How often should dogs be tested for heartworms?

Frequency of Heartworm Testing in Dogs

Dogs should be tested for heartworms at least once a year, typically during their annual veterinary check-up. However, if you live in an area where heartworm disease is prevalent or if your dog is at a higher risk due to lifestyle factors (like spending a lot of time outdoors), your veterinarian may recommend more frequent testing, possibly every six months. Additionally, if your dog is on a preventative medication, it’s crucial to continue regular testing to ensure that the prevention is effective. Early detection of heartworms is vital, as treatment can be more complicated and risky if the disease progresses significantly.

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