• PET PORTAL APP
  • REQUEST REFILL
Port Elgin Veterinary Clinic's logo
Port Elgin Veterinary Clinic's homepage
  • GET IN TOUCH519-389-2020
  • REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Cat Friendly Practice
    • Careers
    • Hospital Tour
    • Our Community
    • Our Policies
  • Pet Care
    • Dog & Cat Services
    • New Pet Owner Information
  • Online Store
  • Resources
    • Pet Portal App
    • Pre-Appointment Questionnaire
    • Useful Links
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Contact us to book your pet's next appointment.

Heartworm Testing for Pets

Early detection of heartworm is key to ensuring your pet's health.

Contact Us

Heartworms are deadly parasites that can infect your pet. These types of worms are more commonly found in dogs than cats. As dogs are the perfect hosts, heartworms can survive for years living inside them and multiplying significantly. Heartworms are transmitted to pets when infected mosquitoes bite them. The mosquito carries larvae which they pass on to pets, and those worms will then mature and reach essential organs such as the heart. To prevent an infection, we recommend prevention medication for our patients.

What are signs that my pet has heartworms?

It is not always easy to spot signs that your pet is infected with heartworms. Some pets can go months without showing symptoms. This is why your veterinarian will recommend routine testing to catch an infection before they multiply and are harder to flush out. Some signs that your pet may have heartworms are:

  1.  Weight loss
  2.  Decreased appetite
  3.  Fatigue
  4.  Reluctance to exercise
  5.  Swollen belly
  6.  Persistent dry cough

Call us at 519-389-2020 if you’ve spotted these signs in your pet. 

How are heartworms diagnosed?

We test for heartworms by performing an antigen test. When your pet has heartworms, they release proteins into the bloodstream. Antigen tests can detect heartworms 6 ½ to 7 months after infection. The veterinarian may also recommend other diagnostic tests like ultrasounds or X-rays to examine the heart and lungs.

When should my pet be tested?

It is recommended that dogs have routine heartworm testing each year. As mentioned before, it takes approximately 6 months to detect this parasite, so your pet should be tested within that time after heartworm season. Your veterinarian will also recommend testing before your pet begins heartworm prevention.

What is heartworm prevention medication?

Heartworm prevention is a great way to protect your pet from infection. Prevention medication can be taken orally or applied to the skin. The medicine needs to be administered according to a strict schedule, as a late or missed dose can leave your pet vulnerable.

Return to Dog & Cat Services

Explore

About UsPet CareOnline StoreResourcesBlogContact Us

Respecting your privacy

Cookie PolicyPrivacy Policy

Port Elgin Veterinary Clinic


Copyright © 2023 Port Elgin Veterinary Clinic

Company's registered name: Port Elgin Veterinary Clinic

|

Registered Address: RR #1, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C5

Menu

  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Cat Friendly Practice
    • Careers
    • Hospital Tour
    • Our Community
    • Our Policies
  • Pet Care
    • Dog & Cat Services
    • New Pet Owner Information
  • Online Store
  • Resources
    • Pet Portal App
    • Pre-Appointment Questionnaire
    • Useful Links
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
  • PET PORTAL APP
  • REQUEST REFILL

Call Us

  • GET IN TOUCH
  • REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Our Cookies

We use cookies on our website to make it easier for you to use. Read more.

About Cookies

Our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users of our website. This helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browser our website and also allows us to improve our website. See our cookie policy.

Cookie settings

We use 3 different types of cookies on our website. You can say which ones you're happy for us to use below.

Functional cookies

These cookies do things like keep the website secure. They always need to be on.

Analytics cookies

These cookies store information about how you use our website, such as what you click on.

Marketing cookies

These cookies do things like tell us if you've seen our adverts on social media, such as Facebook or Twitter.