Heartworm Testing & Prevention for Dogs in Scottsdale, AZ

What Is Heartworm Disease Screening and Prevention?

A heartworm screening is a simple blood test that checks whether a dog has been infected with heartworms, a parasite spread by mosquito bites. Heartworm prevention refers to the ongoing medications, given monthly or in some cases as an injection, that stop those parasites from developing into adult worms inside your dog’s heart and lungs.

The two go hand in hand. Testing tells you and your veterinarian where your dog stands right now, and prevention keeps your dog protected going forward. At our practice, both are treated as a standard part of responsible, preventive pet care rather than an occasional afterthought. In fact, a heartworm screening is typically included as part of your dog’s regular wellness visit, alongside a full physical exam, a conversation about any health concerns you have, and routine bloodwork.

Why Is Protecting Your Dog From Heartworms So Important?

Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites, and once inside a dog’s body, the larvae can take several months to mature into adult worms that live in the heart and blood vessels. A dog can carry this infection for a long time without showing any outward signs of illness, which is exactly what makes it so dangerous. By the time symptoms show up, irreversable damage may have already been done to the heart and lungs.

How Often Does My Dog Need a Heartworm Test?

For most healthy adult dogs, we recommend a heartworm screening once a year minimum, done as part of a regular wellness exam. That single visit typically covers a physical exam, a conversation with one of our veterinarians, and routine bloodwork, giving us a full picture of your dog’s health rather than just a single data point.

If your dog is a senior or has an existing health concern, they may need more frequent appointments. More frequent visits let us catch small changes early and adjust your dog’s care plan before a minor issue becomes a bigger one. If it’s been a while since your dog’s last exam, that’s a good sign it’s time to schedule one.

What Are the Signs My Dog Might Have Heartworms?

Many dogs show no symptoms at all in the early stages of infection, which is exactly why testing matters more than watching and waiting. When signs do appear, they often include:

• A persistent, mild cough
• Fatigue after light activity or play
• Decreased appetite
• Noticeable weight loss

If you notice any of these changes in your dog, don’t wait for them to get worse. Give our office a call and let us take a look.

Can My Dog Get Heartworms Even If They’re on Monthly Prevention?

It’s rare, but yes, it can happen. A missed dose, a pill that gets spit out unnoticed, or a topical treatment that doesn’t fully absorb can all leave a small window of exposure. No dog heartworm medication is perfect one hundred percent of the time, which is exactly why annual or twice-yearly testing still matters even for dogs who are diligently kept on prevention. Testing is what confirms the medication is actually doing its job.

How Does a Heartworm Test Work?

Testing for heartworms is quick and far less stressful for your dog than most people expect. It starts with a small blood sample, similar to what’s drawn during routine bloodwork. That sample is screened for a protein released by adult female heartworms. If the initial screening comes back positive, we’ll typically run a second, more detailed test to confirm the result before moving forward with any treatment plan. Most dogs barely notice the process, and many results are available quickly, so you’re not left waiting and wondering.

What Happens If My Dog Tests Positive for Heartworms?

Hearing this news is scary, but a positive result is not a hopeless one. Early detection is genuinely the best thing that can happen if your dog does have heartworms, because it means we can start a treatment plan before the infection causes lasting damage. Our team will walk you through exactly what to expect, answer every question you have, and build a plan around your dog’s specific situation. Because we offer comprehensive and urgent care services under one roof, your dog’s treatment, monitoring, and any follow-up care can all happen with a team that already knows your dog and your family.

How Much Does a Heartworm Screening Cost?

We believe in being upfront about cost. The physical exam and consultation portion of a wellness visit is included in your visit fee. A heartworm screening, along with any vaccinations, vaccine titer testing, or lab work your dog needs, is billed as an additional, itemized cost. Before we run any diagnostics or start any treatment, we’ll go over a cost estimate with you and get your okay first. That way you know exactly what you’re paying for and why, instead of getting handed a confusing bill at the end. And if you’d like a clearer idea of pricing before your visit, our front desk team is happy to walk you through it over the phone.

Why Choose Kaibab Animal Hospital for Your Pet’s Heartworm Care?

Dr. Gretchen Koch and Dr. Ashley Schwartz built this practice around a simple idea: pets deserve care that’s both medically excellent and genuinely compassionate. Here’s what that means for you and your dog:

• Trusted, highly trained doctors. Dr. Koch trained at Colorado State University and holds surgical certifications through the Viticus Group and Arthrex, and she’s currently pursuing additional training in ozone, mistletoe therapy, integrative oncology, acupuncture.
• A steady, disciplined approach. Dr. Schwartz is a certified practitioner in veterinary spinal manipulative therapy and veterinary medical acupuncture, bringing a background in the United States Marine Corps that shows up in how thorough and composed she stays under pressure.
• Comprehensive care under one roof. Preventive care, integrative medicine, surgery, and urgent care all live in the same practice, so your dog never has to be shuffled between multiple offices for connected pieces of their health.
• Real conversations, not rushed appointments. Pet owners regularly tell us they’ve driven a long way just to keep seeing this team, because the doctors take the time to actually explain their thinking and let owners be part of the decision.

Schedule Your Pet’s Heartworm Test in Scottsdale, AZ

Heartworm disease is one of the few serious health threats to dogs that’s almost entirely preventable with the right testing and care. At Kaibab Animal Hospital, our team is ready to check your dog’s status, answer your questions, and build a prevention plan that fits your dog’s life. Contact us today to schedule a visit in Scottsdale, AZ, we’re here for both new and long-time patients whenever you need us.