Is a Yearly Heartworm Test Necessary?

Heartworm is a parasite. When heartworm infects dogs, it has serious and potentially fatal effects. Heartworm is detected through diagnostic tests. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) recommends annual heartworm testing throughout the United States.

  1. Geography

    • Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms are a threat in every state. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises any pet exposed to mosquitoes should be tested.

    Significance

    • Yearly heartworm tests detect heartworm infection. The AHS reports that nearly 100 percent of dogs exposed to infective heartworm larvae become infected.

    Test

    • The yearly heartworm test uses a blood sample from the dog. A veterinarian collects the blood sample and typically has the test results in a week.

    Prevention

    • The AVMA reports heartworm disease is nearly 100 percent preventable in pets. If the yearly heartworm test shows no infection, FDA-approved preventives are given to protect against heartworm. The preventive must be used before the dog has heartworm disease.

    Benefits

    • When the dog is on heartworm preventives, the yearly heartworm test confirms the pet is not infected and is receiving the appropriate preventive and dosage.