MyTrixie143 | 04-28-2013 10:14 AM | Quote:
Originally Posted by dawn27
(Post 4196286)
I just dont get why if I treat my dog year round than why do they make me get them tested every year?
Does everyone else's vet test for heartworm once a year? | This is standard procedure. The heartworm medicines you give monthly while they are a preventative, they are also used as a treatment as well. When a dog is HW positive, they give them doses of ivermectin (one of the heartworm meds you can get) to kill the larvae along with injections that kill off the adults. The problem is that once using it in a hw positive dog, it can cause massive killings which can end up blocking passageways as the dead worms pile up.
So testing is required because if you give your dog the medicine and your dog is heartworm positive, you can actually kill your dog. Also remember that the heartworm preventatives kill larvae, not adults. If your dog isn't tested but your giving him HeartGuard year round, your dog can still end up dying from adult infestations (which you wouldn't know your dog had unless they were tested) because you are only treating the immature heart worms. It takes around 6 months for them to mature to adults, so while that test last year your dog had was negative, if it has been longer than 6 months your dog could then be positive which is why it should be done every year.
I use to feel the same way, I couldn't understand why I had to have my dog tested every year if they were kept on it year round. But once I learned why, I'm glad they required the testing. It is actually for the safety and well being of your dog.
Hope this helps some.:animal-pa |