Heartworm Testing

[PrincessDiana]

I had a question about how effective the heartworm test is. Do the HWs have to be adults for the test to read positive?

The reason why I ask is because I realized the other day that I have slipped behind on my Interceptor. Previously, I had a reminder set on my phone but I have since lost it and just completely forgot about that reminder. The babies have missed only one dose, at most. Should we go ahead and test before starting new treatment? What are the chances of them having them? Also, does anyone know if the test is expensive? Maggie has not been tested since we've had her and Franklin has never been tested. Are they due to be tested anyway?

I'm almost sure they don't have them but I'm so nervous and paranoid that they are going to just suddenly die on me. Sorry for all the questions!

[hviola]

I think the test runs around $30. It's always a good idea to test if they haven't been. The chances of them contracting heartworm in the missed month is probably slim, but you could always call your vet to see what their policy is on that.

[MauiGirl]

I have previously heard that you should test before re-starting if you have missed 3-4 months. But, I don't think missing only 1 month would be that bad, and you can re-start right away. Are you in an area with lots of mosquitoes? If not, then probably not much risk anyway this time of year.

[Peters]

the heartworm preventative like heartguard is retroactive for 30 days a test should be anout $11 -$22 the instant snap test being fastest way to tell or they test the blood in sets when they get enough gathered about weekly they could also look under the microscope at blood to see micro-filleria swimming in the blood cells i have seen them your baby should be ok but it wouldnt hurt to test well except the taking blood part just a little pinch

[Dara311]

heartworm testing is usually first done when your pup turns 6 months old. I would highly reccomend getting it done yearly....mosquitos are the prime carriers of this disease, and ive heard so many people say that their dogs are mainly inside dogs, and they dont need to be on preventative...my question to them would always be, well, do you have mosquitos in your house? answer was usually yes, so there you have it. we used to charge 34.00 for it. Heartworm treatment if they have worms is not a fun process at all!

[phfgkl]

I was just at the vets the other day, she was talking to me(the vet) about putting them on something for the winter(I don't do the heartworm preventetive in the winter mos), she asked when the last time they had their sentinel, I said October first, she said they would be fine since they had only missed one dose, to put them back on something without having to do another heartworm test

[Dara311]

Originally Posted by phfgkl

I was just at the vets the other day, she was talking to me(the vet) about putting them on something for the winter(I don't do the heartworm preventetive in the winter mos), she asked when the last time they had their sentinel, I said October first, she said they would be fine since they had only missed one dose, to put them back on something without having to do another heartworm test

a lot of people take their dogs off flea/tick preventative, and heartworm when the weather gets colder, but i keep mine year round, just cuz our weather is so odd! it was literally 62 degrees yesterday , and today at least 35 degrees and sleet! CRAZY!!!!!

[Ellie May]

The grace period on Heartgard is 15 days but I haven't been able to find a good answer for Interceptor/Sentinel yet. I think I'd let the vet decide what to do.

[PrincessDiana]

Thank you so much for all of your replies! We called the vet and they said you are safe for 60 days. I don't think it's been that long yet so we are going to go ahead and start again this week.