Heartworms are common parasites affecting dogs and cats, particularly in warmer climates. When the dog begins to cough from heartworms, it is an indication of a serious problem. Treatment is available to some dogs but has it's own risks. Prevention is important and can be very effective in limiting the worms' development.
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Heartworms
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Heartworms are so named because they are parasites that attach to the hearts of animals. The heartworm begins it's life cycle in the blood of an infected host. Mosquitoes that feed on infected animals can spread the parasites. When an infected mosquito bites a dog or cat, the larvae move into the blood stream. From there, the larvae begin to develop into mature worms as they migrate through the body to the heart. That path often takes the worms through the lungs, and can cause coughing.
Coughing
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Coughing is a more advanced symptom of heartworm infestation as it signals more mature worms and a heavy worm burden in the lungs. When the worms migrate through the lungs they destroy the tissue as they go. That results in severe lung damage and an environment ripe for a secondary bacterial infection.
The real danger of a dog or cat with heartworm coughing is the fact that it is a sign of late-stage of infestation; it may be too late to successfully treat the animal.
Treatment
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Treating heartworm infestation involves administering an arsenic-based substance, Immieticide. This will kill the worms but also mildly poisons the dog or cat. The worms can do more damage as they die, as their remains can create bloodstream blockages that could potentially kill the animal.
Many veterinarians will administer the Immiticide over several doses to slowly kill the worms. A veterinarian should closely monitor dogs and cats receiving this treatment, as they may require supportive care for several days, including pain medications and intravenous fluids.
Lungs
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After the heartworms have been killed, the animal's lungs may still be permanently affected. The more severe the coughing is prior to treatment will often indicate how bad the animal's lungs have been damaged. X-rays can be taken to fully determine the extent of the damage. Aside from treating with antibiotics for any possible secondary bacterial infections, not much can be done to improve lung quality once it has been lost.
Prevention
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The only way to limit the damage a heartworm can do to a pet's body and lungs is to prevent it from every getting the parasite. There are several preventative medications that can be given monthly to kill heartworms in the early stages of their life cycle. Those medications are available from a veterinarian.
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