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 .
How long does it take heartworms to affect a dog?
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. Another test detects microfilariae in a dog's bloodstream.
How long can a dog have heartworms before showing symptoms?
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.
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 can a dog live after being treated for heartworms?
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.
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