Heartworm Testing

We can perform a heartworm screening on site. Given the sensitive placement of these worms, we always hope that your pet tests negative. In large quantities, adult worms can prevent the heart from pumping normally. Thankfully there are preventive treatments to protect your pet.

How can I protect my pet?

To protect your pet against heartworms, they must test negative on the screening test before beginning preventive treatment. If your pet is already infected, serious side effects can occur with preventive treatment, which is why it is so important to perform the screening every year.

If your pet tests negative, you must administer the preventative treatment to your pet once a month from June to November.

If you’re travelling outside the country, please let your veterinarian know so they can assess the risk based on your destination.

How did my pet catch heartworms?

Heartworms are transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes. Initially, the parasites are small larvae, which multiply and grow into adults that can reach 30 cm long. As Québec has many mosquitoes, any animal that goes outside without the proper preventative treatment can be infected.

What are the symptoms of heartworm disease?

Heartworms act silently on the animal’s body, so symptoms appear only once the disease has reached an advanced stage: unusual cough, respiratory issues, intolerance to physical exertion, major fatigue, significant weight loss, etc. Once the disease is advanced, treatment becomes more complex, dangerous and costly. In the worst cases, death cannot be prevented.