Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause irreversible damage to the heart and lungs, making routine testing an essential part of your dog's care.
- The test is a simple blood draw, and if your dog is clear, your vet will recommend a prevention plan to keep them that way.
- Modern Animal offers both a monthly chewable and a 12-month injection for heartworm prevention, and you can manage refills through autoship in the app.
Heartworm disease doesn't get a lot of attention until it's already a problem, and by then, the damage can be permanent. The good news is that testing is simple, prevention is straightforward, and staying on top of it is one of the more manageable parts of your dog's routine care.
Here's what you need to know about heartworm testing and what comes next if your dog is in the clear.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a parasitic infection transmitted through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it passes the parasite directly into the bloodstream. From there, the heartworms can grow and multiply, eventually causing serious damage to the heart and lungs.
What makes heartworm disease particularly concerning is that the damage it causes can be irreversible. Dogs that go undetected and untreated can develop lasting cardiovascular and pulmonary problems that affect their quality of life long after treatment. Catching it early, or preventing it altogether, makes a significant difference.
How Is Heartworm Testing Done?
The heartworm test is a blood test. Your vet will collect a small blood sample, typically from a front or back leg, and sometimes from the jugular vein depending on your dog's size. The process is quick and straightforward.
Routine heartworm testing is recommended at least once a year as part of your dog's wellness lab work. It's also required before starting a prevention medication if your dog hasn't been on one, or if there's been a lapse in their prevention. Your vet will let you know what applies to your dog's situation.
What Are My Options for Heartworm Prevention?
If your dog tests negative, your vet will recommend starting or continuing a prevention plan. At Modern Animal, there are two main options:
Monthly Chewable (Simparica Trio)
Simparica Trio is a flavored chewable tablet given once a month. In addition to heartworm prevention, it also covers intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks, making it a one-stop option for your dog's overall parasite protection.
12-Month Injection (ProHeart)
ProHeart is an injectable prevention that lasts a full 12 months, removing the need to remember a monthly dose. It covers heartworm disease only, so if you go this route, your vet will recommend additional prevention for fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites.
Your vet will help you decide which option makes the most sense for your dog's lifestyle and your own preferences.
Staying on Top of Monthly Prevention
Consistency is what makes heartworm prevention work. If doses are missed or delayed, the window of protection can lapse. Modern Animal members can set up Autoship in the app to make sure monthly prevention arrives on schedule without having to think about it.
What Does Heartworm Testing and Prevention Cost?
Heartworm testing costs vary depending on where you live. The test is typically run as part of a broader wellness visit, and the overall cost can be influenced by your dog's age, health history, and what else is recommended at that appointment.
For prevention, pricing for Simparica Trio and ProHeart can be found in the pharmacy hub in the Modern Animal app. For a full breakdown of service and test pricing, visit modernanimal.com/pricing. Everything is listed transparently so you know what to expect before you come in.
Protect Your Dog Before Mosquito Season
Heartworm disease is serious, but it's also entirely preventable with a routine test and a consistent prevention plan. If your dog is due for a heartworm test or you want to get them started on prevention, book an appointment through the Modern Animal app. And if you have questions about which prevention option is right for your dog, our team is available anytime through 24/7 Virtual Care.
