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What heartworm symptoms should I look for in my dog before testing?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 55 lbs

What symptoms if any could be noticeable for heartworms before being tested?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on March 27th, 2019

First of all it is important to know that testing is the best preventing measure, once symptoms occur the disease is usually considered severe, for this reason it is important to test before symptoms occur. symptoms include coughing, exercise intolerance, loss of weight and increase breathing rate.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 22nd, 2018
There are many different worms that can infect a dog, but they are usually ones that affect the heart, lungs or intestines. The reality is that dogs with heavy worm burdens could actually not be displaying any signs of disease, so it's important to have them tested regularly. Signs of heart worms can be a decrease in activity, tiring-out more quickly during exercise and coughing. Lungworms and some intestinal worms will also cause a persistent cough. Intestinal worms can cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool and weight loss. You may also see the worms in their stool.

Keep in mind that all of these signs of worms are not specific to just worm infestations. There could be many other diseases that cause the same signs.
Again, it's best to get them tested and give preventatives rather than deal with the problems when they arise. Below are links to some great articles about various common worms in dogs.

https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-do-i-know-if-my-pet-has-worms/

https://www.petcoach.co/article/other-internal-inside-the-body-parasites-1/

https://www.petcoach.co/article/worm-your-way-out-of-this-one/

I hope that helps and all is well with Boo-Boo.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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