Although there's a risk involved in heartworm treatment, there's a greater risk in not taking care of the infestation. Once in a while, a dog succumbs during .
Does heartworm treatment shorten a dog's lifespan?
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.
Does heartworm affect dogs 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.
What is the life expectancy of a dog after heartworm treatment?
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.
Do dogs really need heartworm pills?
Heartworm disease can be prevented in dogs and cats by giving them medication once a month that also controls various internal and external parasites. Heartworm infections are diagnosed in about 250,000 dogs each year. 1 But there is no good reason for dogs to receive preventives all year; it is just not needed.
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