Could this be heartworms?

[kaseface]

Hi.

I have a small dog. She's not very old. She's usually really active, barks at any and everything. And runs to the door if she sees anyone.

For a few months, she's been coughing alot. My parents keep telling me its just a cold. But i'm not so sure of it. The last week or so, she barely moves, Hardly eats, and doesnt get excited at much of anything.

I'm hoping i'm very wrong, but does this sound like heartworms?

I'm taking her to the vet soon, but it being such a small town, its hard to catch them when they're open.

Any advice would help.

[someday]

It could certainly be heartworm, or a number of other things. Take her to a vet ASAP. Once they show symptoms with heartworm, it's in the advanced stages.

[kaseface]

Thanks alot.
What really worries me is her breathing. Something def. isn't right.
I've been talking to a few people, and they all say the treatment comes in a pill form, and is just as dangerous. They say it could either help her with heartworms, or the med itself can kill her.

[someday]

A preventative given monthy comes in pill form and is generally considered pretty safe.

The treatment for a dog that already has heartworms can be dangerous, but without treatment the dog will die.