Many people believe that if their dog is on heartworm preventative year-round, they do need to have their dog’s blood tested annually for heartworm disease. This could be a big mistake. There is always a possibility of missing a monthly dose or the dog vomiting a dose and their owner not realizing it. The result would mean no protection for an entire month.
Recently, there has been discovered a heartworm strain in the South showing resistance to heartworm medications. Though our area appears unaffected, heartworm testing may be more important than ever.
Treating a dog that already has the disease is effective, but is also expensive and can be dangerous. It is infinitely better to protect your dog with a heartworm preventative than to subject them to treatment after they acquire the disease. Don’t forget to give heartworm medications!
For a heart worm blood test or to schedule an examination, please call Hudson Veterinary Hospital at (330) 650-2929.