Heartworms are a very serious condition that can cause your pet to be very uncomfortable.

Although heartworms are a very common disease, they can be one of the most severe. More times than none, the owner does not even realize that their pet is infected until the disease is in its advanced stage.

Some signs of heartworm to watch for in dogs include:

1. Chronic coughing
2. Decreased energy level
3. Fainting or loss of breath after exercise
4. Extreme weakness

The only way to determine whether your animal has heartworms is with a visit to the veterinarian. Blood tests and X-rays will determine the presence of the disease. After confirming the disease, your vet will inject a medicine to kill the heartworms. A follow-up injection in one month will be needed to kill any baby heartworms that are in the bloodstream.

There are, however, a couple of preventative measures that can help to keep heartworms away from your dog. One method is to administer a daily pill to your dog. A second method is to have your dog chew two tables twice a month. The choice depends on your vet and what they prefer to use.

Although heartworms are a very serious and sometimes fatal disease, they can be treated and prevented so your dog can live a long and healthy life. So be sure to see your veterinarian immediately if your pet exhibits any of the above symptoms.