Heartworm Testing

One important way to keep your pets healthy is to protect against heartworm, which is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets. Once a dog or cat gets heartworm, it can be very difficult to treat. That's why it's so important to be proactive in preventing this deadly condition. At Jane Animal Hospital in Toronto, we're well equipped to help dogs and cats avoid getting heartworm. Read on to learn all about heartworm, how to prevent it, and how we can help. If you have any further concerns, please call us at 416-762-5558.

What is heartworm testing?

Heartworm testing is a simple blood test that can determine whether or not your pet has heartworms. Our veterinarian can perform this test, and when it is negative the veterinarian will know it is safe to prescribe heartworm prevention medication for your pet.

When should my pet be tested for heartworm?

Dogs should be tested every single year at their annual or semi-annual pet wellness checkup. Even a dog that has previously tested negative and has been given regular heartworm medication should still be tested to make sure that the animal remains free of heartworms.

What happens if my dog tests positive for heartworms?

Fortunately, there is a treatment for heartworm. However, it is quite a serious therapy that will not be easy on your pet's body and can even prove to be toxic. Additionally, the treatment is quite expensive. As with many other medical issues, the best treatment for heartworm will always be prevention.

How do I prevent heartworms?

The best way to avoid heartworms for your cherished pet is through annual testing with a veterinarian combined with monthly medication.

How do pets get heartworms?

Heartworms also afflict many wild animals. Mosquitoes can transmit the worm eggs from one animal to another. Even if there are no instances of heartworm, an unprotected animal is highly susceptible to catching heartworms. Heartworms are very common to dogs and infected dogs can pass the disease onto their offspring.