04/02/2026
Just last week, we diagnosed a patient who tested negative last spring and is now positive. We knew this needed to be April’s focus (and promo)—it is Heartworm Awareness Month, after all.
Heartworm is a deadly disease that has long been associated with the southern United States, but we’re now seeing more cases locally—even in dogs that have never left the state.
It is spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it can pick up the disease and pass it along to the next.
Routine testing and prevention are far safer—and far more affordable—than treatment. Heartworm treatment is a long and involved process, often taking at least 120 days. It requires strict activity restriction (no dog park, no play dates), multiple veterinary visits, and daily medications. It’s not easy on pets—or their people.
Even if your pet isn’t due for screening for a few more months, there’s no downside to testing a little early. Early detection is always better than playing catch-up.
Give us a call to schedule an appointment. If we’ve seen your pup within the last 12 months, the screening can usually be done during a quick tech visit.
