Your dog is a cherished part of your family, so you will likely do what you can to keep them healthy. This must include heartworm testing and prevention. Your veterinarian will likely recommend that you bring your dog in for a test about once a year. To answer all your concerns about this condition and help you keep your pup safe, here are a few common questions people have about this common but life-threatening disease. 

What You Should Know About Heartworm Testing

What are heartworms?

Heartworms are parasites that affect animals through infected mosquito bites. After the bite happens, larvae mature over a seven-month period. Once the worms reach maturity, they reproduce in your pet’s lungs, heart, and blood vessels, causing life-threatening complications.

How do I know if my pet has it?

Symptoms of heartworm disease include difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, coughing, lethargy, unsteadiness, and sudden weight loss. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, the parasites are likely to be mature, so visit your veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment.

Can I prevent heartworm infections?

Preventive medication is one way to avoid heartworm disease. This is available as a monthly pill, topical treatment, or injections at your veterinarian. Mosquitoes are most active during the summer, so it’s especially important to protect your pet during this season. Use pet bug repellent when outdoors.

Why does my dog need heartworm testing?

Preventive medication is available, but even if you administer it, accidents happen. Your dog may not swallow a pill or you might accidentally skip a dose. Since symptoms take up to seven months to start appearing, only a test by a veterinarian can detect the infection before your pup starts displaying symptoms. Treatment is much harder and costlier once the disease has progressed, so tests during the incubation period will keep your pet safer.

To protect your dog from heartworms, visit Cedarknoll Animal Hospital in Montgomery, NY. Veterinarian Dr. Terri Greer and her team offer in-house diagnostics, preventative health services, dental care, vaccinations, grooming, and general pet health exams. They will detect issues before they start affecting the health of your furry friend. Learn more about their services online or call (845) 361-5404 to make an appointment.