Question: How Long Can A Dog Have Heartworms Before Showing Symptoms Explained

What should you do if your dog misses a monthly heartworm prevention dose? If you accidentally miss a dose, it’s crucial to administer the next one as soon as you remember. However, it’s equally important to be aware of the potential consequences of this lapse in protection. Missing a dose increases the risk that your dog may be exposed to heartworm disease if bitten by a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae. To assess the extent of this risk, it is recommended to have your dog tested for heartworm disease approximately six months after the missed dose. This test can help determine if your dog has been infected during the period without protection. By following these steps, you can better safeguard your furry companion’s health. (Note: The date “9th October 2021” seems to be a reference to when this information was originally provided and may not be relevant to the current situation.)

Heartworm disease in dogs often presents with several common symptoms in its early stages. One of the initial indicators is a persistent, dry cough, which can be attributed to the presence of adult heartworms residing in the dog’s lungs and associated blood vessels. These worms disrupt normal breathing patterns, leading to this cough as a noticeable sign. It’s essential to be vigilant for this symptom as it can be an early warning sign of heartworm infection in dogs, indicating the need for timely intervention and treatment to safeguard your pet’s health.