Dogs should receive their first Heartworm Test at 6 months of age. They should be tested annually thereafter or anytime there is a lapse in heartworm prevention.
Dogs should be maintained on a regular, year-round and broad-spectrum parasite control program that includes prevention for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. The Heartworm test is a single blood test that screens for heartworm disease, with results in just 10 minutes.