{"id":373,"date":"2019-02-27T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2019-02-27T10:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/?p=373"},"modified":"2026-04-20T06:17:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T06:17:16","slug":"preventing-the-deadly-heartworm-disease-in-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/preventing-the-deadly-heartworm-disease-in-dogs","title":{"rendered":"How to Prevent Heartworm Disease in Dogs \u2013 Signs, Treatment &amp; Protection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">There\u2019s absolutely nothing heart-warming about heartworm in dogs. In fact, it is one of the most dangerous and life-threatening diseases that can affect your pooch. These creepy critters should always be unwelcomed and it can highly be possible if you the pet parent take safety measures to protect your buddy from such creatures. Before we head into the preventative ways, it is essential to identify what heartworm is and what its symptoms are.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>What is heartworm in dogs?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Known as \u201cDirofilaria immitis<em>\u201d<\/em>, this tiny thread-like parasitic roundworm is spread from one host to another through mosquito bites. These pesky creatures can live and breed in the lung arteries as well as the heart and can damage the lung vessels, tissues and cause congestive heart failure, all of which are life-threatening diseases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>What are the symptoms of heartworm in dogs?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">If your furry pal exhibits any of the <\/span>below mentioned<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> symptoms, it is high time you seek a vet\u2019s help to get your pal tested for heartworm disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Anorexia<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Asthma<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Bulgy or Bloated Chest<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Decrease in Appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Enlarged Liver<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Excessive Coughing<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Excessive Sleeping<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Exercise Intolerance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Nose Bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Pneumonia<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Rapid Breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Blood Pressure Levels\u00a0Rise<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Temporary Loss of Consciousness<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Weight Loss<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>How to prevent heartworm disease in dogs?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Treating heartworm in dogs can be a highly difficult and arduous task, but the good news is, it can be easily preventable. There are many heartworm preventatives that are available in the market. Some of the highly effective ones are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Advantage Multi for Dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Heartgard\/ <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discountpetcare.com\/heartwormers-treatment\/heartgard-plus-for-dog-1310.aspx?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=seo&amp;utm_campaign=heartworm-prevention\">Heartgard Plus<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Nuheart Heartgard<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Revolution for Dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">RSPCA Heartworm Tablets<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Sentinel<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">While these above-mentioned preventatives work brilliantly in preventing the deadly heartworm from creeping into your canine\u2019s body, it alone cannot help in preventing heartworm. Hence, it is also imperative to keep these points in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Frequent Blood Tests and Vet Visits \u2013 <\/strong>As you know, prevention is always better than cure, it is imperative to go for regular vet visits and get your pal\u2019s blood tested from time to time. Regular blood testing helps in early detection of any serious life-threatening <\/span>problems<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> if any.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Less Exposure to Mosquitoes \u2013 <\/strong>Keeping mosquitoes off your pal can be a herculean yet close to impossible task. Mosquitoes are the main host that transmits heartworm disease from one animal to another and hence, it is mandatory to apply mosquito repellents on your pet. Also, ensure you limit your Fido\u2019s outdoor play time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>All Year Round Protection \u2013 <\/strong>While it is to be believed that heartworm generally affects dogs during the warmer months, this does not mean you can take your foot off the peddle even for a wee bit. All year round protection from heartworm is a must.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">We all know how dangerous heartworm can be and despite our best efforts, the probability of this disease affecting our pet is still pretty high. There\u2019s nothing much we all can do about this, but what we do know is that no matter what, you\u2019ll continue to protect your pal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>FAQs<\/h2>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col text-sm pb-25\">\n<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-69ca5349-7574-8322-9bec-7e1ed705c686-6\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-262\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"0\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"0dd07e9c-c165-4e8e-827d-4d4185ed1f25\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\">\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1ic591\" data-start=\"48\" data-end=\"125\">Q1. How can I prevent heartworm disease in dogs naturally and medically?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"126\" data-end=\"279\"><strong>Ans.<\/strong> The best way to prevent heartworm disease in dogs is by using vet-approved monthly preventives, yearly heartworm testing, and reducing mosquito exposure.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1wi7rjn\" data-start=\"281\" data-end=\"344\">Q2. What are the early signs of heartworm disease in dogs?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"345\" data-end=\"470\"><strong>Ans. <\/strong>Early symptoms of heartworm disease in dogs include coughing, tiredness, reduced activity, breathing issues, and weight loss.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"9uo5gm\" data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"537\">Q3. What is the best heartworm prevention medicine for dogs?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"538\" data-end=\"703\"><strong>Ans. <\/strong>Popular heartworm prevention options include monthly chewables, topical treatments, and injections. The best choice depends on your dog\u2019s age, weight, and lifestyle.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"19yijq2\" data-start=\"705\" data-end=\"763\">Q4. Do dogs need heartworm prevention all year round?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"764\" data-end=\"907\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong>Ans. <\/strong>Yes, most veterinarians recommend year-round heartworm prevention for dogs because mosquitoes can survive in many climates throughout the year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"text-center\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none h-px w-px absolute bottom-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-edge=\"true\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s absolutely nothing heart-warming about heartworm in dogs. In fact, it is one of the most dangerous and life-threatening diseases that can affect your pooch. These creepy critters should always be unwelcomed and it can highly be possible if you the pet parent take safety measures to protect your buddy from such creatures. Before we head into the preventative ways, it is essential to identify what heartworm is and what its symptoms are. What is heartworm in dogs? Known as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":374,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,6],"tags":[104,103,105],"class_list":["post-373","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-care","category-wormers","tag-heartgard-plus-for-dogs","tag-heartworm-disease-in-dogs","tag-heartworm-prevention-for-dogs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/373","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=373"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/373\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1339,"href":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/373\/revisions\/1339"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/374"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/discountpetcare.improvepetcare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}