After treatment, the adult worms die and are carried by the blood to the lungs where they lodge in small blood vessels. There they decompose and are absorbed by the body over a period of several months. Reactions to the drugs are not uncommon, and there is always some risk involved in treating a dog for heartworms.
How long does it take for heartworm prevention to take effect?
Your preventative works by killing the larvae that have infected your dog during the PREVIOUS 30 days. Many people think it protects for the next 30 days, but it doesn't. If you are not consistent with your preventative, it is possible that some larvae may reach the stage which is not affected by the preventative.
What happens after your dog gets its first heartworm shot?
After receiving the first injection, your dog must remain as quiet and inactive as possible for the next 8 weeks (confine to crate or small room). This may seem unfair, but the alternatives are worse and potentially life-threatening.
How do you know if heartworm treatment worked?
Test (and prevent) for success. Approximately 6 months after treatment is completed, your veterinarian will perform a heartworm test to confirm that all heartworms have been eliminated.
What percentage of dogs survive heartworm treatment?
What is the treatment? There is some risk involved in treating dogs with heartworms, although fatalities are rare. "A new drug is available that does not have as many side effects, allowing successful treatment of more than 95% of dogs with heartworms."
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