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.
How long does it take for heartworm to show up?
The earliest that the heartworm proteins can be detected in a dog's bloodstream is about 5 months after it is bitten by an infected mosquito.
What are the first signs of heartworms in dogs?
A persistent, dry cough is a common sign seen in dogs with heartworm disease. The cough caused by heartworm disease can be one of the first signs you notice in an otherwise healthy-appearing dog. Lethargy and reluctance to exercise are also common signs described in dogs with heartworm disease.
How long is heartworm undetected?
Dogs are typically heartworm tested prior to transport, but due to the life cycle of the heartworm, there is a window where dogs may test negative but still have heartworms. Heartworm in these dogs may go undetected for several months or more, allowing them to serve as a source of infection for other dogs.
How soon after heartworm treatment will a dog test negative?
While 100% of adult worms might be dead at the 6-month point, residual heartworm antigen in circulation is detectable for a time and could lead to an invalid test result. Waiting an additional 3 months allows time for the antigen to be cleared from the dog.
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