Heartworm Testing in Mandeville, LA
At Mandeville Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to the health of your pet. Therefore, we strongly recommend that dogs, even those on monthly prevention, be tested for heartworms. We will run this test as part of your pet's regular wellness visit.
How We Support Your Pet:
- Running Heartworm Tests to Detect This Potentially Fatal Disease
- Providing Education on Heartworms
- Prescribing monthly heartworm and parasite prevention
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body. Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats and ferrets, but heartworms also live in other mammal species, including wolves, coyotes, foxes, sea lions. In South Louisiana, we have one of the highest rates of the disease in the country, so it is crucial that every pet is on preventative.
How Often Should My Pet Be Tested for Heartworms?
Your adult dog should be tested for heartworms once per year, during their routine wellness visit. If you have a puppy under seven months old, they should begin heartworm prevention treatment and subsequently be tested for heartworms every six months for a year. After a year, they should be tested for heartworms annually. Dogs older than seven months, who have not been on a heartworm prevention treatment, must be tested before starting prevention treatment.
How Does a Dog or Cat Get Heartworm Disease?
Dogs and cats become infected with heartworms when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Dogs and cats can only get heartworms from infected mosquitoes. There is no spread from dog to dog, dog to cat, or dog to human.
Can I Prevent Heartworms?
Yes, as a pet owner, you can prevent your pet from getting heartworms! Preventive medication is extremely effective. During your visit, after your pet has tested negative for heartworms, we will recommend the preventive treatment best for you.
For more information about heartworm testing and prevention or to make an appointment with your Mandeville veterinarian, please call us today!
