Heartworm is a very common yet life-threatening disease in dogs. Treatment for heartworm consists of shots containing chemicals--melarsomine dihydrochloride or thiacetarsamide sodium--which are derived from the poison arsenic. The shots are given on a schedule according to the stage of your dog's disease. This treatment is often effective but is also very aggressive and can take a serious toll on your dog. Inflammation after a heartworm injection--both at the site of injection and in the affected respiratory tract--can cause a great deal of discomfort. With diligent care, you can reduce this inflammation.
Things You'll Need
- Soft towel
- Baby aspirin (80 mg)
Instructions
Keep your dog quiet while he is recovering from an injection for heartworm treatment. Strenuous activity will exacerbate inflammation and soreness at the site of the injection and will increase the risk of a fatal pulmonary embolism from the dead worms traveling to your dog's lungs.
Place a compress made from a soft towel and warm water on the site of the injection. Because the injection site is near the bottom of the spine, it is important to have your dog resting in a position that will allow access to this spot. Gently hold the compress there for 10 to -15 minutes. Use only enough pressure to keep the compress on your dog.
Give your dog one baby aspirin (80 mg) each day with food, but only after your veterinarian confirms your dog does not have severe damage from the heartworm. According to MedicineNet, aspirin can help reduce inflammation and thin the blood in the respiratory tract, which will help your dog pass the worms more easily.
Take your dog to a veterinarian immediately if coughing is persistent or severely incapacitating to your dog. A veterinarian will evaluate your dog and most likely will prescribe the steroid Prednisone.