Testing your Black Coonhound for heartworm disease should be done on a yearly basis during your dog’s annual wellness exam. If your vet does not run the test automatically at the wellness exam, request it. All dogs must test negative for heartworms in order to receive the monthly prevention medication. If your dog tests positive, then you will need to start aggressive treatment immediately to cure your dog of heartworms. The worms themselves can invade the heart and lungs and cause vital organ shutdown. Treatment is available, but if the heartworms aren’t discovered soon enough the dog could be sick for treatment. Your dog will have to be completely clear of heartworms to start a prevention medication. The best way to treat heartworms is to prevent them ahead of time with the yearly test and monthly prevention medications. Talk with your Raleigh, NC veterinarian to learn more about the disease and ways to protect your dog. Set an appointment a this website Falls Village Veterinary Hospital.