Common Signs of Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a serious medical condition that can threaten the health and even lives of dogs and cats. Therefore, pet owners must be certain to speak with their veterinarians about heartworm prevention and also be on the lookout for signs of this disease. Some signs that a pet has heartworms are loss of appetite, fatigue, inability to perform exercise for prolonged periods of time, dry coat, shortness of breath, weakness, and even hemorrhage.

Usually, symptoms do not become apparent to pet owners until after the disease has advanced. Once advanced, heartworm disease can lead to congestive heart failure, which is fatal. It is important to note that killing heartworms can be very dangerous as dead worms can clog blood vessels in pets' hearts. This is especially true with pets that are older. With this being the case, pet owners should seek immediate help from a local veterinarian if they see signs of heartworm so appropriate care and treatment can be given.