We live in Arizona and adopted our rescue dog Jan. 2015. He has all his vaccinations but we haven't had the heart worm test done. My friends and neighbors say they haven't done it also. I have a client that came from California and they do give the monthly pill. I would like to inquire if anyone else that lives in Arizona has done the test.
I'm in Texas, and I can't imagine not doing heartworm prevention. Here (I guess it's not the same everywhere) the risk is so high, prevention is considered standard. Treating heartworms is incredibly expensive, so it makes more sense to spend the money monthly to avoid a huge bill. Curious to hear opinions from the Arizona folks.
Thank you! I have been told that even by the people who haven't had the test done.
I can't imagine the test being that expensive. How old is your dog?
Our dog is 2 yrs old. Next time he goes for a check up I will ask about having him tested.
Yep, if he was in Texas, I would want to get him tested and on prevention ASAP. Dogs here receive their first test at 6 months old, and then one annually. His adoption paperwork might show a test/prevention history from the organization.
YES!! Def do the test and preventative meds like Heartguard. It's so important. I was a veterinary nurse and treatment for heartworm is Miserable for the pup.