Does my dog have to be tested before heartworm preventive is dispensed?

Heartworm preventatives are prescription products. Prescription products can only be dispensed by licensed, practicing veterinarians, who are required, by law, to strictly follow the prescription guidelines from the product's manufacturer. Heartworm preventatives are prescription products because they can cause a fatal drug reaction if given to dogs that actually have heartworms. Heartworm preventative should not be given to dogs that have not been tested; if the dog has heartworms, the dog could die.

The American Heartworm Association recommends ALL dogs be tested periodically for heartworms.

At Windmill Animal Hospital, our canine patients are heartworm tested every year.