Detecting Heartworm Symptoms In Dogs
Pets, like any member of the family, become ill. The difference in the case of the family pet is that animals have no direct way of communicating with their owners. One of the most common and most devastating illnesses which affect dogs is heartworms. Heartworm symptoms in dogs can be spotted by observant owners who know what they are looking for. The informed, attentive pet owner has a much better chance of knowing when Fido is sick.
It is worth remembering that a stitch in time can save canine. A dog can receive a once monthly pill to help prevent the heartworm infection. The advantages of prevention are considerable. The preventative medicine is more affordable and much less risky to the dog than heartworm treatments. Because different heartworm medicines work best with different breeds, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
The same red flags which suggest the presence of heartworms can also be associated with other pet problems. Separately, these symptoms may not mean that the dog suffers from a heartworm infection. However, the more of these symptoms there are, the more likely the presence of heartworm. A quick trip to the veterinarian is the best way to erase any doubts about the health of a pet.
Lethargic behavior can be one sign of a heartworm infection. Unfortunately, the common perception of dogs is that they are lazy. So when a dog gets even lazier, it may be tough to spot. The challenge of spotting behavioral changes in a pet can be daunting. One way to approach this challenge is to compare specific behaviors. Does the dog still go crazy for his afternoon walk? Does he still bark at other dogs? Would he rather lie down than fetch? The difference between lazy and lethargic may be the difference between healthy and sick.
A dog who is losing weight and not eating well should also be cause for concern. Visible ribs and hip bones are two of the obvious signs of weight loss. However, before the weight loss becomes obvious, the first sign of trouble might be loss of appetite. If a pet is unenthusiastic about his food, that signals trouble. A trip to the veterinarian is in order.
Petting the pooch is one way to both show him the love and check in on his health. For the dog who loves being petted, getting up close and personal is no problem. This allows the caring dog owner to check for differences in the both the sound and feel of the pet. Dogs infected with heartworms often have scruffy feeling coats. They also may exhibit respiratory problems such as heavy breathing or coughing. These symptoms, as well as weight loss, can be more easily detected while petting the dog. If there is a breathing problem or a problem with his coat, he needs to visit the vet.
Other symptoms associated with the heartworm infection are bloody stools, diarrhea, jaundice, vomiting and even blindness. Any of these necessitates a trip to the vet.
Remember, any of the symptoms listed here can be serious enough to warrant a trip to the vet. Taken separately, any one of them may be a sign of any number of different health issues. Only a qualified veterinarian has the training and experience to know what is ailing the furriest member of the family.
Want to find out more about heartworm symptoms in dogs, then visit Dave Johnson’s site on how to choose the best heartworm symptoms for your needs.
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