Heartworm Testing & Prevention for Dogs in Reno, NV
Heartworm disease is one of the most serious — and most preventable — conditions affecting dogs in the United States. At Fantasia Pet Resort and Veterinary Hospital in Reno, NV , we offer annual heartworm testing and veterinarian-recommended preventive medications to keep your dog protected from this potentially fatal parasite. Call (775) 322-1199 to schedule your dog’s heartworm test today.
What Is Heartworm Disease and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside a dog’s body, the larvae mature into adult worms over several months, ultimately taking up residence in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels. Adult heartworms can grow up to twelve inches in length, and a single infected dog can harbor hundreds of worms at once.
The damage heartworms cause is progressive and severe. As worms accumulate in the heart and pulmonary arteries, they obstruct blood flow, trigger chronic inflammation, and cause irreversible damage to the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. Left untreated, heartworm disease leads to heart failure, lung disease, and death. Even more alarming, many dogs show no symptoms in the early stages — by the time clinical signs appear, significant internal damage has already occurred. Annual testing at Fantasia Pet Resort and Veterinary Hospital is the only reliable way to detect infection before it progresses.
Heartworm Treatment Is Difficult — Prevention Is Far Better
If your dog tests positive for heartworm disease, treatment is available — but it is expensive, lengthy, and carries its own risks. The treatment protocol involves a series of deep muscle injections of an arsenic-based compound that kills the adult worms. As the dying worms break apart and move through the bloodstream, they can cause life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Dogs undergoing treatment must be strictly confined and kept calm for weeks to minimize the risk of complications. In some cases, multiple rounds of treatment are needed, and some dogs require hospitalization.
By contrast, heartworm prevention is simple, affordable, and highly effective. Monthly oral or topical preventive medications prescribed by our veterinarians at Fantasia Pet Resort and Veterinary Hospital are virtually 100% effective at preventing heartworm infection when given consistently. All dogs on heartworm prevention should be tested annually before their prescription is renewed, as testing ensures there is no active infection that could be worsened by the preventive medication. Ask our team about combining heartworm prevention with broader parasite control, including flea and tick prevention, for complete year-round protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heartworm Testing
How is heartworm disease transmitted to dogs?
Heartworm disease is transmitted exclusively through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites a dog, the larvae are deposited into the skin and begin migrating through the body. Over the course of approximately six months, they mature into adult worms that settle in the heart and pulmonary arteries. Because mosquitoes are present throughout the year in many areas, year-round prevention is strongly recommended.
How often should my dog be tested for heartworm?
The American Heartworm Society recommends annual heartworm testing for all dogs, even those on year-round preventive medication. Annual testing ensures that your dog has not been exposed to heartworm despite prevention and allows our veterinarians to catch any infection early — when it is most treatable. Testing is typically done during your dog’s routine wellness exam or health exam.
What does a heartworm test involve?
Heartworm testing at Fantasia Pet Resort and Veterinary Hospital involves a simple blood draw. A small blood sample is tested in-house using a quick antigen test that detects the presence of adult female heartworms. Results are typically available within minutes. The test is minimally invasive and causes very little discomfort for your dog.
Can indoor dogs get heartworm disease?
Yes. Mosquitoes can and do enter homes, and a single infected mosquito bite is all it takes to transmit heartworm larvae. No dog is completely safe from mosquito exposure, regardless of how much time they spend indoors. Year-round prevention is the only reliable protection, and we recommend it for all dogs in Reno, NV regardless of lifestyle.
What happens if my dog tests positive for heartworm?
If your dog tests positive, our veterinarians will conduct a thorough evaluation including chest X-rays and blood panels to assess the severity of infection and your dog’s overall health. From there, we will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment involves a carefully staged protocol under close veterinary supervision. The earlier heartworm disease is caught, the better the prognosis — which is why annual testing is so important.
Do cats need heartworm testing and prevention too?
Yes, though cats are atypical hosts and the disease manifests differently than in dogs. Cats can develop a serious condition called Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD) even from just one or two worms. Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for feline heartworm infection, making prevention even more critical. Ask our veterinarians about feline-appropriate heartworm prevention during your cat’s next wellness exam.
How do I schedule a heartworm test for my dog in Reno, NV?
Call Fantasia Pet Resort and Veterinary Hospital at (775) 322-1199 or book online through our appointment portal. Heartworm testing can be done as a standalone appointment or as part of your dog’s routine annual health exam. We serve dogs and their owners throughout Reno, NV and surrounding areas and are happy to discuss the best preventive protocol for your pet.