Heartworm disease can be fatal if left untreated, so early diagnosis and treatment can literally save your dog’s life! By the time heartworm symptoms appear, it often means the disease has spread. Class 3 symptoms will be more obvious and include a persistent cough. All Rights Reserved. The animal might go through tests that measure how its organs are functioning, for example, or it might complete a cardiac stress test. Call our office today to learn more about heartworm prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Complete blood count tests, blood chemistries and electrolyte tests test a dog's liver and kidney function health before starting treatment, according to the VCA Animal Hospital website. The vet will draw blood to check for the presence of a heartworm infection in your dog. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend an appropriate medication, either in a chewable treat form, or as a pill or cream. With that said, most dog owners are aware that their pet should be on heartworm prevention medication. “Heartworm in Dogs.” Available at https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs#i-live-in-a-northern-state-how-long-should-my-dog-be-on-heartworm-prevention. For more information regarding heartworms you can visit the Heartworm Society website. Another consideration is that, as Sheldon Rubin, who served from 2007 – 2010 as president of the American Heartworm Society, points out, the problem is spreading to areas where it was relatively uncommon in the past. Some recovering patients still exhibit a noticeable cough, and require pain relief medications and drugs to improve their heart's function. In the case that your dog is infected with heartworm disease, early treatment is important and drastically raises your dog’s chance of survival. Owners frequently are willing to try everything they can to help their pet, but many cannot afford the added expense of a procedure that vets know might not help, and sometimes, they believe it is better to put it to sleep to spare it additional suffering. Puppies under the age of 6 months can receive their first heartworm prevention medication, without undergoing a heartworm test, since it takes 6 months for a dog to test positive for heartworms after its been infected. Rubin cautions owners against thinking that their pets are fine just because their region previously has had a reputation for being free of the problem. If you wish to come during these times, please call ahead. With diligent prevention, you may never even have to worry, but it's always smart to be on alert for any health changes in your pets. in Creative Writing. If you suspect your dog has heartworms, your veterinarian should see him immediately. 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