Heartworm Prevention

When should my dog be tested?

All dogs should be tested annually for heartworm infection, and this can usually be done during a routine visit for preventive care. Following are guidelines on testing and timing:

Puppies under 8 months of age can be started on heartworm prevention without a heartworm test (it takes at least 6 months for a dog to test positive after it has been infected) but should be tested at your 10-month visit.

Adult dogs over 7 months of age and previously not on a preventive need to be tested prior to starting heartworm prevention. They, too, need to be tested 6 months and 12 months later and annually after that.
If there has been a lapse in prevention (one or more late or missed doses), dogs should be tested immediately, then tested again six months later and annually after that.

Annual testing is necessary, even when dogs are on heartworm prevention year-round, to ensure that the prevention program is working. “Heartworm medications are highly effective, but dogs can still become infected. If you miss just one dose of a monthly medication—or give it late—it can leave your dog unprotected. Even if you give the medication as recommended, your dog may spit out or vomit a heartworm pill—or rub off a topical medication. Heartworm preventives are highly effective, but not 100 percent effective. If you don’t get your dog tested, you won’t know your dog needs treatment.”

When should my cat be tested?

Heartworm infection in cats is harder to detect than in dogs because cats are much less likely than dogs to have adult heartworms. The preferred method for screening cats includes the use of both an antigen and an antibody test (the “antibody” test detects exposure to heartworm larvae). Your veterinarian may also use x-rays or ultrasound to look for heartworm infection. Cats should be tested before being put on prevention and re-tested as the veterinarian deems appropriate to document continued exposure and risk. Because there is no approved treatment for heartworm infection in cats, prevention is critical.

Our clinic’s recommendations for prevention:

Any kind that gets into your pet. We highly recommend Heartgard, Trifexis, and Revolution, but WE LOVE Pro-Heart injection. Why? Because fewer dogs have missed doses. you don’t have to remember it. We text you to tell you to come in and you don’t have to worry about fighting to get your pet to take the pill. It is so easy and only takes 20 minutes of time 2x a year. What is pro heart? Pro- Heart is an injection that gives heartworm protection for 6 months. You don’t have to remember anything. We will text you when you are due. Then you come in and our friendly staff will administer it and you are done. In many cases, it is even cheaper than the one-month pills. Call us today at 309-981-5112 to get your dog on year-round protection.

Head over to the American Heartworm Society to find out their guidelines for treating and protecting your pet.