Dogs with heartworm disease can live high-quality lives as long as they are given appropriate care. After completing treatment and following your veterinarian's recommenda- tions on heartworm disease testing and prevention, the chances of any long-term effects are very low.
Can a dog completely be cured of heartworms?
Heartworm antigen testing is the most reliable method of confirming that all of the adult heartworms have been eliminated. Although many dogs are antigen-negative 16 weeks after treatment, it can take longer for the antigen to be completely cleared from some dogs.
Does heartworm medicine shorten a dog's life?
This treatment does not actually kill the worms, however it does decrease their lifespan; keep in mind, however, that the average heartworm can live six years, so shortening that lifespan could still mean your dog having a heartworm infection for four more years.
Do dogs go back to normal after heartworm treatment?
Your veterinarian should retest your dog for heartworm disease in 6 months. Usually, your dog can slowly resume activity at this time. Remember that every dog living in an area where heartworms exist needs to receive regular heartworm preventative (usually once monthly, given orally at home).
Does heartworm affect a dog's lifespan?
“Heartworm disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs, and arteries, and can negatively affect the dog's health and quality of life.” If the organ damage from heartworms is severe enough, it may be fatal.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
How long is heartworm medicine effective?How effective is heartworm prevention?
