Heartworm Testing in Peachtree Corners, GA, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Peachtree Corners is a vet in Peachtree Corners, GA, that tests dogs for heartworm disease once a year. The test uses a few drops of blood and runs in the in-house lab, so you usually get the answer during the visit. Many versions also screen for tick-borne diseases like Lyme, ehrlichia and anaplasma.

Testing is needed even when your dog takes prevention every month, because doses get missed, spit out or given late.

Call (770) 637-0032, book online or walk in.

How often does my dog need a heartworm test?

At Petfolk Peachtree Corners, the usual plan is:

1. Puppies under 7 months: start prevention without a test, then test about 6 months later.

2. Dogs 7 months and older starting prevention: test first, again in 6 months, then yearly.

3. Dogs already on prevention: once a year, often at the wellness exam.

4. After a missed dose or a switch in products: the vet may suggest a retest in about 6 months.

Across Petfolk, the in-house heartworm and tick-borne disease test was the single most-ordered in-house lab test (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026).

How does the heartworm test work?

The team draws a small amount of blood from a leg or neck vein. The in-house test looks for a protein made by adult female heartworms, and the combo version also checks for antibodies to tick-borne infections. Results often come back within the visit.

Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic. Treats, a calm hold and a skilled hand make the blood draw quick.

My pitty loved everyone and they were very gentle and open to working with the dogs comfort level for various test, including needles and blood work

Jacob S., Google review

What if the test is positive?

A positive result is serious but treatable in dogs. Next steps at Petfolk Peachtree Corners usually include:

• A second, different test to confirm

• Chest x-rays and blood work to stage the disease

• A treatment plan that follows American Heartworm Society guidance, with strict rest during treatment

The vet will explain each step and give you an estimate before you decide. Treatment takes a few months, and keeping your dog calm and on short leash walks during that time is the hardest part for most families. The team will help you plan for it.

Why tick results matter here

Ticks are active along the Chattahoochee at Simpsonwood Park, Jones Bridge Park and Holcomb Bridge Park, and in tall grass all over Gwinnett County. A positive tick-disease antibody result shows your dog was bitten by an infected tick at some point. Many dogs never get sick, but the vet may recommend a urine test or more blood work to check for hidden effects, and will review your tick prevention.

Testing cats is different

Cat heartworm testing is harder, because cats usually carry very few worms. The vet may use a combination of blood tests and x-rays when a cat has coughing, breathing trouble or vomiting. Prevention matters even more for cats, since there's no approved treatment.

What does a heartworm test cost?

At Petfolk Peachtree Corners, the test is priced separately and often done at a wellness exam, which starts at $99, or is free with the PetfolkCare Plan, which starts at $199 a year. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

Signs that call for a visit now

Coughing, tiring fast on walks, a swollen belly, or fainting can mean advanced heartworm disease. Collapse or labored breathing needs a 24-hour emergency hospital, such as Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Brookhaven.

Book the yearly test

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Peachtree Corners is at 5175 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite 1300-B, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. Call (770) 637-0032. Keep protection going with heartworm prevention in Peachtree Corners.

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