Dog question

[Hoping]

Hey, guys I hope everyone is doing well!
I had a question for you guys about dogs.
My dog just got treatment for heartworms. I think she had them previously to me adopting her from an animal shelter. When we got her she was filthy, covered in mud and it took a few washings to get her clean so who knows how long she was out there.
Anyway, she spent a night and a day at the vet's office and now she's back home. She doesn't seem herself at all. This morning I woke up and she didn't get up with me. She normally watches me get ready and then I tell her bye and she goes back to bed. Funny, but that's really what she does.
Does anyone know how long it'll take her to go back to normal? Will she feel crappy until the worms are out of her system? That could be months!
I don't think she's having complications or anything, I think she just feels crappy. I guess I just feel bad for her.

[bradybunch]

Re: Dog question

Heart worms are a big time killer. thank God you got her treated for them. i would say she should bounce back within a few days. I think it took my Dad's dog about a week to get to his old self again. Did they give you a once a month tablet for her to take from now on?

[Hoping]

Re: Dog question

Not yet, they gave her two shots for the adult worm(s) and then she's going in in five weeks for the baby worm shot and then they'll give me another medication for prevention to take at home and then finally the tablets, I believe.
It's a really long process.
This is the second dog I've had and my first one never had these problems. He's healthy as a horse and runs around like a wild animal at my parents house

[bradybunch]

Re: Dog question

I amsure the shots and the medication are wearing her down, just call the vets assistant this morning. Those girls usually know there stuff.

[Jaded]

Re: Dog question

Hoping, I'm sure she'll seem like herself in a few days. My dog (10 year old lab) had surgery to remove a fatty lipoma (a huge lump that was about the size of a softball sticking out her side) and she was completely out of it and in pain for about 3 days, and then she was completely back to normal (minus half her fur that they shaved off, and plus some leaking scars and a leaking drain - but even w/all that she acted totally normal). Was your dog under anesthesia? That can whack them out for a day or 2 also. I'm sure she'll bounce back in no time Def call the vet as brady said though if you are worried!

[dreamof145]

Re: Dog question

Definitely call the vet and ask how the treatment can affect the way your dog behaves. They will know what you can expect, what is normal or not and if you can do anything to help your dog more comfortable and relaxed.

[cavgirl]

Re: Dog question

yeah defo give the vets a call and ask them if u are unsure at all! if i have a problem i just ring my vets and they will tell u straight away!!

[*Wendy*]

Re: Dog question

When my dog came down with heartworms (while ON the heartworm preventative I might add!) the vet kept here there for over a week at least. He told me it was because after the first shots it's important that they keep still & calm, and they are exhuasted from the worms dying, etc. So it sounds like your pup's recovering normally - there is a bunch going on inside right now!

Please call the vet so you can put your mind at ease though!

[bradybunch]

Re: Dog question

what brand Wendy, I hope it wasn't heartgard

[*Wendy*]

Re: Dog question

I'm pretty sure it was not - I know there are two major brands and what she's on NOW is heartguard - I'll check the kitchen drawer tonight because I can't remember for sure!

[Hoping]

Re: Dog question

We don't keep her in a crate, but I don't think she'll jump around and play while we're not home...I hope...Maybe I should go pick up her crate.
I took away her toys...I need to hide all the socks--those are her favorite toys. I should have thought about that before she came home!
Anyway, I think she's fine, but I'm so used to seeing her more lively.

[*Wendy*]

Re: Dog question

I think it took Lucy at least a week after I got her back (so +/- 2 weeks after start of treatment) before she started getting spunky again.

We are both very lucky Hoping, because oftentimes dogs can't be saved when they get heartworms - like if they are otherwise ill, or if the infestation is too advanced - they can't make it through the treatment.

It will get better!