• Home
  • Can I give my dog heartworm preventative without testing?

Can I give my dog heartworm preventative without testing?

【Expert answer】

Created: 2022-05-27 14:21:11

Any Q

If a heartworm-positive dog is not tested before starting a preventive, the dog will remain infected with adult heartworms until it gets sick enough to show symptoms. Heartworm preventives do not kill adult heartworms. Also, giving a heartworm preventive to a dog infected with adult heartworms may be harmful or deadly. 22 авг. 2019 г.


Can you give heartworm meds without a test?

The preventatives will not kill adult heartworms, so the only way to be sure your pet is free of heartworm disease is to have the blood test performed.

Can I give my dog Heartgard without testing?

It's important to never give Heartgard to any pet that has not been tested for heartworm disease. Heartworm preventative medication such as Heartgard cannot kill adult heartworms, but instead kills the baby heartworms known as microfilariae.

Can I just give my dog heartworm medicine?

If at the initial test, your dog is found to have heartworms, treatment will be needed before prevention can begin. However, if your dog is in the clear, he can be started on monthly medication to protect him from the disease.

Can I start my dog on heartworm prevention?

You can also protect your pet from the debilitating symptoms associated with the disease. Puppies can begin heartworm preventative medication from as young as 6/8 weeks old. If your pup is a little older (age 6 months plus) it is important that she is given a heartworm test before preventative medication is given.

More useful articles on a similar topic 👇

Do dogs need heartworm meds all the time?
How often does my dog need a heartworm test?

We found an interesting video answer to your question!

The answer is near 👇

Was this article helpful?

Yes No

Thanks so much for your feedback!

Have more questions? Submit a request

Recent FAQ

  • What foods should I avoid if my dog has a yeast infection?

    • When some dogs eat ingredients such as chicken, wheat, corn or other individual items, ingestion will trigger an allergic reaction that can alter the natural flora and allow an unnatural growth of (...)

  • What can I put on my dogs skin rash?

    • Soothing shampoos (aloe or oatmeal based). Wiping off your dog's paws and belly after a walk, to remove pollen and other potential allergens. Hydrocortisone cream is usually okay to apply for a few (...)

  • When you deworm a dog do the worms come out alive?

    • Most deworming treatments work in two to six hours after administration. Some medications will dissolve the worms while some will paralyze them. Paralyzed worms pass through the intestinal tract an (...)

  • What is pancreatitis in dogs?

    • Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammatory reaction within the pancreas that can result in abdominal pain, inappetence, and vomiting. The inflammation results from the inappropriate, early activation (...)

  • Do Golden Retrievers have a good sense of smell?

    • Golden Retrievers have a great sense of smell and were bred to locate and retrieve game birds for hunters, a task that requires a highly developed nose. A dog's sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 (...)

Comments

Leave a Comment

QR Link 📱

Email us