FBR, Inc. provides this information as a way to educate about the need for heartworm prevention 12 months a year for all dogs. Many Boxers who enter our program are infected with heartworms. A dog will die from heartworms if not treated.

What are heartworms?

Heartworm infections in dogs are spread by mosquitoes. The female heartworm produces baby worms that circulate in the dog's bloodstream. Dogs DO NOT contract heartworms by socializing with infected dogs. They can only be infected by mosquitoes that carry the infective baby worms. The adult heartworms grow in the dog's heart and major blood vessels, and eventually will cause heart failure and thus, death.

Preventing heartworms

Heartworms can easily be prevented! There are various types of heartworm preventative medications on the market, but you must have your vet give your dog a heartworm test BEFORE administering the preventative, just to make sure your dog is free and clear of them. Ask you vet what preventative is available in your area.

Symptoms of heartworms:

Many dogs can be infected with heartworms for a year or more before showing "symptoms" of this fatal disease! At that late stage, the symptoms are similar to those of congestive heart failure:  A dull coat, lack of energy, coughing (white foam and/or blood), difficulty breathing, perhaps fainting spells and possibly an enlarged abdomen.

Treating heartworms:

If your dog has heartworms, he can be treated! There are a few different stages or levels of infection. Once determined how severe the infection is, your vet can plot a course of treatment. Many times Immiticide is used to kill the heartworms. It is a slow process, and YOU MUST abide by your vet's advice, and keep your dog calm, and exclude all exercise and play sessions. Many times a dog will have to be crated for the entire treatment and recovery. 

This is necessary because your dog is receiving very strong medication, strong enough to kill the worms, but not potent enough to kill the dog. The worms must die and fall slowly from the heart into the lungs. There is a valid danger of an embolism if the dead worms block the flow of blood to the lungs.  If your dog is allowed to get excited or you permit him to exercise, the worms may fall too quickly from the heart. The worms will disintegrate on their own over time.  It usually takes approximately 6-8 weeks for the entire treatment to run its course. It is imperative that you follow instructions very carefully--dogs have died during treatment. A veterinarian should do a re-check to make sure your dog is clear and then you should start prevention immediately and stick with it!

Cost of treatment  vs.  prevention:

The cost of TREATING heartworms is much higher than PREVENTING them in the first place. Depending on your vet, and the area in which you live, I have had price quotes of anywhere between $400.00-$1200.00 for the treatment.

A six month supply of a preventative such as Heartguard or Interceptor, runs approximately between $28-$38, again, depending on where you live and how much your vet charges. 

Not only is preventing heartworms much less expensive, but you can virtually eliminate your dog's chances of experiencing this extremely painful condition. Dogs with heartworms are sick and sore from the Immiticide they are given. Some dogs lose interest in eating and drinking and become dehydrated, are extremely sore, and may have difficulty breathing. Put your dog on a prevention program, and be religious in its administration, and you can be more certain that your dog never has to experience the painful effects of this disease, or go through the strenuous treatment and recovery. Imagine having to remain calm and still for 6 weeks!