The Importance of Annual Heartworm Testing for Your Pet

Heartworm disease is a silent but serious threat to pets — especially in warmer climates like Georgia where mosquitoes are active year-round. While prevention is critical, annual heartworm testing is just as important to ensure your pet remains healthy and free of parasites.

In this post, we’ll explain why yearly testing is essential, even for pets on preventatives, and how it plays a key role in your pet’s long-term wellness.

What Is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that’s transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. These worms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of dogs, and less commonly, cats — causing damage that can be life-threatening if untreated.

Symptoms can include:

• Coughing
  
• Fatigue
  
• Weight loss
  
• Labored breathing
  
• Collapse (in advanced cases)
  

In cats, signs may be subtle or mistaken for asthma or other conditions.

Why Annual Testing Matters

You might wonder: If my pet is on a heartworm preventative, why test every year?

Here’s why:

No Preventative is 100% Foolproof

Even the most reliable medications can fail due to:

• Missed doses and too long between doses
  
• Improper administration
  
• Pets spitting out or vomiting the medication
  
• Resistant strains of heartworms

Early Detection is Critical

The earlier we detect heartworm infection, the better the chances of treating it safely and successfully — before major organ damage occurs.

Required for Continuing Prevention

Many veterinary clinics (including ours) require a negative heartworm test before continuing prescriptions for prevention — to ensure safety and compliance. Even if your pup misses just one dose, they can become infected (especially in warmer weather when Mosquitos are most active). Giving heartworm prevention when your pet is infected can cause anaphylactic shock in some cases and can be fatal.

What the Test Involves

Heartworm testing is a simple blood test that can be performed during your pet’s annual wellness visit. Results are typically available within minutes, allowing for fast action if treatment is needed.

Prevention is Still the First Line of Defense

While annual testing is crucial, year-round prevention is the only way to keep your pet safe. Monthly chewables, topicals, or injections prescribed by your vet offer powerful protection — but only when given consistently.

Book Your Pet’s Heartworm Test and Pick Up Prevention Today

Heartworm disease is easy to prevent, difficult to treat, and often fatal when left unchecked. Annual testing ensures that prevention is working and gives your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life.

At Countryside Animal Hospital, we offer fast, affordable heartworm testing and customized prevention plans for both dogs and cats. Book an Appointment or Call Us Today (770) 788- 7387