How to tell your dog has heartworms?

Question

My dog is 10 months old, and lately he hasn't been eating regular, and he is panting sometimes. he hasn't lost his energy(I think he gained some). my friend said he could possibly have heartworms

Answer 1

Your dog is young so if he had contracted last fall, there would likely be no symptoms yet at least from the experience I have seen with a pup that had.

I drove down to Ohio to bring back 4 dogs 3 beagles which I brought back for a rescue in Toronto and also a four and half month old pitbull mix puppy a few years ago one winter. My son adopted the puppy, come spring I told him that he would need to get her on heartworm meds, during the blood testing to check if a dog has heartworm before prescribing heartworms( a blood test is required before starting a dog on a heartworm preventative as it could result in death if the dog is positive for heartworm) it was found that she was positive, there was no signs or symptom that she had heartworm she was very active and lively. She was treated and is doing great today.

Since you still need to do a heart worm blood test anyway have the vet draw extra blood at the same time which will likely reduce the cost a bit by just having one blood draw instead of going back for a second test and have the vet run a blood chemistry test at the same time. The blood chemistry test will provide the vet with info on organ health( by looking at the values for BUN, Creatinine, Albumin, Alkaline Phosphatase and ALT ),
if their is an infection(WBC count will be high), see if thyroid gland function is normal (t4 value could be low) it can give the vet a lot of clues as to what might be wrong. It could be he could simply feeling the effects of the warmer weather which could explain his symptoms as well, but it is a good idea to err on the safe side with a vet visit anyway to have him checked out..

Answer 2

Heartworms are passed along by mosquitos. If mosquitos haven't been active where you live and/or if your puppy has not spent a considerable amount of time outside, then chances are slim that its heartworms.
Dogs pant when they're hot - and it may not eat as much for the same reason. If your puppy hasn't lost any energy, there's probably nothing wrong.
If you're still worried, check with your vet.

Answer 3

Heartworm cases tend to breate heavily, lose weight, have a harsh coat, and in later stages, cough a lot.. Your vet can run a very simple blood test for around 30 dollars to rule it out. 10 months is a little young, but have him checked, then start monthly preventative so its never a problem.

Answer 4

Simple blood test done by the vet, they check for the microfilia; costs about $20, then you need to get him on the tabs.
10 months is a little young to have a full-blown case of heartworms though not inconceivable I suppose.
http://www.placervillevet.com/heartworm.htm
Could be that he is just growing up and settling down, as well.
He isn't on any of the recalled foods, by chance?

Answer 5

has your dog been dewormed? it might not be as serious as heartworms. When i bought my lahsa apso , as a pup he had the same problem we took him to the vet and he had like worms in his stomach. the doctor gave him some medicine, that killed them and he pooped the worms out and he was all fine. I highly suggest you take your dog to the vet. it might be an inexpensive visit that could save your dogs life. I think they sell dewormers at walmart but i highly reccomend a vet visit.

good luck

Answer 6

Take him to the vet ASAP for testing. it is a blood test. If he doesn't have heartworm keep looking. If he does, there are monthly medications to prevent these and other problems.

Answer 7

Vet appointment immediately. Sneezing and lack of energy or some common signs. A vet needs to take a blood sample to tell you for certain.

Answer 8

Heartworms are BAD.

Whether or not he has heartworms (and it does sound possible), he seems sick so you need to bring him to a vet.

Good luck.

Answer 9

If your dog has not been to the vet then you need to take him,they make meds. for that. The only way to know is by going to the vet

Answer 10

take him to the vet right now. they can test him and treat him, and if he has heartworms and they aren't treated he'll die.