Heartworms are parasites that travel upstream to your pet’s heart and bloodstream. If not prevented/treated, they can be fatal. With regular testing, we can detect and stop them in their tracks before they cause any severe damage. To book an appointment for your pet, call us at 403-242-0045.
What are the signs my pet has heartworm disease?
In the early stages, your pet may show no symptoms, making it hard to notice if your pet has been infected. But as the infection progresses, your pet may begin to show more visible symptoms. This is why it is essential to bring them in for regular testing so we can prevent complications from progressing. Signs you can keep an eye out for include:
- Persistent coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue or fainting
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Reluctance to exercise
How does heartworm testing work?
Your pet can contract heartworms when bitten by infected mosquitoes. If bitten more than once, they can reproduce and cause serious health issues for your pet. The best way to prevent this is to bring your pet in for regular testing and create a preventative treatment plan. If your pet has been infected, our team will start by taking a blood sample and processing it in our in-house laboratory for an accurate diagnosis. Once diagnosed, we can create a treatment plan to treat the infection before it causes any more damage.
