At Confederate Ridge Animal Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA, we offer preventative care for heartworm disease. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms like lethargy or constant coughing, we can provide treatment that can alleviate the discomfort and improve its health. It is essential to treat heartworm on time, as it can lead to lung disease and heart failure. Before visiting us, read about the symptoms of heartworm and how it is treated below: 

Heartworm Symptoms

The most common symptoms of heartworm are coughing and lethargy. If you notice that your dog is less energetic, it may be due to heartworm. Your may dog may also have a reduced appetite and difficulty breathing. To prevent further complications, we recommend visiting our veterinarians for a thorough evaluation and treatment. Heartworm can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Treating Heartworm

Dogs that have already developed heartworm disease can be treated effectively. Our vets will provide a blood test to determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment. With treatment, we can eliminate the adult heartworms and help keep your dog healthy. Some medications may have side effects, however, these typically resolve within a day or two. Owners can also prevent heartworm in pets by providing preventative medication regularly.

Preventative Medication for Heartworm

Preventative medication is best for protecting your pets from heartworm. The medication is effective and causes no side effects in most dogs. Not only that, but most preventative medicine also only needs to be administered once a month. When you visit us, our veterinarians can recommend the medication that would be best for your pet’s condition.

Contact us for an Appointment Today

If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of heartworm, our team at Confederate Ridge Animal Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA, is happy to help. Our practice is also a full-service animal hospital that provides treatments for a wide range of conditions. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule your appointment, call us at (800) 462-8749. We look forward to improving your pet’s health and quality of life!