Heartworm Test

In the spring, you may hear people talking about Heartworm Disease and you probably ask yourself, what is heartworm disease? Heartworm is a parasite transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. The baby worms migrate through the bloodstream and develop into adults in the blood vessels of the heart. In Ontario, the goal is to prevent infection with Heartworm and keep your dog happy and healthy and able to live a full life.

If a dog has heartworms, what symptoms should I look for?

The most common symptoms are decreased exercise tolerance, coughing and episodes of fainting. Many heartworm infections are diagnosed in dogs who have no symptoms at all.

How does a dog get heartworms?

A mosquito carrying the baby or larval stages of the parasite bites a dog and transfers the worms into your dog’s blood.

What are the treatment options for heartworms?

We focus on preventing heartworm by administering monthly preventive medication during the warmer months (June through to November). Treatment for heartworm includes several injections of a drug designed to kill the heartworm parasite within your dog.

Why is recovery for heartworm treatment so challenging?

It is really important that your dog stays calm and rested during the treatment of heartworm disease to prevent any dead or dying worms from becoming lodged within the blood vessels of the heart or lungs.