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.
Does heartworm treatment 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.
How long can a dog live after being treated for heartworms?
Dogs in this advanced condition have a life expectancy of only a few weeks or months. Thankfully, a new medication has been developed for killing adult heartworms while having fewer dangerous side effects.
How does heartworm affect dogs long term?
Heartworm disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and can affect the dog's health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone.
What percentage of dogs survive heartworm treatment?
While most dogs (about 98 percent) treated with heartworm disease will clear the infection and not require additional treatment, there is the chance that a second round of medication is needed. It can take many months for the dog to have a negative follow-up heartworm antigen test.
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How long will a dog live after heartworm treatment?Does heartworm treatment shorten a dogs life?