The symptoms of dog angleworm disease include the following:

Dog Angular Worm Disease: Symptoms and What to Do

Understanding Dog Angular Worm Disease

Dog angular worm disease, also known as canine angiostrongylosis, is a condition caused by the parasitic nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum. This disease can be severe and even fatal if not detected and treated promptly. It primarily affects the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart, leading to a range of symptoms that can be quite varied.

Cardiovascular Symptoms

One of the earliest signs of dog angular worm disease is a persistent cough. As the worms migrate to the pulmonary arteries, they cause inflammation and irritation, leading to a dry, hacking cough. In more advanced cases, the cough may become productive, with the dog coughing up blood. Other cardiovascular symptoms include difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and fainting.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

The presence of the worms can also lead to gastrointestinal symptoms. Dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or a combination of both. These symptoms can be intermittent or persistent and may be accompanied by a loss of appetite and weight loss. In some cases, the worms can cause anemia due to blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract.

Neurological Symptoms