[ash04ley]

In my perspective.. if the dog has never been on heartworm meds, YES. Mainly as a precaution, because missing the infection and then just having the dog on meds for a year, or during mosquito season, you will completely miss the infection and provide plenty of time for a major problem to develope(ie. ADULTS thriving, although most likely sterile). I live in northern WI and mosquitos are a severe pest. Its not taken lightly by me. Yearly test are still advisory around here, and its worth it.

If your other dogs have NEVER EVER been tested, it'd be a good idea to get them tested. Dont necessarily stop the monthly heartgard, but there can be adult worms surviving through the heartgard meds. Heartgard only prevents and cures an infection of larvae, NOT ADULTS. So, while you may be doing the right thing to prevent heartworm, the adult larvae can still thrive.

That being said, testing is done to see if there is any evidence of young heartworm, even deceased. Not sure EXACTLY on what they look for. But seeing traces of Larvae would mean that there is a current problem. Heartgard WILL prevent L3 and L4 larvae(early stages) but it will not terminate the ADULTS. Imagine... RATS. in an infested house... killing just the babies with traps and poison... but the Adults are smart and keep hidden in the walls and possibly producing offspring and definately growing larger and larger. same deal.

on a side note.. adult worms can become 12 inches long. YUCK. I cant imagine allowing that to happen to my dogs. no way. not ever.

You will be saving money compared to what you would have to pay to do a full clean sweep of an infected dog. Were also talking possible Liver/Kidney/Lung failure..and could wind up in death.

Sorry for my rant.. i just believe its SO WORTH IT