Heartworm disease is a serious condition that affects dogs and cats across the country, and can become life-threatening if left untreated. The good news is that with proper prevention and routine care, it’s almost entirely avoidable.
At Frisco Vet Care, we work with pet owners throughout Frisco to prevent, detect, and manage heartworm disease before it becomes a major health issue.
How Does it Happen?
Heartworms are parasites that live inside a dog’s heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels spread through mosquito bites.
Once a dog is infected, the larvae travel through the bloodstream and develop into adult worms. Over time, these worms can grow quite large and interfere with normal heart and lung function.
Symptoms to Watch for:
Early on, many dogs appear completely normal. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Ongoing or mild cough
- Low energy levels
- Reluctance to exercise
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Labored breathing
- Swelling in the abdomen
If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian.
