In a word, yes.Heartworm testing is very important to the health of your dog. If your dog is heartworm positive and you put it on certain types of heartworm preventative, it could have detrimental effects, including death.
Can I give my dog heartworm preventative without testing?
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.
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.
How much is a heartworm antigen test?
It's recommended that all dogs be tested annually for heartworm disease, even if they are on heartworm prevention. A heartworm test may range from approximately $35 to $75.
What does the heartworm antigen test for?
Antigen test: A test for heartworm antigen can detect proteins that are shed into the blood stream by an adult female worm; it takes about six months for a worm to reach this stage of maturity.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
How accurate is heartworm antigen test?What months do you give your dog heartworm preventatives?
