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Can you give a dog Heartgard without a heartworm test?

【Expert answer】

Created: 2022-03-07 17:15:13

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Puppies under 7 months of age can be started on heartworm prevention without a heartworm test (it takes at least 6 months for a dog to test positive after it has been infected), but should be tested 6 months after your initial visit, tested again 6 months later and yearly after that to ensure they are heartworm-free.


Can I put my dog on heartworm medicine without testing?

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?

The American Heartworm Society recommends annual heartworm 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.

Does my dog need a heartworm test before Heartgard?

It is recommended by most veterinarians and by the manufacturers of the Heartworm medications that each dog have a test prior to receiving the medications each year, to ensure that the pet is free from Heartworm disease.

Can I give a heartworm positive dog Heartgard?

Heartgard is the safest heartworm prevention for heartworm positive dogs; it is important to remain on heartworm prevention throughout your dog's life. Your dog is on Heartgard for 2-3 months prior to initiating treatment because it kills some of the circulating larval forms before they become adult worms in the heart.

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