Heartworm Testing
Heartworm Testing & Prevention
Out here, your dogs are family, athletes, and working partners. Protecting them from heartworm disease is one of the simplest and most important steps you can take to keep them healthy, active, and by your side.
Because Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions brings veterinary care directly to your home, farm, or pasture, protecting your animals from heartworm disease is straightforward and stress-free.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected animals.
The disease is transmitted through mosquito bites. A single bite from an infected mosquito can introduce microscopic larvae into your dog's bloodstream, where they mature into adult worms over several months.
Without proper testing and prevention, heartworm disease can lead to severe heart and lung damage, decreased quality of life, and even death.
Why Annual Testing Matters
Even when preventative medication is given consistently, annual testing remains essential.
Early Detection
Heartworm disease often produces few or no visible symptoms in its early stages. A simple blood test can detect infection before permanent damage occurs to the heart and lungs.
Medication Safety
Administering heartworm preventative medication to a dog that is already heartworm-positive can cause serious, potentially life-threatening reactions. Testing helps ensure preventative medications are used safely.
Prevention Verification
No preventative medication is 100% effective. Annual testing confirms your pet remains protected and that your prevention plan is working as intended.
The Full Quiver Approach
Dr. Crews provides complete heartworm screening and prevention as part of her mobile veterinary services.
On-Site Blood Testing
A small blood sample is collected during your routine wellness or preventative care visit. Results are processed promptly, providing answers as quickly as possible.
Tailored Prevention Plans
Every animal's lifestyle is different. Whether your dog is a household companion, livestock guardian, hunting dog, or working partner, Dr. Crews can recommend a prevention plan that supports year-round protection.
Signs Your Pet May Need Heartworm Testing
Heartworm disease can be difficult to recognize in its early stages. If your dog or cat is showing any of the following signs, testing is recommended:
- Persistent cough
- Lethargy or reluctance to exercise
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Sudden weight loss
- Fainting or weakness
Regular testing remains the best defense against heartworm disease, even when no symptoms are present.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does my pet need to be tested for heartworms?
Dr. Crews recommends heartworm testing every 12 months, even for pets receiving year-round preventative medication. Annual testing helps confirm prevention strategies remain effective and allows early detection if an infection occurs.
My pet stays primarily indoors. Do they still need testing and prevention?
Yes. Mosquitoes can easily enter homes, barns, stalls, and covered outdoor spaces. Because a single infected mosquito bite can transmit heartworm disease, year-round prevention and routine testing are important regardless of lifestyle.
What happens if my pet misses a dose of preventative medication?
If a preventative dose is missed by more than a week or two, contact Dr. Crews before restarting the medication. Depending on the situation, testing may be recommended before resuming a prevention program.
What conditions does heartworm testing detect or prevent?
Heartworm testing detects early and advanced heartworm disease in dogs and cats.
It also helps prevent complications by confirming your pet is heartworm-free before starting or continuing prevention medications.
How do I schedule heartworm testing and what are your hours?
To schedule heartworm testing, call (417) 281-4406.
Our hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with variable availability on Saturdays.
Schedule Your Pet's Heartworm Testing Appointment Today
Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Protect your pet with heartworm testing from Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, LLC.
Call (417) 281-4406 to book your appointment.
We are conveniently located across North Texas, and proudly serve North Texas and surrounding communities.
Dr. Crews is happy to answer your questions and help you provide outstanding care for your pet.
Your pet’s health and comfort matter to Dr. Crews. Partner with Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, PLLC for trusted heartworm testing.
