Heartworms Warning Signs A soft, dry cough that seems worse after exercising or playing. . Rapid breathing or respiratory distress. . Lethargic behavior. . Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite. . A bulging chest. . Collapse.
How do you know if your dog is dying from heartworms?
Signs of heartworm disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. As heartworm disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure and the appearance of a swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen.
What are the final stages of heartworms in dogs?
Not all dogs with heartworm disease develop into stage 4. But if it is left untreated, heartworm disease will progress and damage the dog's heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, eventually causing death.
What are the symptoms of advanced heartworms in dogs?
Here are five warning signs your dog may have heartworms.Persistent 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
How long does it take for heartworms to cause damage?
It usually takes several years before dogs show clinical signs of infection. Consequently, the disease is diagnosed mainly in two- to eight-year-old dogs. The disease is rare in dogs less than one year of age, because the microfilariae take 5 to 7 months to mature into adult heartworms after infection.
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