How often does Jenna Barber, DVM, recommend that dogs be tested for heartworm disease?

Jenna Barber, DVM, recommends that dogs be tested for heartworm disease once a year to ensure their health and safety. Annual testing allows for timely detection of the disease, which is essential because heartworm can be a serious and potentially fatal condition if left untreated. By testing yearly, veterinarians can catch any infections early, provide necessary treatment, and also ensure that preventative measures are being effective.

While more frequent testing, such as every 6 months or every other month, might seem prudent, it generally exceeds the standard veterinary recommendations, which aim to balance effectiveness with economic feasibility for pet owners. Testing once every two years could potentially lead to missed diagnoses, especially in areas where the prevalence of heartworm is high, and the risk of infection increases. Therefore, the once-a-year recommendation strikes an optimal balance between vigilance and practicality for pet owners.