Heartworms In Collies

Heartworms are caused by a parasite. Collies and other dogs get heartworms through transmission of this parasite by mosquitoes. Heartworm is so named because the parasite affects the dog's heart. This problem can often be prevented or cured if caught early enough, but can be fatal if left untreated, so it's important to talk to your collie's vet about options for prevention.

  1. Symptoms

    • Unlike other parasites that will show on dogs by causing skin problems or other obvious signs, heartworm infection is more subtle. Often, the only symptom an affected collie will show is a cough.

    Risk Factors

    • Although heartworms can affect any dog, collies that live in rural areas or areas with a high concentration of mosquitoes are more at risk than those in other areas.

    Treatment of Heartworms

    • The treatment of heartworms will vary depending on the dog and how far along the heartworm infestation is. In some cases, all that is needed is medication, often the same type the dog would take for preventive measures. This medication may be given in the form of a pill or an injection by the vet. In some cases, it may also be necessary to keep the collie indoors for a certain amount of time while undergoing treatment to allow the dog to rest and not risk coming in contact with more heartworms.

    Prevention

    • To prevent heartworms, it's important to speak to a vet about preventive medications. Collies may be more sensitive to certain heartworm medications than other dogs, so talk to your vet about what type of medication is best. Some collies have success with a heartworm medication called Interceptor. It's also a good idea to keep collies indoors at night, if possible, to limit exposure to mosquitoes. Also, try to keep collies away from stagnant water where mosquitoes may be lurking.