Being informed by your veterinarian that your dog has tested positive for heartworm disease can be upsetting. If your dog is pregnant, this news could prompt questions about whether or not dogs can be treated safely during pregnancy and what it all means for the puppies she carries. Here is a brief guide to the most likely course of action for pregnant dogs with heartworm.

What Is It?

Heartworm disease is caused by the larvae of a parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis entering your dog's blood through a bite from an infected mosquito. These larvae travel through the circulatory system and end up in the heart, pulmonary artery, and surrounding large blood vessels, where they grow into worms up to 14 inches long. Each worm can live for up to 5 years, and each female will produce a large number of offspring. These offspring are known as microfilaria and inhabit the small vessels of your dog's bloodstream.

How Is Heartworm Disease Treated?

The only FDA-approved medication to treat heartworm disease is an adulticide called melarsomine. This medication is given through a series of injections so that it may gradually kill the adult heartworms in your dog's heart and arteries while allowing the dog periods of rest. Heartworms also frequently carry bacterial infections, so your veterinarian may prescribe additional antibiotic medication.

Is It Safe to Treat a Pregnant Dog With Melarsomine?

The use of melarsomine in pregnant and nursing dogs has not been studied and is therefore not FDA-approved. If you wish for the litter to be carried to term, it is typically safe to delay treatment until after the puppies are born and weaned. However, if your dog's heartworm disease has reached an advanced state, delaying treatment is not advised. In either situation, you will need to discuss the available options in your dog's unique case with your veterinarian.

If your dog is in need of quality vet care, TLC Pet Care Centers have been offering personalized, compassionate care for beloved pets in Cincinnati, OH, for over 40 years. With convenient east-side and west-side locations, plus climate-controlled boarding facilities, they put your pet's care and comfort first. Visit their website for more information on available services, or call the East location at (513) 683-2300 or the West location at (513) 825-4011 to schedule an appointment.