Heartworm Testing

Heartworm disease is serious, but early detection greatly increases the chances for a full recovery. There are few, if any, early signs when a dog or cat is infected with heartworms, regular testing is essential. The test requires a small blood sample which allows us to detect the presence of any heartworm proteins.

All dogs should be tested annually for heartworm infection during their routine wellness visit.

Puppies under seven months can be started on heartworm prevention without a heartworm test, but your pet should be tested six months after starting prevention and then tested again six months later (followed by annual testing). Adult dogs over seven months who have not been on a preventive need to be tested before starting heartworm prevention.

Dogs become infected with heartworms when they are bitten by an infected mosquito that is carrying immature, infective heartworm larvae. These larvae then pass from the mosquito into the dog and move through the tissues of the body. Eventually, they the bloodstream and migrate to the right ventricle of the heart. Dogs can only get heartworms from an infected mosquito. There is no spread from dog to dog, dog to cat, or dog to human.

Annual testing and preventive medication are strongly recommended to keep your dog free from heartworms. Several effective preventive products are available to prevent heartworms in dogs. We can recommend which will work best for your pet.

Our team is pleased to help with any questions or concerns you might have about heartworm testing in Franklin. Schedule an appointment by calling us at (828) 369-8080 today.