Most veterinarians recommend that dogs be kept on a heartworm preventative all year round to prevent dogs from getting heartworms. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquitoes, and dogs exposed to heartworms almost always contract them. Heartworms can live for five to seven years, and treatment is essential for a dog's well-being and longevity. For dogs that contract heartworms, there are several medications available to treat the problem; the most popular is a drug called Immiticide, made by Merial. While most dogs have no significant side effects when taking these drugs, some side effects can occur.
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Inflammation
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Many dogs that are given strong drugs, such as Immiticide, experience inflammation at the injection site. Irritation and inflammation around the injection site usually recedes after a few days. Keeping the dog calm and cool for the month following the initial injection will help him heal more quickly from the injection, in addition to helping the medicine work against the heartworms.
Allergic Reactions
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Some dogs may have allergic reactions to the medicine given to treat heartworms. These reactions can include hives and itching, shallow breathing, and vomiting. If your dog displays these symptoms after receiving heartworm medication, take her to the vet immediately. If your dog has known food allergies or skin allergies, including allergies to fleas, tell your vet before beginning treatment for heartworms.
Pulmonary Thromboembolism
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Dogs that are not kept quiet and cool for approximately a month after the initial injection of heartworm medicine or who have a heavy infestation of heartworms generally experience some degree of pulmonary thromboembolism. Symptoms of this include fever, coughing, and the coughing up of blood. If your dog is having trouble breathing, or if she is coughing up blood, contact your vet right away.
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