There is nothing worse than seeing a pet, a beloved member of a family, suffer unnecessarily from a disease or infection, especially when the problem can be easily treated if detected early. Heartworms, for example, are preventable and can be treated successfully, however too many pet owners are simply unaware of what to look for or fail to take action in a timely way. If an owner is paying close attention, heartworm symptoms can be detected and treated effectively and the life of a treasured family member can be saved. Never take chances and consult a veterinarian.

Some of the primary symptoms of heartworms are loss of appetite and weight loss, the outward appearance of an animal, lethargic behavior, and more. While any of these could be a temporary sign of an otherwise minor problem, each is a primary symptom of heartworms and should not be ignored. When any of these symptoms are observed action should be taken as soon as possible.

Loss of weight is one of the many symptoms of heartworms in pets. Always keep an eye on how much your pet eats daily, and take note of any loss of appetite or loss of weight. Weight loss can be a symptom of many things, however it is one of the primary symptoms of heartworms, and when noticed it should be addressed immediately.

Aside from loss of weight, an animal’s outward appearance may change obviously. Any sign of the ribs becoming more protruded or if the chest seems to have become more prominent or bulged should be noted. Take care too to notice if the animal appears to have trouble breathing. These are each potential early signs of heartworms and should be observed by a licensed veterinarian.

Some animals can be lazy of course, and lounging around the house or on a favorite piece of furniture may not be cause for alarm, however most enjoy a good run with their owner or a nice game of fetch. If a general disinterest in these types of activities is noticed when the animal typically participates eagerly, or if the animal appears to tire easily, this should be discussed with a veterinarian.

Animals cough for a variety of reasons just as people do. Just as with people, an animal’s cough can be an indicator of nothing more than having ingested something improper or too quickly, however it can also provide clues to a bigger problem and is an early indicator of heartworms. Pay close attention if an animal begins to cough frequently. A soft but deep sounding cough is an early symptom of heartworms and should not be taken lightly or overlooked.

More symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea, bloody stool, jaundice, poor coat condition, and blindness. Any of these should sound the alarm and a trip to a trusted veterinary clinic should follow quickly.

While heartworms are most prominent in dogs, other animals are vulnerable, and even people can become infected! It is critical to recognize heartworm symptoms as quickly as possible and seek treatment immediately.