Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal illness that occurs most often in dogs. Treatment by veterinary medication is usually very effective.
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Prevention
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Prevention medication works by killing off the larvae. It does not prevent the larvae from entering the dog's body, but it does prevent them from becoming adults.
Symptoms
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Symptoms your dog may have heartworm include coughing, fever, weight loss, exercise intolerance, lethargy, weakness and loss of appetite.
Treatment
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Heartworm treatment is generally administered via two injections 24 hours apart. The medication slowly kills the heartworms over the following month.
How the Treatment Works
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The medication goes into the bloodstream, where the heartworms live. It essentially makes the blood poisonous to them.
Caution
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It is important not to overexert your dog during the month of treatment because dead heartworms can be pulled into your dog's lungs and result in pulmonary embolism. Your dog's system should be cleared of heartworms before resuming usual activity.
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