What is Canine Heartworm Disease? Find Out the Answers Here! 

Canine Heartworm Disease is a common infection, particularly during the rainy season when mosquito populations surge. It is also frequently diagnosed in dogs that lack regular preventative care. The disease is caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Once the larvae enter the dog’s body, they gradually develop into adults, eventually residing in the right ventricle of the heart or within the pulmonary arteries.

Symptoms to Watch For

While some dogs may remain asymptomatic in the early stages, others may exhibit signs similar to right-sided heart failure, including

• Lethargy and fatigue
• Labored or rapid breathing
• Persistent dry cough
• Fainting or collapse
• Abdominal swelling (Ascites)

Diagnosis

Veterinarians can diagnose heartworms through specialized blood screening tests or via Echocardiography (heart ultrasound) to visually detect the presence of adult worms within the heart chambers.

Treatment of Canine Heartworm Disease

Treating heartworms requires careful preparation. First, the dog must take specific antibiotics for one month to eliminate the bacteria living within the heartworms. Following this preparation, a series of three injections will be administered on a specific schedule to kill the adult heartworms. The exact treatment plan for each dog is determined by the veterinarian's clinical judgment based on the severity of the infection.

Every dog can avoid this dangerous disease by staying away from mosquito-prone areas and maintaining a regular heartworm prevention program. Nowadays, prevention is convenient and available in various forms, such as Chewable Tablets (Monthly) , Spot-on (Topical) Treatments (Monthly) If you suspect your dog may have heartworms or if you would like professional advice on the best prevention method for your pet, please do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with our veterinarians.

ThonglorPet World-Class 24-Hour Care, Near and Far

For pet owners seeking professional guidance and dedicated care around the clock, Thonglor Pet Hospital provides a comprehensive range of services through both Online Consultation and Onsite Medical Excellence. Our hospital features specialized centers, including Dermatology & Allergy and Feline & Canine Cardiology. With our expert team of veterinarians, nurses, and staff on standby 24/7, we are ready to provide immediate care whenever your pet needs us. (Please book an appointment in advance).

You can rest assured knowing our care transcends borders. Thonglor Pet Hospital operates an international branch in Vietnam and over 19 domestic branches across Thailand. Our network covers major areas including Rayong, Tiwanon, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, among many others. Every branch utilizes the same integrated internal management system, ensuring your pet's medical data is seamlessly accessible wherever you go.

Beyond medical expertise, our team is professionally trained in animal behavior. This ensures that your beloved companions feel happy, safe, and comfortable, especially when utilizing our Pet Hotel services while you travel. For pet boarding or any of our specialized services, please contact us via the details below.