Anyone else's vet insist on the heart worm test every year?

I do what I can for Oreo, I do. When got neutered last year they insisted on the heart worm test and I did it because I felt I should and he was having surgery. It was fine.

We moved last year and have a new vet who advised us that the test is optional and up to us, but it's not necessary to have every year. However, for his shots today we took him to the old vet and gave DH a really bad attitude because he would not authorize the test and then gave Oreo a shot we didn't even authorize...he found out he got the unauthorized shot when he went to pay. The reason we did not want the unauthorzed shot is because it wasn't mandatory and our new vet has one that lasts longer. I am wondering if anyone else had this issue with their vet or is our old vet just trying to increase the bill?

Re: Anyone else's vet insist on the heart worm test every year?

My vet always asks me if I am SURE I didn't skip their heartworm meds for more than a mth. If I am sure, he isn't as worried about the blood test.

But since I am paranoid and never sure if I somehow forgot, I opt for it. I think it's a very important test. Heartworm is very serious and they can contract heartworm even during the winter months (if the temp dips). It happened to a neighbor's dog.

Re: Anyone else's vet insist on the heart worm test every year?

If I have missed their meds for a few months then my vet will do a heart worm test.

Re: Anyone else's vet insist on the heart worm test every year?

I have my dog tested every year. Personally, I'm a worrier, I just rather be safe than sorry.

Re: Anyone else's vet insist on the heart worm test every year?

Yes, its routine when I take him for his yearly shots.

Re: Anyone else's vet insist on the heart worm test every year?

Re: Anyone else's vet insist on the heart worm test every year?

when i get more heartworm meds they make me have another test. it makes sense

Re: Anyone else's vet insist on the heart worm test every year?

I adopted a dog that had already contracted Heartworm and needed painful and expensive treatments (multiple shots in her back, no activity for weeks at a time) so for us, it's not an option. They're both getting tested. It's not like a vaccine that may have complications, so testing for things like heartworm, roundworm, etc. is always something we're willing to do.

However... I think communication is something that may be lacking with that vet. If you had a new one that sounds like you liked them better, why did you go back to the old one? I switched vets last year and I know it's hard to find someone you feel completely confident in. Even if you question treatment, they should never have an attitude with you or do things to your dog that you haven't talked about first.

Re: Anyone else's vet insist on the heart worm test every year?

I dunno, I'm not a big worrier and I know he's never missed a dose because I always keep track using the stickers.

I actually never liked the old vet TBH. The reason why we took him to the old vet for the shots was financial (our new vet charges for the shot and the exam, while the old vet will not charge for an exam if he's getting shots...it was just a bad week for us because we had a lot of unusual expenses). The old vet has done some sneaky things (like when he got fixed, added on expenses that they did not tell us upfront). The new vet also told us that as long as we never missed a dose of heartguard they would not make the test mandatory. I think in the futture we will just use our new vet.