworm.
How To Prevent Heartworm in Dogs?
Heartworm prevention is essential, but only in areas where the disease has been diagnosed. Please consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on any heartworm-prevention medicines.
The cornerstone of preventing canine heartworm is regular annual testing and diligent preventatives, i.e., administering your dog with medication that kills the immature larvae.
Preventative Options:
It’s important to note that all these preventatives target only immature larvae and are ineffective against adult worms. Hence, your dog must be tested for heartworm before starting prevention.
Key Reminder for Pet Parents in India:
Standard deworming or tick and flea medications commonly used in India such as Drontal, Kiwof, and Bravecto do not protect your dog against heartworm. If the product offers protection against heartworm, it will be mentioned on the package.
The cornerstone of preventing canine heartworm is regular annual testing and diligent preventatives, i.e., administering your dog with medication that kills the immature larvae.
Preventative Options:
- Monthly tablets or topical spot-on treatments
- In regions where heartworm is highly prevalent, a 6- or 12-month injectable treatment may also be available
It’s important to note that all these preventatives target only immature larvae and are ineffective against adult worms. Hence, your dog must be tested for heartworm before starting prevention.
Key Reminder for Pet Parents in India:
Standard deworming or tick and flea medications commonly used in India such as Drontal, Kiwof, and Bravecto do not protect your dog against heartworm. If the product offers protection against heartworm, it will be mentioned on the package.
How Can We Manage Heartworm in Community Dogs?
Please understand that heartworm prevention, diagnosis, and treatment can be expensive. Until a vaccine is developed, there are no easier or cheaper alternatives available. Additionally, heartworm preventives should be used with caution, as administering these drugs to a sick or unhealthy community animal can cause more harm than good.
If heartworm has been reported in your locality and you are concerned about protecting community animals please do so only after consulting your local veterinarian.
Steps to Protect Community Dogs from Canine Heartworm Disease:
Although heartworm in dogs is relatively uncommon in India, climate change is increasing its risk. It’s important to stay informed about how the disease spreads and watch for early symptoms. If you notice any signs, consult your vet promptly. Early detection and treatment are essential to preventing the serious health risks associated with canine heartworm.
Happy Pet Parenting!
If heartworm has been reported in your locality and you are concerned about protecting community animals please do so only after consulting your local veterinarian.
Steps to Protect Community Dogs from Canine Heartworm Disease:
- Consult a veterinarian: Speak to your local vet about heartworm tests and try to get your community animals tested.
- Blood check-up: If possible, get routine blood work done to rule out any other diseases or illnesses.
- Choose the right preventative: Select a product from the list above that offers heartworm protection, ensuring it’s administered once a month diligently.
- Annual screening: Repeat heartworm screening once a year to monitor their status.
Although heartworm in dogs is relatively uncommon in India, climate change is increasing its risk. It’s important to stay informed about how the disease spreads and watch for early symptoms. If you notice any signs, consult your vet promptly. Early detection and treatment are essential to preventing the serious health risks associated with canine heartworm.
Happy Pet Parenting!
Keywords:
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