How Do You Treat Heartworms in Dogs?

When your dog is diagnosed with heartworms, it’s essential to follow a structured treatment plan. You’ll start with medications like ivermectin to target larvae and prevent the infection from worsening. Following this, drugs such as melarsomine dihydrochloride are administered to eliminate adult worms. Throughout the process, managing your dog’s activity levels and closely monitoring for any side effects is necessary. But how do you guarantee the complete elimination of heartworms and a smooth recovery for your furry friend? Let’s explore the steps and precautions you need to take.

How to Treat Heartworm Disease in Dogs?

Treating heartworm disease in dogs is a delicate process requiring careful planning and veterinary supervision to ensure the best outcomes. While treatment is highly effective, it does carry some risks, particularly for dogs with advanced heartworm disease. Modern medications have significantly reduced the toxic side effects associated with earlier treatments, leading to a success rate of over 95% in appropriately managed cases.

For dogs diagnosed with heartworm disease, the first step often involves stabilizing their condition if the disease has caused severe organ damage. Heartworms can damage the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and sometimes the kidneys and liver, so your veterinarian may recommend supportive care to mitigate these effects before initiating treatment. In very advanced cases, where the risk of treatment outweighs the potential benefits, the focus may shift to keeping the dog comfortable and managing symptoms, though this prognosis is usually poor.

The process of treating heartworm involves addressing the parasites at all stages of their lifecycle. Initially, medications like ivermectin or moxidectin are administered to kill microfilariae (the immature stages of heartworms). This step may require hospitalization for observation, as reactions to the dying larvae can occasionally occur. Once the larvae are managed, dogs are typically started on a heartworm preventative to stop reinfection and protect against new infestations during treatment.

For adult heartworms, melarsomine dihydrochloride (Immiticide®) is the mainstay of therapy. This injectable medication kills the adult worms residing in the heart and nearby blood vessels. Treatment is usually given in a series of injections, starting with one dose, followed by a 30-day rest period, and then two additional injections administered 24 hours apart. During this time, strict exercise restriction is crucial to prevent complications, as the dying worms decompose and travel to the lungs, where they can cause blockages in small blood vessels. Pain management is often provided to address muscle soreness from the injections.

Close monitoring is critical, especially during the first week after each injection, as this is when worms begin to die. Some dogs may develop a cough lasting several weeks, while others could show more severe reactions such as fever, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms should be reported to your veterinarian immediately, as they may indicate complications requiring anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, or supportive care like intravenous fluids.

While the treatment process can take several months, the prognosis for dogs treated early and carefully is excellent. Long-term success also relies on preventing reinfection with consistent use of heartworm preventatives. Working closely with your veterinarian and adhering to their recommendations can ensure your dog makes a full recovery and stays protected from future heartworm disease.

Heartworm Treatment Steps

Treating heartworm disease in dogs is a structured process, typically spanning several months to ensure complete eradication of the parasites while minimizing risks to the dog’s health. Each step is carefully tailored to the dog’s condition, with close veterinary supervision required throughout the treatment.

Step 1: Exercise Restriction and Stabilization

From the moment of diagnosis, exercise restriction is essential. Physical activity increases the risk of complications by putting additional strain on the heart and lungs, which are already affected by the worms. In severe cases, stabilization therapy is required to address symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or organ dysfunction before proceeding to active treatment.

Step 2: Pre-Treatment with Medications

To prepare for the main treatment phase, the dog is prescribed oral prednisone and doxycycline. Prednisone reduces inflammation and minimizes adverse reactions to the death of worms, while doxycycline targets Wolbachia, bacteria that live within the heartworms. Reducing Wolbachia helps mitigate inflammation and improves the overall effectiveness of the treatment. This pre-treatment stage typically lasts about four weeks.

Step 3: Initial Heartworm Preventative

Before beginning injections to kill adult heartworms, the dog receives a heartworm preventative to eliminate juvenile worms (microfilariae) circulating in the bloodstream. This step is often performed in a clinic setting to monitor for potential reactions. Following this initial dose, the dog continues receiving monthly heartworm preventatives at home to prevent new infections during the treatment process.

Step 4: First Melarsomine Injection

About 30 days after completing the doxycycline treatment, the dog receives the first injection of melarsomine dihydrochloride. This drug targets adult heartworms living in the heart and nearby vessels. Following the injection, the dog must remain on strict exercise restriction to allow the body to cope with the dying worms and to avoid complications like blockages in the blood vessels.

Step 5: Second and Third Melarsomine Injections

Thirty days after the first injection, the dog receives a second melarsomine injection, followed by a third injection 24 hours later. This staggered approach minimizes the risk of overwhelming the dog’s system with dead worms. Pain management is provided as melarsomine can cause discomfort at the injection site.

Step 6: Post-Treatment Recovery and Monitoring

After the melarsomine injections, the dog’s activity remains restricted for an additional six to eight weeks to allow the body to gradually absorb and clear the dead worms. During this critical recovery period, the veterinarian closely monitors for complications, such as coughing, fever, or lethargy, which may indicate a reaction to the decomposing worms.

Step 7: Follow-Up Testing

Approximately 30 days after the final melarsomine injection, the veterinarian conducts a test for microfilariae to confirm that juvenile heartworms have been eliminated. A final test for adult heartworms is performed about nine months after treatment to ensure the complete success of the therapy.

Each step in heartworm treatment is carefully designed to target the parasite at different stages while protecting the dog’s overall health. Following these structured protocols, under veterinary supervision, ensures the highest chance of a successful recovery and long-term prevention of heartworm disease.

Are Any Other Treatments Necessary?

In addition to the primary treatment for heartworms, additional therapies may be required to address complications, manage symptoms, or support the dog’s recovery. The severity of the heartworm disease and the individual dog’s condition determine the need for these treatments, which are often prescribed to improve the effectiveness and safety of the overall treatment plan.

Corticosteroids to Reduce Inflammation

Prednisone, a commonly used corticosteroid, is often prescribed to manage inflammation caused by dying heartworms or microfilariae. This medication helps reduce the risk of adverse reactions during treatment, such as severe lung inflammation or anaphylactic responses, which can occur as the parasites decompose and are cleared by the body. By controlling inflammation, prednisone contributes to a smoother recovery process.

Supportive Medications for Severe Cases

Dogs with advanced heartworm disease may require additional medications to stabilize their condition before beginning heartworm-specific treatments. Antibiotics, such as doxycycline, are used to target Wolbachia bacteria within the worms, reducing complications and enhancing the effectiveness of other treatments. Pain relief medications are often included to manage discomfort from melarsomine injections or general inflammation. Diuretics may be prescribed to reduce fluid buildup in the lungs, a common complication in dogs with heartworm-related heart failure.

Heart Function Support

In cases where heartworm disease has caused significant damage to the heart or cardiovascular system, medications to support heart function may be necessary. These can include ACE inhibitors to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, beta-blockers to regulate heart rhythm, or cardiac glycosides to strengthen heart contractions. Special diets, such as low-sodium formulations, may also be recommended to ease the burden on the heart and help manage fluid retention.

How can you prevent your dog from getting heartworms in the future ?

Heartworm disease is a serious but preventable condition that can harm your dog’s heart and lungs. With proper care and consistency, you can protect your pet and avoid costly treatments. The following guide outlines ways to prevent heartworms in your dogs, including the use of preventative medications, mosquito control, and regular veterinary care to ensure your furry companion stays healthy and heartworm-free.

• Applying Preventative Medicine: Preventative medicine is the best way to protect dogs from heartworms, being more effective and affordable than treatment. Options include monthly tablets, topical applications, or annual injections, chosen in consultation with your vet. Year-round prevention, as recommended by the American Heartworm Society, is essential since heartworms are present nationwide, and some preventatives also guard against other parasites.
• Using Natural Repellents: Natural repellents like Neem oil and essential oils (e.g., lavender) can deter mosquitoes, reducing heartworm risk. While environmentally friendly, they must be used cautiously and with vet guidance, especially around cats. These methods should supplement, not replace, FDA-approved heartworm preventatives.
• Keep Your Home & Yard Mosquito-Free: Reducing mosquito populations lowers heartworm risk. Eliminate stagnant water in birdbaths, buckets, and plant saucers, and trim tall grass and bushes to remove mosquito habitats. Use pet-safe insect repellents and avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours for added protection.
• Give Your Dog the Best Food: A balanced diet supports your dog’s health and immune system, helping prevent diseases. High-quality commercial food or home-cooked meals with proteins, carbs, and vegetables provide essential nutrients. Check product labels for clear nutritional information to meet your dog’s needs.
• Visit Your Vet Regularly: Annual vet visits are essential for routine heartworm testing and prevention. Vets prescribe medications tailored to your dog’s needs, often with protection against other parasites. Testing every year ensures preventatives are working and detects infections early.
• Maintain the Routine Each Year: Year-round heartworm prevention is critical, as the disease causes lasting damage if untreated. Regular testing ensures your dog stays protected, even with preventative measures. Consistent vet visits enable early detection and effective management of heartworm risks.

Treating heartworms in dogs requires a multi-step approach involving medications for larvae and adult worms, alongside activity restrictions and regular vet visits. By following this plan, you guarantee your dog’s complete recovery. To prevent future heartworm infections, use preventive medications consistently and schedule regular check-ups. Taking these measures and joining Heartworm Awareness Month will help keep your furry friend healthy and heartworm-free. Remember, proactive care is key to your dog’s long-term well-being.

FAQs

What complications can arise from heartworm treatment in dogs?

Treating heartworms in dogs can sometimes lead to complications like allergic reactions or respiratory distress. When the heartworms die, they may release substances that can cause your dog’s immune system to react. This reaction can lead to severe symptoms and requires immediate veterinary attention. Additionally, the death of the worms can block blood vessels, causing serious problems.

Here are three common complications you should watch out for:

1. Pulmonary Thromboembolism: As heartworms die, they can break apart and travel to the lungs, causing blockages in the blood vessels. This can lead to difficulty breathing, coughing, and even sudden death in severe cases.
2. Allergic Reactions: Some dogs may develop allergic reactions to the dying worms or the medication used in treatment. Symptoms can range from mild itching to severe anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening if not treated promptly.
3. Liver and Kidney Damage: The medications used to kill heartworms are potent and can sometimes affect the liver and kidneys. Monitoring your dog’s liver and kidney function during treatment is essential to catch any issues early.

Always consult your veterinarian for advice tailored to your dog’s specific condition and make sure you follow their recommendations closely to minimize risks.

How much does heartworm treatment for dogs typically cost?

Heartworm treatment for dogs typically costs between $600 and $6,000, depending on factors like the severity of the infection, the dog’s size, and the specific treatment plan. The process includes diagnostic tests, medications like doxycycline and steroids, and a series of melarsomine injections, which alone can range from $500 to $1,500. In severe cases, surgery might be required, costing The cost for treatment can range from $3,000 to $6,000, especially for cases of heart failure.. Preventative care, in contrast, is much more affordable, usually costing between $50 and $90 per month, highlighting the importance of prevention over treatment.

Get a detailed breakdown of heartworm treatment costs here: https://anipetshop.com/dog-care/cost-of-treating-heartworm/

How should I care for my dog during heartworm treatment?

Caring for a dog undergoing heartworm treatment requires diligent attention to their physical and emotional needs. It’s important to follow your vet’s guidelines closely to guarantee a smooth recovery process. Here are some key steps you should take:

• Restrict Activity: Your dog needs to stay calm and avoid strenuous activities. This helps prevent complications such as a pulmonary embolism. Crate rest is often recommended to limit movement.
• Follow Medication Guidelines: Administer all prescribed medications exactly as directed. This may include antibiotics, steroids, or heartworm preventatives. Missing doses or incorrect administration can impede the treatment’s effectiveness.
• Monitor for Side Effects: Keep a close eye on your dog for any unusual signs or symptoms. Common side effects include lethargy, coughing, and loss of appetite. If you notice anything concerning, contact your vet immediately.

Additionally, provide a stress-free environment and offer plenty of love and reassurance. Your dog may feel anxious or uncomfortable during treatment, so your support is vital.

See more:

• How to Care for a Dog During Heartworm Treatment
• Best Heartworm Preventatives Medicines for Dogs

References:

• Beugnet, F., McTiernan, B., Patz, J., Comer, K. M., & Fourie, J. (2017). Efficacy of fluralaner chewable tablets (Bravecto®) against induced infestations of Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes ricinus on dogs. Parasites & Vectors, 10(1), 259. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-017-2190-9
• Lobetti, R., Brianti, E., Furlanello, T., Genchi, C., Cassini, R., Maggi, R. G., … Antognoni, L. (2021). Prevention of canine vector-borne diseases: A One Health perspective. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8, 702018. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.702018
• American Heartworm Society. (2018). 2018 American Heartworm Society guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/images/pdf/2018-AHS-Canine-Guidelines.pdf