Your puppy could have heartworm larvae circulating in his blood but the adult heart worms take 4-6 months to develop in the heart. I usually start puppies on a monthly heartworm preventative when they are around 12 wks old. This will kill the larvae and prevent the adult heart worms from infecting the heart.
What age can puppies get heartworms?
The risk of puppies and kittens getting heartworm disease is equal to that of adult pets. The American Heartworm Society recommends that puppies and kittens be started on a heartworm preventive as early as the product label allows, and no later than 8 weeks of age.
Can you give an 8 week old puppy heartworm medicine?
Puppies can begin heartworm preventative medication from as young as 6/8 weeks old. If your pup is a little older (age 6 months plus) it is important that she is given a heartworm test before preventative medication is given.
What are the first signs of heartworms in puppies?
Early-stage symptoms of heartworm diseasePersistent cough. Unlike a regular cough or a kennel cough, which is strong and sporadic, a heartworm- related cough is dry and persistent. ... Lethargy. ... Weight loss. ... Difficulty breathing. ... Bulging ribs.5 Signs Your Dog May Have Heartworms - PetPro Connect
Can heartworm affect puppies?
Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats and ferrets, but heartworms also live in other mammal species, including wolves, coyotes, foxes, sea lions and—in rare instances—humans.
Can newborn puppies get heartworms?
A: Puppies can be infected any time after birth. But heartworms take six months to mature, so even if a puppy right out of the womb is bitten by an infected mosquito, they wouldn't test positive for heartworms until they are about six months old.
How do puppies get heartworms?
Dogs Get Heartworms from Mosquito Bites After an infected mosquito bites a dog, the larvae develop into adult heartworms in about six to seven months. They live in the dog's heart, mate, and produce offspring called microfilariae that live in the dog's blood vessels.
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