Did you know that heartworm disease is a serious condition in dogs including like the Labrador? It is extremely important for dogs to be tested for heartworms on a routine basis. Heartworms can be fatal if not treated properly. The disease itself is caused by a foot-long worm or heartworm that can invade the heart, lungs and blood vessels of your Labrador. This can cause lung disease and heart failure among other things. Prevention is the best possible form of treatment. Your Labrador should be on a monthly heartworm prevention plan. Once the parasites invade your dog, they can leave a lasting impact even if they are treated and killed off. Heartworms can damage the heart, lungs and arteries. Your vet can run a simple blood test to determine if your Labrador has heartworms. Treatment must be provided immediately and aggressively. Talk with your veterinarian Orangevale, CA for more details.