07/31/2025
Lifesaving information for dog parents!
Please make sure you have your dog tested annually for Heartworm and tick-borne disease. It's all done with one test, called the 4DX test and it literally can save your dog's life.
If you've recently adopted a dog that comes from a southern state or southern hemisphere, you should test your dog for these diseases every 6 months for the first year and then go to an annual test.
It takes six months for Heartworm larvae, carried by mosquitoes, to become adult worms and they don't show up on a Heartworm test until they become adult worms.
Tick borne diseases are on the rise and different diseases are more prevalent in different states. In Maine Anaplasmosis and Lyme disease are prevalent. In southern states you see a higher rate of
Ehrlichia. ALL ARE DEADLY IF UNTREATED.
IMPORTANT! If you adopt a dog in Maine that came from out of state, make sure the rescue or shelter gives you a copy of the 4DX test results. A 4DX test, along with negative results for all four diseases, is required for all dogs that are being brought in across state lines for adoption in Maine.
Thank you for keeping your dog safe and healthy!
(Chart courtesy of Falmouth Veterinary Hospital)
