Pre-Veterinary Small Animal Practice Test

According to Jenna Barber, DVM, how often should dogs be tested for heartworm disease?

Every 3 months Every week Once a year Every 2 years

Correct Answer:

Once a year

Explanation:

Testing for heartworm disease is most appropriately done on a yearly basis. The reason is that heartworm can be present without obvious symptoms, and the antigen test detects mature, circulating worms. Even with monthly preventives, infections can occur if a dose is missed, a product fails, or a dog is exposed in high-risk areas. A yearly test provides ongoing surveillance to catch any new infection early, before significant heart or lung damage develops, and aligns with common veterinary guidance like that of Jenna Barber, DVM. More frequent testing isn’t usually necessary for the average patient, and less frequent testing risks missing a new infection.

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