Guide to Heartworm Disease in Dogs Early Detection & Prevention

What is Canine Heartworm Disease? This article has the answer! This is an infectious disease commonly found during the rainy season when mosquitoes are abundant, or commonly found in dogs that lack regular heartworm prevention. Mosquitoes act as the carrier that brings Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) into a dog's body. It begins when a mosquito bites the dog -- the parasite that enters the dog's body then develops inside them until reaching adulthood, and is found in the right ventricle of the heart, or in the pulmonary arteries.

Some dogs may show no symptoms at all, or may show symptoms similar to right-sided heart failure. Symptoms found include lethargy, panting, tiring easily, rapid breathing, dry coughing, fainting, and abdominal fluid distension. Heartworm disease can be diagnosed through a blood screening test, or through cardiac ultrasound to detect adult heartworms.

How to Treat Heartworm Disease in Dogs

The dog must first be prepared by taking antibiotic medication that targets bacteria living on the heartworms, for a period of 1 month. After that, treatment begins with a series of 3 injections given at scheduled intervals to kill the heartworms. Treatment for each dog will depend on the veterinarian's judgment.

Every dog can avoid heartworm disease by staying away from areas with heavy mosquito populations and using regular heartworm prevention. Currently, several forms of heartworm prevention medication are available, whether chewable tablets or spot-on treatments, which need to be given every month. If your dog shows suspicious symptoms, or is at risk of heartworm disease, or you'd like advice on heartworm prevention, feel free to make an appointment to see a veterinarian.

Thonglor Pet Hospital, an Animal Hospital Open 24 Hours a Day

For pet owners who care about their pets and want round-the-clock consultation and care, with both online and onsite services available, we recommend Thonglor Pet Hospital. We offer a full range of specialized treatment centers, such as our dermatology and allergy center, feline and canine cardiology center. Most importantly, our team of veterinarians, nurses, and staff are always close by, 24 hours a day -- no matter when illness strikes, we're ready to care for your beloved pet at all times (please make an appointment in advance).

Pet owners need not worry, because Thonglor Pet Hospital has an international branch in Vietnam, plus over 19 branches nationwide covering every area, including our 24-hour animal hospitals in Rayong, Tiwanon, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and many other branch locations. All branches use the same internal system for managing information.

In addition, our veterinary team, nurses, and hospital staff have all been thoroughly trained in understanding pet behavior, giving you confidence that your beloved pet will be happy and safe while you're away on a long trip. If you're interested in our pet boarding services or other offerings, please contact us using the details below.