Dog heartworm can be detected through a blood test that looks for the microfilaria circulating in the blood. It can also be detected through an X-ray. The cure of dog heartworm can be an expensive and sometimes risky. The veterinarian must administer toxic chemicals to kill the worms over a period of time. If all the worms were killed at once the worms would move into the lungs and asphyxiate the dog.
Surgery is sometimes possible as well.
The best way to deal with dog heartworm is to prevent the dog from becoming infected. There are several pills that can be given on a monthly or daily basis. The chemical in the pill kills any infective stage larvae circulating in the dogs' blood, thus preventing an infection. Since infected canines can have a reaction to the medication, the dog should be tested for dog heartworm before administering any of these pills. A veterinarian should conduct the tests.