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Heartworm treatment: dog drooling, weak, not drinking. Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rat Terrier | Female | spayed | 2 years and 3 months old | 11 lbs

My rescue dog got her first immiticide injection for heartworms today & I also gave her the prescribed tramadol 50mg half tablet & whole prednisone 5mg tablet at 3pm. I am suppose to give her another dose & the shelter vet said to give it to her around 11pm. My concern is that she isn't drinking any water, was excessively drooling where it was just running out of her mouth. She was also barely able to walk & couldn't get comfortable she is now asleep. Is this normal & should I give her next dose

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 12th, 2017

Those symptoms can be normal the first day after such an intense treatment with Immiticide and also with Tramadol. The side effects that can be seen with Tramadol are as follows: "Tramadol appears to be well tolerated in dogs. Potentially, it could cause a variety of adverse effects associated with its pharmacologic actions, including: CNS effects (excessive sedation, agitation, anxiety, tremor, dizziness), or GI effects (inappetence, vomiting, constipation to diarrhea)." With that said, I would still opt to get Clementine examined by a vet soon, especially if her gait continues to be affected and if she isn't drinking water and having normal urinations. Her gums should always look pink, and her breathing should be normal (not panting). I hope that your pet Clementine is able to recover well from her rough 1st day of heartworm treatment. Best wishes and take care.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    If you can get the meds into her safely, do so as per her veterinarian's direction. The immiticide injection is a painful one. The symptoms you are seeing are likely due to the discomfort. The drooling could be from nausea or stress. Consider having her rechecked in the morning if necessary.

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