Heartworms are parasites that can live and multiply in both puppies and dogs. The heartworm thrives in the heart as well as in the large, pulmonary blood vessels surrounding it. Mature heartworms are anywhere between 6 inches (see Reference 1) and 14 inches in length and resemble that of spaghetti. They have a life span of about seven years (see Reference 2). Heartworm disease is slow, and unfortunately puppies do not exhibit any symptoms sometimes until they experience heart failure or even death (see Reference 1).
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Prevention
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Because heartworms are fatal to puppies, prevention is key to survival. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, which are more abundant during the warm summer months (see Reference 1). Puppies that spend a lot of their time outdoors are most susceptible to contracting heartworms (see Reference 2). Also, puppies who reside in warmer states, such as Florida, are more at risk, as mosquito infestations can be a year-round problem.
Young dogs should not begin any type of preventive medicine without being tested for heartworms by a veterinarian first. If a puppy undergoes medical treatment for heartworms without being tested, it can experience a reaction (see Reference 2). Therefore, it is imperative that medicine for heartworms is prescribed by a veterinarian instead of purchased online, so that the puppy will receive the right type of medicine without the risk of fatal reaction.
Medicine for heartworms usually is chewable and often works to prevent other types of worms as well. For example, Heartgard Plus treats heartworm, hookworm and roundworm (see Reference 2).
Symptoms
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Symptoms of heartworm may not show in a puppy until the disease is far advanced. However, such symptoms to watch for are weakness, excessive coughing, a dull coat, shallow breathing and a swollen abdomen (see Reference 1).
Treatment
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Puppies should begin preventive measures at around six to eight weeks of age (see Reference 2). During the weeks prior to treatment, their outdoor activity should be limited in order to prevent exposure to mosquitoes.
However, if any symptoms of heartworm are suspected, the puppy's veterinarian must be contacted immediately. Detection can be tricky, as heartworm can take up to six months to show up in some dogs. The veterinarian will administer a blood test to detect any heartworms. If the test result is positive, the veterinarian will discuss the treatment process. If heartworm is caught early, puppies can survive. The puppy will receive a drug to kill the heartworms that also will eliminate any larvae left over. Once the treatment process is completed, the veterinarian will advise that the puppy be confined inside the home with restricted activity until the recovery process is completed. There will be a series of follow-up visits to ensure that the heartworms are completely gone (see Reference 3).
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