Heartworm is prevalent in Ontario. Spread through mosquitoes is a potentially fatal parasitic roundworm that affects the blood vessels in the lungs and the heart. Although it is more common for dogs to be a host for heartworm, it can also infect cats and wildlife living in your surrounding area.
What are the symptoms of heartworms in a dog?
In the early stages of heartworm, there are no symptoms. It is for this reason that we recommend doing annual testing. Symptoms of advanced heartworm disease may include exercise intolerance, lethargy, coughing, and difficulties breathing. Your pet could lose consciousness and may even cough up blood.
What are the treatment options for heartworm?
Ideally, your pet is taking monthly preventative during the spring and summer seasons, as it is much easier to prevent the infection from happening. If your pet is infected with heartworm, the treatment can be costly and potentially risky. The most complete and rapid removal of heartworms from the chest is accomplished by a series of powerful infections to kill the adult parasites.
If you have any questions or feel your pet may need a heartworm test, please give us a call at 613.634.7123.