Animals such as dogs, cats and wolves are susceptible to heartworm infections. Heartworm larvae are transferred to animals via mosquito bites. An adult heartworm can grow up to a foot in length and live for several years in an animal's heart. Symptoms of heartworms include coughing (which may contain blood) and overall lethargy. If you suspect that your animal may have contracted heartworm, visit your veterinarian immediately. It is common for a heartworm infestation to go unnoticed for several years. If left too long, heartworms can kill your pets.
Things You'll Need
- Stool sample
- Heartgard
Instructions
Make an appointment as soon as possible with your pet's veterinarian if you suspect that the animal has heartworms. Heartworms can live for up to five years within an animal's system, slowly killing it.
Collect a sample of your pet's stool and take it to the vet for a proper diagnosis. You can ask your veterinarian for a stool sample kit (you may be charged for the kit) or you can put on a pair of gloves, pick up the stool sample and put it in a plastic baggy to bring with you when you visit the vet.
Administer Heartgard medicine to your pet. Heartgard is a chewable tablet that is given to animals orally. You will give your pet Heartgard once a month, most likely for the rest of his life. Heartgard will get rid of existing heartworms, and it will also prevent them.