If you’re concerned that your Great Dane may have heartworms, please call your vet to schedule an appointment and have your dog tested immediately. Heartworms is a serious and sometimes life threatening disease for dogs. These works can invade the heart, lungs and blood vessels of your dog causing lung disease and heart failure. Even if the disease is detected and treated aggressively, long term affects can remain. Signs your dog may have heartworm disease includes a persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue, decreased appetite and weight loss. The longer your Great Dane is sick the more severe and evident the symptoms will be. Dogs that have a high count of heartworms will show obvious signs and may even have a swollen belly which could mean heart failure. Never hesitate to call your vet if your dog has any of these symptoms. To avoid infection altogether, talk with your veterinarian Arlington Heights, TX about a preventative program.