Heartworm disease does not typically cause bloody diarrhea. This could be secondary to stress from the disease. In this disease a mosquito injects the larvae of the heartworm into the dog, over the next 5-7 months it develops into adult heartworms (long, white worms that live in the heart and pulmonary artery). Signs are secondary to heart failure--lethargy, coughing, exercise intolerance, and in end stage congestive heart failure. You need to have your dog examined by your veterinarian to determine the cause and start appropriate treatment for the diarrhea. Also heartworm is a treatable disease; your veterinarian can further explain the treatment for heartworm. Your dog will need to have tests (chest x-rays, bloodwork, and an ECG) to determine the stage of heartworm then treatment can be started.
Heartworm disease is a preventable disease with a monthly tablet. Talk to your veterinarian about testing and starting any other dogs you have on heartworm preventative.
Heartworm disease is a preventable disease with a monthly tablet. Talk to your veterinarian about testing and starting any other dogs you have on heartworm preventative.
