What are the first signs of heartworm in dogs?
Maci Paucek
2025-07-30 19:08:48
Count answers
: 17
The most obvious sign of heartworms in dogs is the noticeable and persisting cough that goes along with this disease. It is a dry cough, but it comes frequently and is usually brought on by activity. In dogs who are in the first stages of heartworm disease, the cough may be brought about by even a small amount of play or exercise. Weight loss usually comes along with the early to middle states of the disease. Lack of energy and weakness are two more symptoms that go hand-in-hand and can commonly be found along with heartworm disease. Dogs who suffer from heartworm disease have trouble exercising or playing because this activity makes the coughing worse. As dogs reach the mid-to-advanced stages of heartworm disease, they have more and more trouble breathing. They may wheeze or show signs that they are breathing too rapidly, or you might just notice your dog’s sides moving in and out faster than they used to. Frequent vomiting usually goes along with heartworms.
Lori Spinka
2025-07-30 17:46:01
Count answers
: 11
A dry unproductive cough. Once heartworms make their way into the lungs and begin reproducing in the lungs and surrounding veins, your dog will begin exhibiting a dry cough, typically after exercising. Inactivity or laziness, if your pet seems more tired than usual, doesn’t want to go outside, or partake in physical activity, there is a good chance that your pet is sick. Weight loss and loss of appetite, if you notice weight loss and a lack appetite in your dog, then you should take him to the vet immediately to rule out heartworms and other illnesses. Shallow and rapid breathing, when worms inhabit your dog’s lungs and the surrounding veins, respiratory problems will also occur. Distended chest, a swollen, bulged, or distended chest is typically a symptom of an adult heartworm infection. Allergic reactions, while symptoms of allergic reactions are more common in cats with heartworms, dogs may also sometimes exhibit asthmatic symptoms similar to an allergic reaction in response to heartworm infection. Collapsing or fainting, once a large population of heartworms enter the heart and causes a blockage of blood flow, known as caval or vena cava syndrome, fainting will occur.
Read also
- Do dogs actually need heartworm prevention?
- What is the best heartworm prevention for dogs?
- Do dogs need heartworm medicine in the UK?
- Can I get heartworm prevention without a vet?
- How common is heartworm in dogs in the UK?
- What dogs are high risk for heartworm?
- Is heartworm injection better than tablets?
- Is there a natural heartworm prevention for dogs?
- Does Amazon sell heartworm medicine for dogs?