Health: Heartworm

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Heartworms are exactly what they sound like: thin, spaghetti-like worms that can grow up to 12 inches long and that live inside the dog's heart. Untreated, they can lead to congestive heart failure. Heartworm disease isn't a wait-and-see proposition--prevention is part of taking good care of your dog. Even if your dog spends little time outside, there's a good chance he'll become infected without treatment. It's that common.

Luckily, heartworm disease is one on a long list of problems that dog owners have the power to prevent. Even dogs who become infected with heartworms stand a very good chance of recovery--but only with treatment, which can be expensive. As with all diseases, earlier is better when it comes to diagnosis.

Causes

After their immature phase, they travel through the bloodstream to the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries. Heartworms mature in about six months and can live as long as five years. Dogs with a heavy heartworm infestation may have as many as 250 worms. But even a few are too many.

When it's time to see a vet

Dogs with mild heartworm disease may simply have a slight cough. Those with a moderate case often begin to show intolerance toward exercise and may produce abnormal sounds in the lungs. As the disease progresses, the dog may become lethargic, lose his appetite, and lose weight.

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