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.
Do you need to test for heartworm before medication?
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 you give a dog Heartgard without a heartworm test?
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.
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 get heartworm medicine without a vet?
The FDA recommends that you purchase heartworm medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exclusively through your veterinarian or a prescription, as opposed to an online outlet. Your veterinarian must make a proper diagnosis through blood tests before any medications are administered, reports the FDA.
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