Heartworm signs in dogs tend to show up when the worm reaches maturity, typically around 6 months post-implantation. This preventable condition starts when a mosquito bites an animal that's already infected with heartworm. 2 сент. 2020 г.
How long can heartworms go undetected?
Dogs are typically heartworm tested prior to transport, but due to the life cycle of the heartworm, there is a window where dogs may test negative but still have heartworms. Heartworm in these dogs may go undetected for several months or more, allowing them to serve as a source of infection for other dogs.
How long does it take for heartworm to show up in dogs?
The earliest that the heartworm proteins can be detected in a dog's bloodstream is about 5 months after it is bitten by an infected mosquito.
What are the first signs of heartworms in dogs?
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.
Can a dog have heartworms with no symptoms?
Heartworm disease in dogs is known as a silent killer, because it can take months before your dog shows symptoms. In the early stages of infection, most dogs show little to no symptoms at all, and the more the disease progresses, the more likely apparent symptoms will develop.
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