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Unfortunately , many dog ownersunderestimate the importance of dog heartworm discussion and the sincerity of this disease .
The truth is : heartworm disease in dogs can be fatal if left untreated .
Photo: Austin Community College
In this post , we ’ll suffice the big doubt : how much is a dog heartworm discourse ?
We ’ll also briefly discuss the disease , plus the signs and symptom to follow out for .
So , is your click protect ?
permit ’s fail down the real cost of dog heartworm treatment — and how prevention can save you money and heartbreak .
What Is Heartworm Disease in Dogs?
Heartworm disease is do by the parasiteDirofilaria immitis , transmitted through mosquito bites .
When acarrier mosquito bites a wienerwurst , it transmits the eggs or larvae into the dog ’s body , where they maturate into grownup worms and live in the heart , lungs , or other blood vessels .
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects weenie worldwide .
Despite continuous preventative efforts , heartworm cases are still on the rise and arerecorded in all 50 state .
The American Heartworm Society reported that in 2011 , there were about 800,000 heartworm - positive andiron in the United States ; two decades subsequently , that numbergrew to over 1.2 million cases .
Signs & Symptoms
When left untreated , heartworm disease can lead tosevere lung disease , affectionateness unsuccessful person , and damage to other organs .
Themild planetary house and symptomsto watch out for include :
As you notice , these are standardised to most other health condition ' signs and symptom .
The cunning part about recognizing frank heartworm disease isthat the symptoms often don’tshowuntil the consideration is modern .
austere signs of heartworm diseaseinclude :
We ’ve talk about more signs to watch out for in the article linked below .
Remember that hold up discourse will increase the risks of complications , and forward-looking cases of heartworm disease are more difficult and expensive to treat.
How Much Is a Dog Heartworm Treatment?
Understanding the cost relate with heartworm treatment is crucial for favorite owners to make informed decision about their dog ’s wellness and finances .
A fair monition : it ’s not going to be cheap .
According to various veterinary sources , pet owners can expect to give anaverage of $ 500 to $ 1,800 per round of heartworm treatment .
Most click call for two or more rounds of discourse , bet on the rigor of the case .
The approximate cost per round of heartworm treatment :
In more severe cases , costs can escalateup to $ 6,000 .
For easier reference , here ’s a crack-up of the whole step - by - step procedure and its costs , from diagnosing to treating dog heartworm disease .
retrieve that these costs will vary depend on yourdog ’s size of it and weight , the stage or severity of the heartworm infection , your location , and any complicationsthat may uprise during treatment and recovery .
Why Heartworm Treatment Is So Expensive
As you probably understand by now , detent heartworm treatment costs are no joke , and will earnestly put a dent in your air pocket , especially in a worst - case scenario .
The main rationality it ’s preposterously expensive is thespecialized medicationneeded to belt down the parasitic worm in your andiron ’s body .
Melarsomine dihydrochlorideis an arsenic - base chemical compound that requires thrifty handling and administration by train veterinary professionals . It can not be dispense at home .
Thetreatment also spans several monthsand includes multiple veterinary visits , injections , and pursue - up tests , the cost of which pile up over time .
Close monitoring , and sometimes hospitalization , is significant to stop possible risks and serious chemical reaction as the parasites die .
Preventative vs. Treatment Costs of Dog Heartworm Disease
We always hear or read this , but as banality as it may go , bar isdefinitelybetter ( and more affordable ) than a remedy !
Investing in heartworm bar is importantly more cost - effective than treatment .
While monthly prophylactic medication typically cost between $ 6 and $ 16 or $ 70 to $ 200 each year , treating an established heartworm infection can cost ten times as much !
Not to mention the debilitate experience of stress , pain , and discomfort your dog will finger if infected .
Common Heartworm Preventatives
Several FDA - approved heartworm preventatives that are usable on a prescription footing let in :
Another bonus benefit of most heartworm preventive include protection against fleas , tick , hookworm , ringworm , etc .
verify to speak with your veterinarian about which make they recommend and the proper administration to ensure effectualness .
In addition , your dog must undergo the heartworm test annually , which costs about$45–$100 .
FAQs about Heartworm Treatment in Dogs
1. Can heartworm in dogs go away without treatment?
No . Heartworm diseasedoes not go away on its ownand will worsen over sentence , potentially leading to bosom failure and death .
2. How long does heartworm treatment take?
The full handling process , including pre - treatment medication , injections , and restrict exercise , typically lasts 4 to 6 month .
3. Is heartworm treatment painful for dogs?
Some dogs experience pain at the injectant site or tiredness during retrieval , but most recover well with proper care and rest .
4. Can I treat my dog’s heartworms at home?
No . Heartworm treatment requiresvet - administered medicine and snug monitoring .
At - nursing home remedy are not safe or effective .
5. What happens if I can’t afford heartworm treatment?
inquire your vet aboutpayment plans , CareCredit , or local preferent assistance curriculum .
In some cases , aslow - kill methodmay be discussed .
In this method , dog are chip in a combination of heartworm preventive and doxycycline for a set period , sometimes up to a year or longer .
However , the slow - killing method isnot recommendedby the American Heartworm Society .
Dog Heartworm Treatment: Before You Go…
Heartworm handling is expensive , but it ’s necessary and lifesaving .
Knowing how much a cad ’s heartworm treatment costs can help you prepare and take step to avoid it altogether .
Just check that to :
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