Heartworms can be dangerous to dogs if not treated properly.
Canine heartworms are typically contracted through mosquito bites. If a mosquito has bitten an infected animal, he can then pass the larvae on to his next victim. Dogs may exhibit signs of heartworms including coughing, fatigue, gagging, vomiting and rapid breathing. According to the "Merck Veterinary Manual," most cases of heartworm can be treated under a veterinarian's supervision.
Garlic
Garlic is used by some dog owners as a heartworm preventative. It is considered a preventative because it wards off mosquitoes, therefore the mosquitoes will not bite the dog to pass on the worm larvae.
Garlic is not used to eradicate heartworm, only to prevent mosquitoes from biting the animal.
Melarsomine Dihydrochloride
Melarsomine dihydrochloride is the only heartworm adulticide available to treat both mature and immature heartworm. An injection is given into the muscle of the animal to kill the heartworm.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the worms from the dog's heart. This surgery could save the dog's life.
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