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Does my dog have heartworm? Is preventative medication safe for him?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 10 months old | 78 lbs

How do I know if my dog has heart worm? Will giving him medication if he doesn't have it make him sick? He is a 7 year old Golden Retriever?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 20th, 2018

Guayo will need a blood test taken by a vet in order to diagnose if he has heartworm or not. It is always recommended that a dog be tested for heartworm before receiving heartworm preventative medication. If he doesn't have it, giving him the heartworm preventative medication will not make him sick. It will be good for him because it will keep him from getting heartworm, which is fatal if untreated. I'd make an appointment with a vet to have him tested for heartworm. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

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