Need advice about heartworm test

[Posey]

Nicky has been given Heartgard to protect against heartworms since he was 8 weeks old. He is now over two-and has been given his Heartgard worm medicine every month. Is it necessary to have him tested for heartworms or not? He is not outside in early morning or afterdark. I had a dog tested once and he was not given Heartgard, except in the summer. Nicks been given his year around and never missed it. Help with answers and other comments needed and appreciated.

We live in the Midwest.

Posey

[Guest amama207]

My Tassie has a hesrtworm test every year as a part of her annual check up and immunizations. I never thought about weather is is necessary. She gets heart worm tabs every month too.

[hallswel]

Rebel was tested at his first checkup about one year after we started the medicine but I understood the vet to say they only test that first year to make sure the pills are working and it is safe to keep him on them.

[kayharley]

My girls get tested every year for heartworm even though they are on the Heartguard medication. From what I understand, if by some remote chance your dog does contact heartworm and is given the medication, it can be fatal.

I can be wrong however....best to ask your vet when he/she recommends.

[Eliz222]

My vet tests every year too. Scout was taking the 6 month shot, but now she (and the puppy) are on the monthly Heartguard.

[Posey]

Many thanks Forum friends, we just got back from the vet. He tested Nicky for heartworms-wonderful-test negative! The Heartgard has worked for the two years he has been on it. The vet said that if Nicky contacts heartworms that Heartgard will pay for the cost of treatment when he is tested again next year. I thought that the medicine always works. I didn't know that it didn't always work until I read it in one of your post. He gave him an injection for his up-chucking, and said we have need to not let him eat "bugs'!! Now to convince Nick about that.

Posey

I was frightened when I found out that Heartgard sometimes wasn't foolproof! So the ones on the Forum; whose vets test their dogs for these heartworms are doing right. And gave me good directions, thanks again guys!!

[Posey]

My Tassie has a hesrtworm test every year as a part of her annual check up and immunizations.  I never thought about weather is is necessary.  She gets heart worm tabs every month too.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[toomanypaws]

In order to use the heartworm medication according to label instructions, a heartworm test must be performed yearly. Vets have a guideline they have to follow and they must administer medicine according to the label or face a possible lawsuit. Vets can't be 100% sure that "fido" received his heartworm every month and that a dosage wasn't missed. Nor can a vet be sure that "fido" didn't vomit one that the owner was unaware of. To insure the health of your dog, it's best to have the heartworm test done yearly.

[Posey]

It is important to have your dog tested every year. Now I realize that. But I always remember to give Nicky his Heartgard everymonth the same day. And I watch him and keep him right with me for a full day after he takes it. But we do need to make sure they don't upchuck their tab. Nick never has-even as a baby.