Heartworms in dogs might be alarming, but it is not a life sentence for your furry friend if the illness is identified early and treated with heartworm treatment. Due to their high contagiousness and fast spread, heartworms in dogs have the potential to be fatal. You must examine your dog for heartworms and start therapy asap.
Signs Your Dog Has Heartworm Disease
Nonetheless, if a dog is not diagnosed or treated by a vet within six months after being infected, it might not show any signs and symptoms. Dog health issues, such as diabetes and hyperactivity, might be obvious in pups and lively dogs.
Dog owners should be aware of heartworm ailment’s indications and symptoms. Heartworm health problems can be split into four stages, each with its own signs and symptoms.
Stage 1: Relentless Coughing
It is common for a dog to begin coughing if heartworms have penetrated the lungs and began increasing in the lung and surrounding arteries– dry, unproductive cough, which is particularly noticeable after exertion. Coughing fits in dogs can be so serious that they cause dizziness and even collapse, particularly in canines.
A dog coughing simply once is not a cause for concern, but owners need to consult a vet if the cough intensifies or continues. Since heartworm triggers a dry cough, the signs are immediately noticeable. You can schedule an appointment to vet websites like bartonheights.com to prevent heartworms from damaging your dog’s body.
Stage 2: Lethargy
Lethargy is the second symptom of heartworm infection in dogs. When your dog displays lethargy, it may stop playing, going for walks, or even eating. You need to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you see these signs and symptoms.
If left neglected, it can bring about canine depression and other significant health issues. Dogs become sluggish when they lose interest in activities and only move a minimal amount. When this occurs, they are more likely to become obese because they no longer participate in physical activity.
Stage 3: Panting and Shallow Breathing
If your dog is suffering from heartworms, it will be hard to get the blood and oxygen they require. Additionally, fluid might build up around blood vessels, making it more difficult to breathe due to parasites creating their way into the lungs and limiting airflow. This is painful and hazardous for dogs, who rely on living to survive. That being said, it is crucial to bring your dog to the vet if you notice this symptom. Consult with a pet cardiologist near Stroudsburg if you suspect your pet has heartworm disease.
Stage 4: Fainting
A trip to the clinic is in order if your dog suddenly falls unconscious without warning. At this point, the parasite population has increased, destroying the dog’s body. Blood arteries and veins can start to permeate with the fluid developed in the lung.
This is life-threatening because the fluid can swiftly obstruct blood arteries and cause fainting and collapse. Your dog may be nearing the end of its life if this is the only behavior you see in them now.
Final Thoughts
All of your dog’s requirements are met by you. These animals can only inform us that something is wrong by sending signals to our bodies because they can not communicate verbally. Heartworm in dogs can trigger discomfort and death if the parasite spreads out too rapidly. Please call or bring your dog to a pet hospital like Stroudsburg animal hospital if you discover these indicators.