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My dog missed Heartgard. Is he safe from heartworm? What to watch for?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 72 lbs

Hi,so my dog take heart guard and I'm 90%sure that he had it inJanuary and March and April I'm unsure but thinking that he had one march OR April at the latest though he had it on February 16th so possibly 6-7weeks no protection.Ive read that heartworm deals with mosquitos haven't seen a lot of mosquitos more a few months.he has been taking bravecto regularly for flea and tick and mosquitos.He seems fine,what can I watch for?Everything should be ok right?Should I be worried about this?Thank You

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 28th, 2018

Rocky should be ok. Heartworm disease is in fact transmitted by mosquitos. Thankfully in your location during the time missed there are not that many mosquitos around. It can take 6 months to show up positive on the test so I would recommend testing in October of this year the latest. I wouldn't stress too much. You can look out for coughing and exercise intolerance. Just continue giving the medication monthly at this point. Here is a website for the Heartworm Association if you have questions. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources Thank you for using PetCoach.

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    Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 29th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! No need to panic. Just restart the HeartGard now and test again a year from his last test. His risk is low and besides, it takes heart worms about 8 months to grow up (and show up positive on a heart worm test) and even longer to start causing serious damage. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Rocky.

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