Heartworm Testing for Pets

There are three stages to heartworm disease. The first stage of the disease is asymptomatic, making it difficult to detect. After this stage, it is difficult to treat the disease. Due to these reasons, regular heartworm testing should be a priority for pet parents. Heartworms can be detected through bloodwork. This small test lasting a few minutes can be a lifesaving procedure for your pet. Call us at 905-853-3591 to book an appointment for your pet's next heartworm test.

What is a heartworm?

Heartworm is a type of parasite transferred by mosquitoes. Heartworms can cause fatal diseases in pets, which is why prevention is better than cure.

What are the symptoms of heartworm infection?

The infection starts with stage one where it is mostly asymptomatic. In some cases, a mild cough can be a symptom. In the second stage of the disease, the cough is severe. Other symptoms include lethargy and unwillingness to run or play.

Can heartworms be caused by any insects other than mosquitoes?

Heartworms cannot be passed directly from one host to another. They are exclusively transmitted by mosquitoes. If a mosquito bites an infected animal, microscopic worms are transferred to the mosquito, which develop into infectious larvae. The infectious larvae are transferred to the dog or cat when the mosquito bites them. Over the next six months, these infectious worms grow into adults which can last up to 7 years in the pet's body.