Shaffer Veterinary Services in Crowley, Texas provides Heartworm Testing and Prevention services. Heartworms are large, spaghetti-like worms that live in the hearts of infected dogs and occasionally cats. They can be anywhere from 6-10 inches in length. Heartworm larvae are transferred to pet when that pet is bitten by an infected mosquito. This means that even indoor dogs and dogs that don't have contact with other animals are still susceptible.

The larvae mature to adult worms, which can clog the heart and arteries in an infected dog, eventually leading to heart failure. We follow the recommendations of the American Heartworm Society and other experts in recommending monthly heartworm prevention and testing every two years for all of our canine patients.

The incidence of heartworm disease in Texas is high and increasing every year.  The only way to protect your dog from this fatal disease is to test your pet and start monthly prevention, such as Heartgard Plus or Interceptor.