More Heartworm Facts
(continued from the March Newsletter)

When does heartworm season start?
Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos. As the spring starts to take hold (finally!) we will soon see the mosquitos buzzing along. Traditionally, heartworm "season" is from April until after the first solid frost, usually December.

When does my dog start heartworm preventative? We recommended healthy pets start on heartworm preventative in the spring. Usually April or May. The medicine is given once monthly. We recommend giving it on the same day of the month each month. We find that the first of every month is easy to remember.

Does my dog need a test before starting?
In the past, we tested dogs before starting heartworm preventative. This is helpful to detect heartworm disease at it's earliest state.

Do puppies need heartworm testing?
If a puppy is under six months of age, it can be started on heartworm preventative without testing. Due to their growing size, some puppies may need to be weighed each month for accurate dosing.

Can I keep my dog on heartworm every month?
Some clients do find it easier to give their dog's medication every month. Seasonal (April-December) is also reasonable as the risk of heartworm in the dead of winter is minimal and we like the animals to have some break from the medication during the off months.

Can some dogs get sick from heartworm preventative?
Although uncommon, some dogs may experience vomiting or diarrhea after taking the heartworm preventative. In many cases, it may be due to the beef flavoring that is in the chewable form. A change to the tablet can easy resolve that. In rare instances, dogs that have epilepsy may not be able to take heartworm preventative due to seizure interaction.

Do cats take heartworm preventative?
While cats can get heartworm disease, we do not recommend routine heartworm preventative for our feline patients.

What does the test look for?
The heartworm test is a blood test that looks for evidence of adult heartworms.

Can heartworm be treated?
In the majority of cases, heartworm can be treated with a few injections that are given in the hospital. Each patient is evaluate based on their age, symptoms (if any), as well as if they have any other health problems. Some cases may require other types of treatment depending on the individual patient.