Heartworms are worms that live inside the heart. You will not see the worms in the stool. These worms are spread by mosquitoes, so every dog is at risk, and they do not have to be in contact with other dogs. Heartworms eventually lead to heart failure, usually in 3-5 years.
How do I find out if my dog has heartworms? Testing requires a blood test. Cost is $28.00, with the results in ten minutes.
What if the test is positive? Treatment is recommended. Cost is $600.00-$1000.00 for most dogs. Includes: X-ray, blood work, sedatives, pain medication, treatment injections, four days hospitalization, follow up visits and testing. Dogs will need to be confined for 6-8 weeks following treatment.
What if I can’t afford treatment? We can discuss options to keep your dog as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.
What if the test is negative? We strongly recommend heartworm prevention. Even though your dog may not have heartworms now, we want to keep your dog heartworm free.
Prevention Options:
Heartgard Plus: (Ivermectin/Pyrantel) Heartworm prevention in an easy-to give chew. Also controls roundworms and hookworms.
Iverheart Plus: (Ivermectin/pyrantel) Generic heartworm prevention in a flavored tablet. Also controls roundworm and hookworms.
Sentinel: (Milbemycin oxime/Lufenuron) Heartworm prevention in a flavored tablet combined with an insect growth regulator. (kills flea eggs but not adult fleas) Also controls roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.
Trifexis: (Milbemycin oxime/Spinosad) Heartworm prevention in a flavored tablet combined with Comfortis, a fast-acting flea control that kills fleas starting in 30 minutes. Also controls roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.
Advantage Multi: (Moxidectin/Imidacloprid) Heartworm prevention in a topical solution that also controls fleas. Also controls roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and sarcoptic mange.