Every year your dog should be tested for Lyme disease whether they are vaccinated or not.  This disease is proving difficult to deal with.  The Lyme vaccine does not protect dogs as well as other vaccines that are used against different diseases.  Dogs that have tested positive for Lyme disease in the past can either reinfect or have a resurgence of the disease.  We recommend a SNAP 4DX blood test annually on all dogs.

 

Heartworm disease is another matter.  We recommend that all dogs 8 weeks and older receive a heartworm preventative every month for their entire life. We recommend testing all dogs for heartworm disease starting at 6 months of age.  As long as the test is negative for heartworm disease and the dog is taking year round heartworm preventatives monthly, we will test them once every 3 years.  Some people still like to give their heartworm pills only in the summer.  This is not recommended any longer due to climate changes.  The New England mosquito season is too variable now.  Since the mosquito carries the disease and they seem to be showing up at odd times throughout the year, we recommend giving the preventatives all year long. Dogs that receive seasonal heartworm medication should have a Heartworm Antigen test done annually before restarting preventative medication.