Even if you are faithfully giving your pet monthly heartworm prevention, you might wonder, “Do I really need to test my pet every year?” The answer is yes. At Fox Veterinary Hospital, we consider heartworm testing a vital part of your pet’s annual health check. Not only does it confirm your pet is free of infection, but it also makes sure your companion’s parasite prevention plan is doing its job. During National Heartworm Awareness Month, find out why this simple test matters more than you might think.
Why Pets Need Annual Heartworm Testing
Heartworm disease often flies under the radar in its early stages. Pets can appear healthy while heartworms are quietly growing inside their heart and lungs, causing damage long before symptoms show up. Even pets on consistent heartworm prevention need testing because:
- Missed or late doses happen, even to the most careful owners
- No prevention method is 100% foolproof
- Pets may spit out or vomit oral medications without you knowing
- Resistance, although very rare, is possible
Yearly testing gives pet owners peace of mind and helps your veterinarian detect infections at the earliest, most treatable stage.
What Happens During a Heartworm Test?
The testing process is quick and stress-free. For dogs, a small blood sample is collected from your pet. The sample is tested for antigens produced by adult female heartworms. Results are typically ready in just a few minutes, often during the same appointment. Testing in cats can prove more difficult, so discuss recommendations with your vet.
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- Puppies: Start prevention early, but if they are over 7 months old and not yet on heartworm prevention, test first.
- Newly Adopted Pets: Always test as part of their initial health screening.
- Adult Dogs: Test annually, regardless of preventive history.
- Adult Cats: Talk to your vet for heartworm testing guidelines
While heartworm prevention, like monthly oral heartworm medications or yearly heartworm injections (for dogs), drastically reduces the risk of infection, no method is perfect. If your pet tests positive, your veterinarian will move quickly to perform additional diagnostics to assess the severity of the infection and develop a treatment plan. Currently, there is only treatment available for heartworm-positive dogs. For felines that test positive, a heartworm treatment plan will revolve around managing symptoms.
The Link Between Testing and Heartworm Prevention
Prevention and testing work best as a team. Testing confirms your pet is clear of infection, while prevention protects them from future exposure. Skipping either step puts your pet at risk. The ideal prevention cycle is:
- Annual heartworm test to confirm heartworm-free status
- Consistent monthly (or yearly) prevention to block infection
- Repeat testing yearly for life
This is a simple, effective way to keep heartworms out of your pet’s life, and testing can be performed during any pet’s wellness exam with a veterinarian.
Early Detection Saves Lives, So Get a Heartworm Test in Elyria, Ohio
Heartworm testing is a small step that can have a big impact on your pet’s health. By making it part of your pet’s annual care routine, you give them the best chance at a long, healthy life free from heartworm disease. Fox Veterinary Hospital makes heartworm testing easy, accurate, and stress-free for pets in Elyria and areas like North Ridgeville, Grafton, and Oberlin, OH. Is your pet due for their annual heartworm test? Book an appointment for their screening and stay ahead of heartworm disease.