Dog Heartworm

Name: Veterinary Services
Brand: Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

Dog Heartworm - FAQs 2

How is my dog tested for heartworm disease?

Your dog is tested for heartworm disease annually, ideally during their wellness checkup at the veterinarian. Veterinarians across North America recommend this testing, which is done through a blood test.

When should my dog be tested for heartworms?

Your dog should be screened for heartworm disease every year during their annual wellness checkup. This ensures that any possible infections are caught early and appropriate treatment can be initiated.

If my dog tests positive, do I need additional tests?

Yes, if your dog tests positive for heartworm disease, additional tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease. These tests may include a complete blood count, urine tests to check for organ damage, chest x-rays to assess the lungs and heart size, and potentially a heart ultrasound.

If my dog is on prevention, do they still need a yearly heartworm test?

Yes, even if your dog is on heartworm prevention, they still need a yearly test. This is because heartworms have developed resistant strains that can sometimes evade preventive measures. Additionally, there's a human factor – pet owners may forget to give the preventive medication as directed or may be late in providing the necessary injections. Regular testing ensures early detection and treatment of heartworm disease if it does occur despite being on preventive measures. If your dog is on heartworm prevention, we’re screening them annually, and they still end up getting heartworm disease, we’re here to help you. We have some wonderful treatments, which we can discuss if your pet gets heartworm disease.

If you have any concerns or questions about your dog and heartworm disease, we invite you to reach out to your local veterinarian or Blue Oasis Pet Hospital for expert advice.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/BlueOasisPetHospital/, https://www.instagram.com/blueoasispet/

Dog Heartworm - FAQs 3

Dr. Noël Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

Can prevention be used to clear a heartworm infection?

No, prevention should not be used to treat a heartworm infection. Once a dog has been diagnosed with a heartworm infection and its stage is determined, it is recommended that dogs undergo specific treatment with a medication called melarsamine or midicide, as recommended by the American Heartworm Society.

Are there any holistic or over-the-counter dog heartworm preventatives?

No, there are no holistic or over-the-counter heartworm preventatives that are considered safe or effective.

Can I do anything in my dog's environment to reduce the risk of heartworms?

Heartworms are carried by mosquitoes, so reducing the risk of mosquitoes in your yard might help. However, this often involves using insecticides which could be potentially harmful to you or your pet. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are the carriers of heartworm disease and they are everywhere, so completely eliminating the risk is not possible.

What should I do if I miss a dose of my dog's heartworm prevention?

First, don't panic. Ideally, just administer the heartworm prevention at the next due date. If you have any questions about the timing, reach out to your veterinarian for guidance. They will be happy to help you determine the appropriate course of action based on the type of prevention your pet is using.

There are several types of heartworm prevention available for dogs. The most common type is oral prevention. There are also topical treatments and injectable preventatives that can last up to six months or even a full year. The best option for your pet depends on their specific needs and your veterinarian's recommendations.