You give your pet monthly heartworm preventatives, so testing might seem like an unnecessary extra step. But here’s the truth: annual heartworm testing is essential—even for pets on parasite prevention. At Heritage Animal Clinic, we have seen how early testing saves lives and prevents long-term complications from heartworm disease.

Why Annual Heartworm Testing Should Not Be Optional

Over 100,000 dogs are diagnosed with heartworm each year in the US. Heartworm disease often develops with no outward signs. A dog or cat may seem perfectly healthy, while heartworms are quietly growing and damaging the lungs and heart. Prevention isn’t fail-proof. Testing acts as your pet’s first line of defense in catching infections early. Getting a heartworm test yearly for dogs matters because:

• Heartworm prevention isn’t retroactive—it only kills larvae acquired the previous month.
• Missed or late doses happen more often than we think.
• Pets may vomit or spit out oral preventatives without the owner realizing it.
• No product is 100% guaranteed, so testing adds a critical safety net.

Even the most responsible pet owners can’t guarantee perfect administration every time. Annual heartworm testing catches infections before they become serious or even life-threatening.

What Happens During a Heartworm Test?

The testing process is quick and relatively stress-free. A small blood sample is collected from your pet. An antigen test is performed to detect heartworm proteins from adult female worms. The results are often ready in just a few minutes. This test is typically included in your pet’s annual wellness visit, making it easy to stay on top of.

• Dogs should be tested once a year, even if current on prevention.
• Puppies around 7 months should have a heartworm test before a preventative.
• Newly adopted or rescued pets should be tested right away.
• Cats, while harder to test accurately, should still be assessed based on risk factors and lifestyle.

Once your pet’s test is negative, you can continue giving them their monthly heartworm prevention. Heartworm preventatives eliminate larvae before they can mature into harmful adult worms.

What My Pet Tests Positive for Heartworm Disease?

If your pet tests positive, your veterinarian will perform additional diagnostics to determine how advanced the infection is, whether the heart or lungs have already been affected, and how to proceed with treatment. For dogs, treatment involves a combination of medications, exercise restriction, and follow-up care over several months. Cats, unfortunately, have no approved heartworm treatment, so their care will revolve around managing symptoms.

Get Heartworm Testing for Your Pet in Madison, Alabama

Annual heartworm testing is fast and possibly lifesaving. Getting the test verifies that your pet’s protection plan is working as it should. At Heritage Animal Clinic, we believe in catching heartworm disease early so that pets can live longer lives by your side. Is your pet due for their heartworm screening in Madison or nearby cities like Huntsville or Athens? Book an appointment and make sure your pet is fully protected from heartworms year-round.