Heartworm Test

We don’t need to worry about Heartworm here in Alberta. It appears Heartworms are unable to survive our temperatures in Alberta or Saskatchewan. Heartworm is passed by mosquitoes through infected bites and can occur in both dogs and cats. Heartworm is an internal parasite that lives in the bloodstream of infected animals and matures into adult worms within your dog’s heart and lungs. These mature worms can cause significant damage to the heart and lungs. We recommend if you travel with your dog, then you should use preventive medications to ensure your dog does not become infected.

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

Symptoms of infection include coughing, exercise intolerance, laboured breathing and weight loss.

How does a dog get heartworms?

Heartworm is passed by mosquitoes through infected bites.

What are the treatment options for heartworms?

Treatment of heartworm infection is quite intricate, and each case is assessed individually. If the heartworms are killed too quickly, this can result in embolism and shock. Most vet clinics will refer out to a specialist clinic.

Why is recovery for heartworm treatment so challenging?

It can be challenging due to the severity of the case and the drug protocols used. Treatment can be slow and may involve painful injections for your dog.