Congestive heart failure ensues, and the once-active, outgoing pet is in grave danger. If a blood test or the onset of symptoms alert owner and veterinarian to the presence of this devastating parasite, treatment is possible and successful if the disease has not progressed too far. The first step is to evaluate the dog and treat any secondary problems of heart failure or liver or kidney insufficiency so that he can withstand the treatment. The next step is to kill the adult worms with an arsenic compound. The drug is administered in two doses each day for two days, followed by several weeks of inactivity to give the dog's system a chance to absorb the dead worms.
Exertion can cause the dead worms to dislodge, travel to the lungs, and cause death.
Owners should have their dogs tested for heartworm and placed on preventive. Heartworm prevenative medications can be bought at any Vet. Doses can be given daily or monthly. Some of the drugs also rid the dog of other parasitic worms. We all know what fleas are, we all hate fleas.