Dogs in this condition are not likely to live more than a few weeks or months. Your veterinarian will advise you on the best treatment approach for dogs diagnosed with advanced heartworm disease. Treatment to kill adult heartworms.
Does heartworm medicine 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.
Does heartworm affect a dog's 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.
Do dogs go back to normal after heartworm treatment?
Your veterinarian should retest your dog for heartworm disease in 6 months. Usually, your dog can slowly resume activity at this time. Remember that every dog living in an area where heartworms exist needs to receive regular heartworm preventative (usually once monthly, given orally at home).
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Does heartworms shorten a dog's life?How long do dogs live after heartworm treatment?
