My 7-month puppy missed heartworm medication. Can I start it now?

Question

I am a first time dog owner and my vet never prescribed my puppy heartworm medication. I assumed at 6 months they get it but I realized she probably should have been put on a monthly chew at 8 weeks. She is 7 months now is it too late or can I run to the store and put her on heartgard now? Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 7 months and 7 days old | 63.5 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is never too late! At 7 months old I recommend that your Vet test Midna for heart worm disease now. If she is negative start Heartgard then retest her again in 6 months. It takes a heart worm 6 months from the bite of an infected mosquito to mature in to adults and cause a test to be positive. So testing now only proves she wasn't bitten in the first 1 month of life. I highly recommend year round heart worm prevention for the entirety of the pets life. Getting heart worm disease can be deadly and treating heart worm disease is expensive and can also cause be deadly. I hope this helps and I wish you and Midna the best.

My 7-month puppy missed heartworm medication. Can I start it now?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?

My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?

My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?

My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?

Why do my hermit crab's mites keep returning? How to get rid of them?

Share