Heartworm is a parasite, carried by mosquitoes, that lives in the lungs and heart of dogs and cats causing life-threatening damage to both organs. Though heartworm has classically not been considered endemic to Los Angeles County, more cases have been noted in the area since Hurricane Katrina several years ago. Monthly heartworm preventatives, such as Interceptor or Trifexis, are given monthly to prevent infestation.Due to organ sensitivity to the parasite, a heartworm test, to check for parasites, must be taken and found negative before starting heartworm preventative in any dog older than 7 months. Heartworm preventative is recommended for any dog that travels frequently, particularly to endemic areas, and anyone that lives near a standing or slow moving water source, as these are areas that generally perpetuate mosquitoes.

Click here for 1st Care recommendations.
Click here for more information on heartworm

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Heartworm SNAP Test

 
The Heartworm SNAP Test allows us to test your canine for Heartworm. This test is done making a simple blood draw with results in 15 minutes.

Due to the time required for this process, please arrive within the first 30 minutes of the clinic to ensure testing can be done. Results take 15 minutes.

Heartworm Test

$33

For heartworm preventative prescriptions – click on Canine Heartworm Control.