02/04/2025
🐾~Heartworm Disease~🐾
Many pet owners opt out of heartworm prevention during the Fall and Winter months, but what most don’t realize is that pets need year-round prevention! If a dog comes into contact with an infected mosquito during the Summer, it can take several months for the heartworm larvae to mature to the point that they would even be detectable on a blood test. Testing 5-7 months AFTER possible exposure and keeping the pet on monthly preventative offers the most complete protection.
In 2024, our shelter and clinic alone diagnosed 109 cases of canine Heartworm. It is RAMPANT in this area of the country. Treatment is a long, expensive, and painful process so prevention is key! If not treated, heartworms can be fatal. You can NOT tell that a dog has heartworm disease by looking at them. There are NO visual indicators. The results can only be determined by a blood test.
Our recommended protocol for preventing heartworm in dogs is:
🐾Start puppies on prevention at 8 weeks
💕Begin testing at 6 months
🐾Keep dog on monthly heartworm prevention
💕Maintain annual testing
Our clinic offers low-cost heartworm testing on a walk-in basis. It involves a quick blood draw and test results are back within minutes. Testing is required prior to purchasing prevention. Having your dog on a heartworm regimen is one of the easiest ways to avoid a catastrophic diagnosis!
