Heartworm

Heartworm are a dog's most dangerous enemy.

They are transmitted from infected animals to uninfected dogs by mosquitoes and infection can be life-threatening. Growing up to 30cm long, heartworm live in the heart and blood vessels of the lungs.

Their presence can severely affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. If undiagnosed or untreated, heartworm infection may lead to congestive heart failure and eventually, death. Unfortunately, symptoms may only appear at advanced stages of the disease or not at all before sudden death, so prevention is by far the safest option.

Heartworm is endemic throughout mainland Australia. Tasmania remains unaffected.

Heartworm Lifecycle

In time, heartworm cause blood vessel walls in the heart and lungs to thicken and become inflamed. This makes it hard for the heart to pump blood and it may eventually fail.

The signs of a heartworm infection include:

  • Sporadic or chronic coughing
  • Tiredness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Mild anaemia
  • Fainting
Click to enlarge cycle diagram
The good news is that heartworm infection is easily prevented with a monthly treatment of Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews.

Before starting your dog on any heartworm treatment, it's important to consult your veterinarian.
Your dog may need to be tested for an existing heartworm infection.