Heartworm Treatment

Sapphiregal · ‎04-08-2019

Have you ever treated a dog for heartworms, and if so, how did it go?

The treatment my vet wants to do on my dog is a round of antibiotics followed by an injection. Then 30 days of keeping the dog calm - not any running or strenuous activity, as that could cause an embolism that would mean instant death.

Then 2 more injections and more keeping him calm.

He is a lab who loves to run, so unless I kept him crated , how is this treatment even possible? Oh, and did I mention that he would be on prednisone to help prevent any complications from this treatment. One of the side effects of the prednisone is frequent urination, so, that means many trips outside on a leash.

Dogs are God's most perfect creatures. Angels here on earth to teach us to be better humans.

Another new name Sue · ‎03-11-2010

I only know about the prednisone. The reason dogs on prednisone urinate a lot is because they drink a lot. We have to keep an eye on our dog and when he's drinking a lot of water and in about an hour, take him out. We can do this because we are retired and home, but I can imagine it would be difficult for some people. He also has p-pads out which he uses occasionally. He has IBS and will be on prednisone for life as far as we know now.

I'm sorry your dog has heartworm and the treatment sounds very intense. But what else can you do, you have to save your dog, right? Best wishes, you can do it, it's not forever. I only wish my dog would be healed in 30 days.

My friends dog had surgery and had to be inactive for 30 days, and he's a young active dog like yours. After a few days, he got used to it. He developed. low expectations as to what they would be doing each day.

goldensrbest · ‎03-10-2010

Heartworms are just horrible,did you not have him on a preventive? You must get the treatment,or he will die.

When you lose some one you L~O~V~E, that Memory of them, becomes a TREASURE.

rolen · ‎03-09-2010

My son adopted a dog that they found out had heartworm. I do remember that he had to be kept from running and they had to put him on a leash each time they took him outside to do his business. I also remember that it cost them over $1100 for the treatment. It was not pretty or nice, but necesary.

Sapphiregal · ‎04-08-2019

@goldensrbest wrote:
Heartworms are just horrible,did you not have him on a preventive? You must get the treatment,or he will die.

@goldensrbest

I rescued him from a county shelter that had him on their list to euthanize. I found out he was heartworm positive after first visit to my vet.

Dogs are God's most perfect creatures. Angels here on earth to teach us to be better humans.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

I have never had a dog with heart worms. I do know that this is a dangerous illness and will eventually kill the dog if they're not treated.

Once treatment begins, it is important to restrict excerise..easier said than done. It is often suggested they stay in a crate, except to go outdoors for potty breaks.

I do not use a monthly pesticide drug but my dogs are tested yearly and do not spend much time outdoors.

geezerette · ‎03-16-2010

I had a dog many years ago that needed heartworm treatment. The treatment is much easier now. But my dog was fine and lived a normal life for many years afterwards.

Yes, they need to be kept calm, but most dogs do fine in the house without having to be crated 24 hours a day. Leashed to go outside, but slow walks around the yard are okay.

It will definitely require more work on your part but it's also a good time for training discipline. It can end up creating a close bond between you and your dog.

Good luck.

goldensrbest · ‎03-10-2010

@Sapphiregal wrote:
@goldensrbest wrote:
Heartworms are just horrible,did you not have him on a preventive? You must get the treatment,or he will die.
@goldensrbest

I rescued him from a county shelter that had him on their list to euthanize. I found out he was heartworm positive after first visit to my vet.

OK, i understand for his health ,you will have to do the best you can.

When you lose some one you L~O~V~E, that Memory of them, becomes a TREASURE.

PansyBoo · ‎06-02-2023

@Sapphiregal,

Yes, most all those downfalls you mentioned do go along with treatment. And I'm really sorry you find yourself in this situation after rescuing a dog. I will tell you our story in hopes it might help a liitle in some way.

My husband and I on a Saturday headed to a larger town an hour away to do a little shopping, dining, etc. On the way down not too far out from the very small town we lived in was this little beagle dog right up on the road like a foot off the highway. It startled me and I kept saying the little dog is going to get run over! But we just went on.😏 Many hours later on our way back home there was that little dog again in the same spot right up on the road. We passed by, my husband looked over at me, he turned around and we went back and got her. She took off down this little side dirt road when I got out of the car. But then I kneeled down and called her and she came running!

She was emaciated and in bad shape...but sooooo sweet. When we took her to the vet she had a horrible ear infection along with the dreaded heartworms. My husband and I at the time already had four or five dogs...I lose count. So I asked my elderly father if we could bring her over to his house while she went through the heartworm treatment so as to keep her calm, etc. I also had a secret plan in mind. Yes, she mostly stayed in a cage but surprisingly she did really well with that. And she also did very well with the treatment overall. And my plan worked. My dad, who was a widower, got a little attached to her and she ended up being his dog.They were best buddies for many years. In fact, she outlived him. She was a perfect calm and loving companion for my dad and I think they both blessed each other. I'm so glad we stopped on that highway and got her.

Anyway, yes the treatment is daunting in many ways. But the dog will eventually die without it. There are a lot of factors to consider with the age and health of the dog certainly being one (two) of them. Our pup, Sweet Charlotte, was guesstimated to be around two years old. She was not in good health initially but we waited a while and got her on a nutritious diet before treatment was started.

I wish you all the best! ♥ 🐶 ♥