How to Check if Your Dog Has Heartworms: A Guide

When my French Bulldog, Milo, started coughing in our Texas apartment, I worried about heartworms. Dr. Carter, my vet friend, advised, “Milo’s cough needs checking—heartworms are serious but preventable.” His guidance, paired with tips from VCA Hospitals, helped me act fast. This guide blends my experience with Milo, Dr. Carter’s expertise, and insights from VCA Hospitals, AKC, and ASPCA to help you check for heartworms, whether in Ohio clinics or Florida homes, ensuring your dog’s health.

What Are Heartworms?

VCA Hospitals describes heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) as [1]:

• Parasitic Worms: Live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of dogs [1].
• Mosquito-Borne: Spread by mosquito bites carrying larvae [2].
• Health Risks: Cause heart and lung damage; fatal if untreated [1].
• Life Cycle: Larvae mature into adults in 6–7 months, producing microfilariae [2].

Milo’s cough raised red flags, I noted [1]. Dr. Carter said, “Mosquitoes in Texas spread heartworms—test Milo regularly.”

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease

AKC outlines symptoms by stage [2]:

• Early-Stage:
  • Persistent dry cough [2].
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss [1].
  • Lethargy or reluctance to exercise [2].
• Late-Stage:
  • Difficulty breathing [1].
  • Swollen abdomen from fluid buildup [2].
  • Fainting or collapse (caval syndrome) [1].

Milo’s coughing during walks worried me, I learned [2]. Dr. Carter warned, “These signs mimic other issues—get Milo tested.”

When to Test for Heartworms

ASPCA recommends [3]:

• Puppies: Start prevention at 6–8 weeks; test at 6 months [3].
• Adult Dogs: Annual testing, even with preventatives [1].
• Missed Tests: Test immediately and again after 6 months, as larvae take time to detect [2].

I tested Milo yearly, per Dr. Carter [2].

How to Check for Heartworms

VCA Hospitals’ testing methods, enhanced with my experience and Dr. Carter’s insights [1][2]:

1. Antigen Test:
   • Detects proteins from adult female heartworms via blood sample [1].
   • Accurate 5–6 months post-infection [2].
   • Dr. Carter used this for Milo’s cough [1].
2. Microfilariae Test:
   • Checks blood for heartworm offspring [1].
   • Confirms infection if positive [2].
   • I saw Milo’s results were clear, I noted [2].
3. Additional Tests:
   • X-rays or ultrasounds confirm severe cases [1].
   • Dr. Carter suggested X-rays if Milo tested positive [2].

What to Do if Your Dog Tests Positive

ASPCA’s steps for positive cases [3]:

1. Confirm Diagnosis:
   • Run a second test (e.g., microfilariae or imaging) for accuracy [3].
   • Dr. Carter double-checked Milo’s results, I recalled [2].
2. Restrict Activity:
   • Limit exercise to short leash walks to reduce heart strain [1].
   • I kept Milo calm with a Coastal Pet harness [2].
3. Begin Treatment:
   • Use FDA-approved melarsomine (e.g., Immiticide) for adult worms [1].
   • Administer doxycycline to reduce bacteria (Wolbachia) aiding heartworms [2].
   • Follow with Heartgard to kill microfilariae [1].
   • Dr. Carter monitored Milo closely, I noted [2].
4. Monitor Recovery:
   • Watch for side effects like coughing or lethargy [1].
   • Milo stayed quiet during treatment, I found [2].

Heartworm Prevention

VCA Hospitals emphasizes prevention [1]:

• Year-Round Preventatives: Use Heartgard, NexGard Spectra, or ProHeart injections [1].
• Groom and Check: Brush with a Furminator to spot skin issues [2].
• Mosquito Control: Apply Ortho yard sprays; remove standing water [3].
• Annual Testing: Test yearly at VCA Hospitals, even with preventatives [1].

I started Milo on Heartgard monthly, per Dr. Carter [2].

Health Impacts of Heartworms

VCA Hospitals outlines risks [1]:

• Heart/Lung Damage: Worms block blood flow, causing inflammation [1].
• Caval Syndrome: Severe blockage leads to collapse [2].
• Secondary Infections: Bacteria from worms worsen health [1].

Dr. Carter warned, “Milo’s cough could signal heart damage—test early.”

Things to Avoid

ASPCA cautions against [3]:

• Skipping Vet Tests: Home diagnosis is unreliable [3].
• Ignoring Symptoms: Cough or lethargy needs vet attention [1].
• Exercising During Treatment: Strains infected organs [2].
• Non-FDA Products: Risk toxicity without vet approval [1].

Dr. Carter advised, “Don’t skip Milo’s tests—early detection saves lives.”

When to Seek Veterinary Help

ASPCA advises consulting a vet if [3]:

• Cough, weight loss, or lethargy persist [3].
• Late-stage signs like fainting appear [1].
• Preventatives fail or symptoms recur [2].

Dr. Carter tested Milo when his cough worsened, I recalled [3].

Heartworm Risks by Breed

This table outlines heartworm risks for select breeds, based on AKC data [2].

Note: Breed lifestyles affect exposure; tailor prevention.

FAQs

• How do I know if my dog has heartworms? Look for cough, lethargy, or weight loss; confirm with vet tests [2].
• Can heartworms be cured? Yes, with a >95% success rate using FDA-approved drugs [1].
• How often should I test? Annually, even with preventatives [3].

Key Takeaways

• Test Regularly: Use antigen and microfilariae tests for early detection.
• Prevent Year-Round: Heartgard or NexGard Spectra protect dogs.
• Act Fast: Treat positive cases with vet guidance to avoid complications.
• Monitor Health: Watch for cough or collapse; consult VCA Hospitals.

Final Thoughts

Milo’s cough in our Texas apartment was a wake-up call, but Dr. Carter’s advice kept him safe. These steps work anywhere, from Ohio clinics to Florida homes. Shop Heartgard, NexGard Spectra, ProHeart, Furminator, or Ortho at PetSmart, Walmart, or Home Depot, and visit VCA Hospitals for heartworm testing to keep your dog healthy.

References:

1. VCA Hospitals, “Heartworm Disease in Dogs”.
2. AKC, “Understanding Heartworms in Dogs”.
3. ASPCA, “Heartworm Prevention and Treatment”.