Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects dogs and, less commonly, cats. Because it can develop silently and progress before showing obvious symptoms, regular testing is one of the best ways to protect your pet’s health. At Pennsylvania Veterinary Care in Lansing, MI, our team of veterinarians recommends annual testing to keep your pet safe and ensure early detection if exposure occurs.
Detecting Heartworms Early
Heartworms can live in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels, causing lasting damage if left untreated. Regular testing allows veterinarians to detect an infection in its earliest stages. Often before your pet shows symptoms such as coughing, fatigue, or weight loss. The earlier heartworms are found, the safer and more effective treatment can be.
Ensuring Prevention Works
Most pets are placed on monthly heartworm prevention, but no product is 100% foolproof. A missed dose, delayed refill, or even your pet spitting out medication can leave it unprotected. Annual testing ensures that your pet’s prevention plan is working as intended and provides peace of mind for pet owners.
Protecting Long-Term Health
Heartworm disease can lead to severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs if left untreated. By testing regularly, you’re taking a proactive step in preventing these long-term complications. It’s a small investment of time that can make a huge difference in your pet’s quality of life.
Safe, Simple, and Reliable
The test itself is quick, involving a small blood sample that can often be processed right in the clinic. With fast results, you’ll know almost immediately whether your pet is protected or requires follow-up care.
Call Our Veterinarians near You to Schedule Your Pet’s Heartworm Test Today
Prevention and early detection go hand in hand when it comes to keeping pets healthy. At Pennsylvania Veterinary Care in Lansing, MI, we’re here to guide you through every step of heartworm prevention and treatment. Call us today at (517) 393-8010 to schedule your pet’s heartworm test and keep it protected year-round.