Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially fatal condition spread by mosquitoes, and Joplin pets are at risk year-round. Regular heartworm testing is the only way to catch infection early and start life-saving treatment before severe heart and lung damage occurs.
Why Annual Heartworm Testing Matters
Even pets on prevention can miss doses or spit out medication, leaving a window of vulnerability. An annual blood test helps confirm your dog is protected, guides safe use of preventatives, and gives peace of mind that hidden infections are not progressing silently.
What to Expect at a Heartworm Visit
During your pet’s appointment, our team performs a quick blood draw, often with results available the same day through our in-house lab. The visit also includes a brief physical exam so the veterinarian can check for early signs of heart or lung changes and review your pet’s overall wellness and lifestyle.
Prevention Plans Tailored to Joplin Pets
After testing, Dr. Bentley will recommend a heartworm prevention plan that aligns with your pet’s age, weight, and daily routine. Using our in-house pharmacy, most pets can go home the same day with safe, effective preventatives to protect against heartworm and often other parasites like fleas and intestinal worms.
When to Test and How Often
Most dogs should be tested yearly, starting around 7 months of age, and anytime prevention has been missed or interrupted. If your pet has skipped doses, changed medications, or is newly adopted with an unknown history, scheduling a heartworm test as soon as possible is an important first step.