Heartworm Testing in Lakewood, Dallas, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lakewood is a vet in Lakewood, East Dallas, that runs heartworm tests in its own lab. A few drops of blood are all it takes, and the answer often comes back before you leave.

Most dogs need it once a year, even on monthly prevention.

Call (682) 339-7822, book online or walk in.

Why test every year if my dog is on prevention?

No product is perfect if a dose is late, spit out or vomited up. A yearly test catches an infection early, while treatment is easier on your dog. It also confirms that prevention is safe to keep giving. A dog with adult heartworms can react badly to some products, so the test protects your dog both ways.

Here it matters more. In the American Heartworm Society's 2025 survey, Texas ranked first among states for heartworm cases. With White Rock Lake and its creeks nearby, East Dallas mosquitoes have plenty of water to breed in.

What does the heartworm test check?

The standard in-house test looks for a protein made by adult female heartworms. Many versions also check for three tick-borne diseases at the same time: Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. Ticks live in tall grass and wooded trails, so a dog who explores the park edges or the creek banks has a real chance of exposure.

This combined test is a workhorse. Across Petfolk, our in-house heartworm and tick-borne disease test was the single most-ordered in-house lab test from Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026.

Vet tech and doctor were pleasant, informative, knowledgeable and so gentle and kind with our dog.

Vicki S., Google review

When should my puppy have the first test?

The test can only find heartworms once they are about 6 to 7 months into an infection. So a puppy under 7 months doesn't need one before starting prevention. Most puppies get their first test around 7 months to a year, then once a year after that. Your vet will set the timing.

Dogs who missed a few months of prevention, or are new to your home, often need two tests. One now and one about 6 months later. That covers any infection too young to show up the first time.

What if the test is positive?

Don't panic. The vet will confirm the result with a second test and talk you through what comes next. Heartworm disease in dogs is treatable, though it takes several months of strict rest and a series of injections, and the vet will lay out each step, the cost and the home care before you start.

A positive tick-borne disease result doesn't always mean your dog is sick. It can mean past exposure. The vet may suggest more blood work to see if treatment is needed.

Making it easy

The test fits into a regular checkup. A wellness exam starts at $99, and the team can draw blood in the same visit. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment, and the final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. Fear Free handling, treats and a calm room make the blood draw quick for most dogs. Then you can start or refill heartworm prevention in Lakewood the same day.

Testing cats is trickier

Cat heartworm is harder to find with a single test, because cats often have only a few worms. The vet may use more than one test if your cat has breathing problems or vomiting with no clear cause. For most cats, the focus is on monthly prevention.

Signs that can't wait

A dog with heartworm who suddenly collapses, has pale gums or dark urine, or struggles to breathe needs a 24-hour emergency hospital now. In Lower Greenville, Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) at 4500 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75206, is open 24 hours.

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