Heartworm Disease, Testing and Prevention

GAHC follows American Heartworm Society guidelines and recommends heartworm prevention once monthly, all year long, for all dogs. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitos and has been diagnosed in all fifty states. All dogs, even those that are inside only and never go outside should be on heartworm prevention. Cats are susceptible to heartworm disease and prevention is available for them as well. In addition to preventing heartworm disease, heartworm prevention prevents most intestinal parasites, some of which are transmissible to people. So, heartworm prevention not only protects your pets but your family as well.

Heartworm testing is done yearly. It is a blood test, takes about 8 minutes and also looks for tick transmitted diseases. Dogs that have not been on heartworm prevention should have a repeat test 6 months after the first test and start of prevention to verify they are free of heartworms. We never recommend for dogs to go off heartworm prevention during the winter months. Always give heartworm prevention all year long. Not only can we see days just warm enough for bring out mosquitos in the winter, but a lapse in prevention leaves pets susceptible to intestinal parasites as well.