Heartworm Testing in Fishers, IN, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Fishers is a vet in Fishers, IN, that tests dogs for heartworm. A heartworm test is a small blood sample checked for signs of adult worms. Most dogs need one every year. Yes, even dogs on prevention.

Many results come back during the visit from the in-house lab.

Call (463) 208-4426 or add a heartworm test to your dog's next checkup.

Why test a dog who is already on prevention?

Doses get missed. Chews get spit out behind the couch. A yearly test at Petfolk Fishers confirms the plan is working, and it matters before a refill too, because giving prevention to a dog who already has adult worms can cause a reaction. Catching heartworm early means a better chance at a smooth treatment.

How does the test work?

1. A team member draws a few drops of blood, usually from a leg. Your dog doesn't need to fast unless other blood work is planned.

2. The sample goes on a test in the clinic's in-house lab.

3. You often get the result before you leave.

4. If the test is positive, the vet orders a second test to confirm it, and talks you through next steps.

Many in-house heartworm tests also check for tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis in the same sample. Across Petfolk, our in-house heartworm and tick-borne disease test is the single most-ordered in-house lab test (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026). That fits Indiana. People here are likely to meet three ticks: blacklegged, American dog and lone star.

When should my dog be tested?

• Puppies: start prevention by 8 weeks old. Testing usually begins at about 7 months, since earlier tests can't detect a new infection yet.

• Adult dogs: once a year, often at the wellness exam.

• Missed doses or a switch in product: test now and again about six months later.

• New dogs from a shelter or another state: test at the first visit to Petfolk Fishers.

Cats are harder to test

Cats can be tested, but it's harder. Cats usually carry only a few worms, and standard tests can miss them. The vet at Petfolk Fishers may suggest more than one kind of test if a cat has a cough, wheezing or vomiting that doesn't add up. For cats, monthly prevention is the main defense.

A quick, gentle blood draw

Bring the prevention box, or a photo of it. The vet checks doses and dates against the result.

Fear Free and gentle handling are standard at every Petfolk clinic. The team at Petfolk Fishers uses treats and a calm hold for the blood draw.

Everyone that works here is delightful and informative!

Rachel, Google review

What does a heartworm test cost?

At Petfolk Fishers, the test is usually done with a wellness exam, which starts at $99. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. PetfolkCare, a yearly membership that starts at $199, includes the wellness exam.

When a positive test needs fast help

A dog with heartworm disease who suddenly collapses, coughs up blood or has pale gums needs care now, so go straight to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center at 7712 Crosspoint Commons in Fishers. For stable dogs, the vet at Petfolk Fishers will plan the next step with you, which often starts with chest x-rays and blood work to see how the heart and lungs are doing. To keep a negative test negative, see heartworm prevention.

Testing at our Fishers clinic

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Fishers is at 8711 E 106th St, Suite 160, Fishers, IN 46037. Walk-ins are welcome, and the clinic is open weekends.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Fishers, or see all veterinary services in Fishers.