Heartworm is a severe disease that may interfere with the health of your dog. If left untreated, it can be deadly and is spread by a mosquito bite. A chronic case of dry cough might be a sign. This is the reason why prevention of heartworm in dogs is very important. It eliminates the emergence of the issue. In case your pet dog is already coughing, then you might find it curious about what you can offer to make them feel better.
Dogs have their secure treatment and syrups that have mild drug elements to deal with the cough. This post will tell you how to prevent heartworms in your dog and which treatment options are available when your dog is coughing. Remember that the first thing you should do whenever your dog is sick is to consult your veterinarian.
Why Heartworm Prevention Matters
Heartworms are the worms that inhabit the blood vessels, lungs and heart of a dog, and they are long and thin worms. Mosquitoes spread them and may result in permanent effects. Without means of treatment, heartworms may cause heart failure or death. The upside about this heartworm disease is that it can be prevented. Administering your dog some heartworm preventative medicine every month prevents these deadly worms. Heartworm prevention is very easy and cheaper than going with the option of full treatment or not taking the measures.
You should prevent it even when your dog appears to be healthy enough. Soon visit to the veterinary clinic and some routine medication is enough to keep your dog secure, cheery and energetic.
Signs of Heartworm in Dogs
It may be difficult to notice heartworm at an early stage. A dry cough that does not clear up is one of the most common early symptoms. Your dog can also appear to be tired after light play or even short walks. Since the worms develop in the heart and lungs, it becomes difficult to breathe normally by your dog.
You may see your dog losing weight or looking weak compared to its normal state. In the more severe ones, your dog might also find it hard to breathe and cannot eat. Being exposed to one of the mentioned symptoms, you will be obliged to bring your dog to the veterinary clinic at once. The treatment to your dog at the early stage will help your dog to feel healthy and avoid the gradual progression of the disease.
Best Heartworm Prevention for Dogs
It is quite crucial to protect your dog from heartworms. Heartworms are microscopic worms which reside in the heart and lungs, and these worms can cause serious illness to your dog. Fortunately, the good thing about the heartworm disease is that it is preventable. Heartworm prevention medicine that you give to your dog on a monthly basis will serve to protect your dog. They may be pills, chewable, or even a shot from the vet.
These types of drugs also ward off other worms and fleas. They should administer the medication regularly, monthly and even in winter. Not taking a dose may put your dog in danger. Just remember to discuss with your vet which product is right in terms of age, size, and health of a dog. It would also be a good idea to give your dog an annual heartworm test. Heartworm disease can be prevented compared to treatment, which is safer, easier and economical.
Cough Relief Options for Dogs
You should be concerned if your dog coughs. Heartworm, as well as allergies or a cold, could cause coughing. Before your dog feels better, it is important to visit the vet and get to understand the reason. In case the cough is heartworm, the vet might prescribe special medicine. To treat the mild case of coughing, they can advise the use of cough syrup that is designed to treat dogs. You must not administer human cough medication until the vet instructs you to attend to it.
The use of humidifier will also aid to soothe the throat of your dog especially during dry weather conditions. Make sure that your animal rests and consumes pure water. They should not be exposed to smoke and dust, or chilly breeze. Cough can be treated by a tsp of honey but make sure to ask your vet about it and then do it. Always refusing to make medical decisions independently rather than consulting your vet is one of the ways of ensuring that your dog is safe and that he/she will be on the way to recovery.
What Can I Give My Dog for a Cough?
Always speak to your vet before giving medicine to your dog, especially when the dog is coughing. High blood pressure medicine is not to be used in your dog. This is not only harmful, but worse, it is dangerous.
Prescription dog-friendly drugs can be prescribed to you by your veterinarian. They can just notice the cough in mild cases. Nevertheless, in case it is severe, your vet may prescribe some medication, which may include hydrocodone or prednisone, which may be effective in terminating the coughing and the swellings in the lungs.
Listening to your vet is quite a necessity. The incorrect administration of medicine or dose can make the situation worse. Thus, you must mention this to your vet at the earliest so that your dog is fine and fit.
Natural Support and Home Comforts
When your dog is coughing or is sick, more than likely, Home care will go a long way. Firstly, make sure that your dog will be calm and warm. Not enough rest can sometimes trigger off cough. A nice, quiet place is better.
Third, have the air in your home clean and dust free. Prevention of sprays and overpowering aromas, and employ a humidifier if the air is dry.
Also, make sure your dog is eating the right amounts of balanced food and enough water. Well-balanced foods and drinks keep the body whether be healthy from be illness-free. Heating broth as a part of a meal can also be comforting.
Tiny, caring steps such as these can soothe your dog a lot at home.
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