2006-08-25 03:51:21 · 6 answers · asked by janet r 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
By taking the dog to a vet for a blood test and exam. Some dogs will show no symptoms at all, and others will show a lot of symptoms. Those that show symptoms need to go to the vet immediately as they are in a very advanced stage of the infection. Then, the symptoms are those of congestive heart failure: dull coat, lack of energy, coughing, difficulty breathing, perhaps fainting spells and an enlarged abdomen. Waiting for symptoms to develop and then treating is not a realistic alternative to prevention.
If your dog has heartworm, it is often treatable by the vet. If it doesn't, you need to get him on preventative. There are many preventatives available...but your dog needs to be tested to go on them. IF YOU USE PREVENTATIVE WITHOUT TESTING, YOU CAN KILL YOUR DOG! Don't try to treat or prevent this with OTC's or home remedies unless you want a dead dog! And don't buy preventatives from anywhere but a licensed vet. The products available on the internet are not guaranteed by the company, are not genuine, and/or were obtained illegally. If you buy from the vet and follow the protocol, Heartgard will pay for treatment if your dog gets heartworm. I'm sure the other companies will do this as well. This disease is all over, and is transmitted by mosquitos. Even indoor dogs are candidates for getting this, so all dogs should be on preventative.
2006-08-25 04:02:04 · answer #1 · answered by talented mrs v 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way to know for sure that your dog has heartworms is a simple blood test that the vet offers at a usually low cost. However, advanced heart worm victims will experience swelling and coughing. Unfortunately, there are many other medical illnesses that can cause the same symptoms. I would recommend that you have your dog tested and then put on a heartworm preventative such as Interceptor.
2006-08-25 03:58:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The vet will draw some blood and look at it under a microscope and look for microfillage in the blood or they have a snap test sort of like a preganacy test. Little stick theing you put blood in it and one line means clear two means positive.
By keeping your dog on heartworm preventative you will save having to treat your dog. Here is is about $700 or more to rteat one for heartworm and it is risky and they can die.
Much cheaper to keep on preventative.
2006-08-25 04:06:56 · answer #3 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to take your dog to the vet and get a blood test done
2006-08-25 03:55:13 · answer #4 · answered by Sal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The vet. has a test you can give it , other wise search the web for syptoms.
2006-08-25 03:55:23 · answer #5 · answered by JESSICA S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
blood test at vet.
2006-08-25 05:06:54 · answer #6 · answered by Harry W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋