How often should adult dogs be tested for heartworms?

Testing adult dogs for heartworms once a year is important for effective disease prevention and management. Heartworm disease can have serious health implications for dogs, and even a dog that is on preventive medication should still be tested annually. This regular testing helps catch any infections that might happen due to missed doses or resistance to the medication.

Annual testing is particularly crucial because heartworm infections can go unnoticed for several months, potentially leading to severe health complications. In areas where heartworm is prevalent, yearly testing allows for early detection and timely treatment if the dog does become infected. This approach protects both the individual animal and helps monitor the overall health of the dog population in a given area.

While more frequent testing might seem beneficial, it is generally not necessary for healthy dogs on preventive care. Testing less frequently or waiting until symptoms appear can lead to advanced disease stages by the time an infection is detected, which emphasizes the importance of annual check-ups.