As responsible dog parents, we must ensure our furry best friends are happy, healthy, and safe. A critical part of keeping your dog healthy is an annual heartworm checkup. According to the American Heartworm Society, more than one million American pets have heartworms!
But you might wonder, “Why does my dog need this every year, especially if they’re on prevention medication?”
Keep reading to clearly understand the reasons for this potentially lifesaving test for man’s best friend!
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a serious – and potentially fatal – illness caused by mature, foot-long worms (looking like cooked spaghetti) in your dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association) Heartworm can only be transmitted through mosquito bites (meaning heartworm disease is not contagious to other pets or humans.)
When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic baby worms or larvae (called microfilaria). When that same mosquito bites your dog, it can pass the larvae into their bloodstream. Once mature, heartworms can live for 5-7 years in dogs (and 2-3 years in cats) and do a significant amount of damage. (Source: American Heartworm Society: Heartworm Basics)
Heartworms can cause severe damage to your dog’s heart, lungs, and other organs. If left untreated, the disease can ultimately be fatal. (Heartworms can also be found in wildlife, including foxes, coyotes, or wolves.)
Why Do (ALL) Dogs Need An Annual Heartworm Test?
Even if your dog is on monthly heartworm prevention medication, an annual test is still essential. Here’s why:
- Timing is Everything
It takes around six months for the larvae to develop into mature adult heartworms and be detected by your veterinarian. That’s why annual blood testing is crucial. (Source: FDA.gov)
- Prevention Isn’t 100% Perfect
- Heartworm prevention medications are highly effective, but no medicine is foolproof. There’s a small chance your dog could still get heartworms, even if they’re on preventive medication.
- Missing a dose or giving the medication late can also increase the risk. A yearly heartworm test helps detect the disease early before it causes significant damage.
- Early Detection Saves Lives
- Heartworm disease doesn’t show symptoms until it’s well-advanced. When you finally notice signs like coughing, fatigue, or weight loss, the worms may have already caused severe – and irreversible – harm to your dog’s organs. (Source: PetMD)
- A simple, annual blood test can help catch the disease when it’s still treatable.
- Safety Before Starting (or Continuing) Prevention
If your dog is already infected with heartworms, giving them prevention medication can be dangerous. The medication can kill the young heartworms but may also cause a potentially life-threatening reaction in your dog’s body. Before starting or continuing prevention, confirm your dog is heartworm-free with an annual test.
- Heartworm Disease is Found Everywhere
- Today, heartworm disease is found in all 50 states.
- Even if your dog lives where mosquitoes are less common, they can still be at risk, especially if you travel with them to different places with higher concentrations of mosquitoes.
- Also, if you live in or visit areas with large wildlife populations, your dog could be at a higher risk if any wildlife is infected.
What Happens During a Heartworm Test?
- Your veterinarian will take a small, quick blood sample from your dog and test it for heartworm proteins.
- If the test is negative, you can breathe easier and continue your prevention plan.
- If it’s positive, your vet will guide you through the following steps, which usually include further tests and medical treatments, including injections and topical solutions.
How to Prevent Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm prevention is much easier, safer, and cheaper than treating the disease. Most heartworm preventatives are given monthly, either as a chewable tablet, a topical liquid applied to the skin, or an injectable medication every six months. It’s essential to stay on schedule with these preventatives to protect your dog. (Source: Merck Manual Veterinary Manual)
The Final Word
Annual heartworm testing is vital to keeping your dog healthy (and cats and ferrets!). A yearly blood test ensures they’re protected from this dangerous disease, even on prevention medication. Early detection can save your dog’s life and prevent painful, potentially toxic, and costly treatments.
Schedule your dog’s heartworm test today to give them the best chance at a long, healthy life!
Cane Corso Breeding: For Us, It’s Personal!
That’s why our dogs are tested annually for heartworm disease!
