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Unfortunately, many dog owners underestimate the importance of dog heartworm treatment and the seriousness of this disease.
The truth is: heartworm disease in dogs can be fatal if left untreated.
In this post, we’ll answer the big question: how much is a dog heartworm treatment?
We'll also briefly discuss the disease, plus the signs and symptoms to watch out for.
So, is your dog protected?
Let's break down the real cost of dog heartworm treatment—and how prevention can save you money and heartbreak.
RELATED: Taking a Very Close Look at Causes of Heartworm in Dogs
What Is Heartworm Disease in Dogs?
Heartworm disease is caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, transmitted through mosquito bites.
When a carrier mosquito bites a dog, it transmits the eggs or larvae into the dog's body, where they mature into adult worms and live in the heart, lungs, or other blood vessels.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs worldwide.
Despite continuous preventative efforts, heartworm cases are still on the rise and are recorded in all 50 states.
The American Heartworm Society reported that in 2011, there were about 800,000 heartworm-positive dogs in the United States; two decades later, that number grew to over 1.2 million cases.
RELATED: 3 Safe and Effective Natural Mosquito Repellents for Dogs
Signs & Symptoms
When left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs.
The mild signs and symptoms to watch out for include:
- persistent coughing
- lethargy
- reluctance to exercise or move around
- noticeable fatigue even after light activity
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
As you notice, these are similar to most other health conditions' signs and symptoms.
The tricky part about recognizing dog heartworm disease is that the symptoms often don't show until the condition is advanced.
Severe signs of heartworm disease include:
- labored breathing
- heart failure
- swollen belly (due to excess fluid)
- blockages of blood flow within the heart
We've discussed more signs to watch out for in the article linked below.
RELATED: How Do I Know If My Dog Has Heartworms?
Remember that delaying treatment will increase the risks of complications, and advanced cases of heartworm disease are more difficult and expensive to treat.
How Much Is a Dog Heartworm Treatment?
Understanding the costs associated with heartworm treatment is crucial for pet owners to make informed decisions about their dog's health and finances.
A fair warning: it's not going to be cheap.
According to various veterinary sources, pet owners can expect to pay an average of $500 to $1,800 per round of heartworm treatment.
Most dogs require two or more rounds of treatments, depending on the severity of the case.
The approximate cost per round of heartworm treatments:
- Mild to moderate cases: $500 – $1,200
- Severe or advanced cases: $1,200 – $1,800+
- Follow-up exams and bloodwork may cost extra.
In more severe cases, costs can escalate up to $6,000.
For easier reference, here's a breakdown of the step-by-step procedure and its costs, from diagnosing to treating dog heartworm disease.
| Step-by-Step Procedure | Average 2025 Cost | Purpose & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Initial Positive Heartworm Test (Antigen Test) | $35 – $75 | Detects adult female heartworms; often part of annual screening. Performed once initially and during annual checkups. |
| 2. Confirmatory Test (Microfilariae Test) | $20 – $40 | Checks for the presence of baby heartworms (microfilariae) in the bloodstream. Confirms infection stage. Done once after a positive antigen test. |
| 3. Confirming Stage of Heartworm Disease | ||
| → Chest X-Ray | $150 – $250 | Evaluates heart and lung condition; determines severity and treatment risk. Required once before treatment begins. |
| → Echocardiogram | $300 – $600 | Optional but helpful in advanced cases; provides real-time heart function imaging. Usually done once. |
| → Blood Work (CBC, chemistry panel) | $100 – $200 | Assesses organ function, especially the liver and kidneys, before starting medications. May be repeated post-treatment. |
| 4. Initial Treatment Phase | ||
| → Doxycycline (30 days) | $11-$16 (for 30 tablets) | It kills Wolbachia bacteria, weakens heartworms, and reduces inflammation. Oral antibiotics are taken daily, usually for 4 weeks. |
| → Prednisone (2–4 weeks) | $8 – $15 (for 30 tablets) | A corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and prevents complications during treatment. Administered under vet guidance. |
| → Melarsomine Injections (2–3 doses) | $500 – $1,500 | An injectable drug that kills adult heartworms. Given in stages: first injection, followed by two injections 24 hours apart, a month later. |
| → Pain relievers / additional steroids | $30 – $80 | Helps manage injection site soreness and systemic inflammation. Prescribed as needed during treatment. |
| 5. Hospitalization & Monitoring (Severe Cases) | $600 – $3,500 per night | Required for dogs with advanced heartworm disease or complications. Includes IV fluids, oxygen, and ECG monitoring. May last 1–3 days. |
| 6. Follow-Up Checkups & Testing | $25 – $186 per visit | Follow-up bloodwork and heartworm tests are done at 6 and 12 months post-treatment to confirm heartworm elimination. If positive, retesting may be required. |
| 7. Long-Term Heartworm Preventatives | $70 – $200/year | Monthly meds like Heartgard, Interceptor, or Simparica Trio prevent reinfection. Given for life. Prescription required. |
Remember that these costs will vary depending on your dog's size and weight, the stage or severity of the heartworm infection, your location, and any complications that may arise during treatment and recovery.
RELATED: Does Pet Insurance Cover Medication?
Why Heartworm Treatment Is So Expensive
As you probably understand by now, dog heartworm treatment costs are no joke, and will seriously put a dent in your pocket, especially in a worst-case scenario.
The main reason it's ridiculously expensive is the specialized medication needed to kill the parasitic worm in your dog's body.
Melarsomine dihydrochloride is an arsenic-based compound that requires careful handling and administration by trained veterinary professionals. It cannot be administered at home.
The treatment also spans several months and includes multiple veterinary visits, injections, and follow-up tests, the costs of which pile up over time.
Close monitoring, and sometimes hospitalization, is important to stop possible risks and severe reactions as the parasites die.
Preventative vs. Treatment Costs of Dog Heartworm Disease
We always hear or read this, but as cliche as it may sound, prevention is definitely better (and more affordable) than a cure!
Investing in heartworm prevention is significantly more cost-effective than treatment.
While monthly preventive medications typically cost between $6 and $16 or $70 to $200 annually, treating an established heartworm infection can cost ten times as much!
Not to mention the debilitating experience of stress, pain, and discomfort your dog will feel if infected.
Common Heartworm Preventatives
Several FDA-approved heartworm preventatives that are available on a prescription basis include:
Heartgard Plus®: A monthly chewable that also protects against certain intestinal parasites.- Interceptor®: Another monthly chewable offering protection against heartworms and intestinal worms.
- Revolution®: A topical solution that protects against heartworms, fleas, and certain mites.
Another bonus benefit of most heartworm preventatives includes protection against fleas, ticks, hookworms, roundworms, etc.
Make sure to speak with your veterinarian about which brand they recommend and the proper administration to ensure effectiveness.
In addition, your dog must undergo the heartworm test annually, which costs about $45–$100.
RELATED: Sunday's Recap: Heartworm Prevention in Dogs
FAQs about Heartworm Treatment in Dogs
1. Can heartworm in dogs go away without treatment?
No. Heartworm disease does not go away on its own and will worsen over time, potentially leading to heart failure and death.
2. How long does heartworm treatment take?
The full treatment process, including pre-treatment medications, injections, and restricted exercise, typically lasts 4 to 6 months.
3. Is heartworm treatment painful for dogs?
Some dogs experience pain at the injection site or fatigue during recovery, but most recover well with proper care and rest.
4. Can I treat my dog’s heartworms at home?
No. Heartworm treatment requires vet-administered medications and close monitoring.
At-home remedies are not safe or effective.
5. What happens if I can’t afford heartworm treatment?
Ask your vet about payment plans, CareCredit, or local pet assistance programs.
In some cases, a slow-kill method may be discussed.
In this method, dogs are given a combination of heartworm preventative and doxycycline for a set period, sometimes up to a year or longer.
However, the slow-kill method is not recommended by the American Heartworm Society.
RELATED: TOP #88: Paying for Veterinary Expenses You Can't Afford
Dog Heartworm Treatment: Before You Go…
Heartworm treatment is expensive, but it’s necessary and lifesaving.
Knowing how much a dog's heartworm treatment costs can help you prepare and take steps to avoid it altogether.
Just make sure to:
- Keep your dog on monthly preventatives year-round.
- Schedule annual heartworm tests, even if your dog is indoors.
- Talk to your vet about budget-friendly options if cost is a concern.
Has your dog gone through heartworm treatment? Share your story or tips in the comments below!
You can also check out some of our recommended and related articles linked below!
Related Articles:
- Pet Owner Claims Dog Died After Taking Common Heartworm Medication
- 11 Most Deadly Dog Diseases
- Can Humans Get Worms from Dogs?
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