Skipped a Dose? What to Do About Heartworm Risk

Life gets busy, and even the most dedicated pet parents can occasionally realize they've missed a monthly heartworm preventative. If you’ve just spotted a gap in your pet’s medication calendar, you’re not alone, and there are clear steps you can take to keep your pet protected from heartworm disease going forward.

Understanding Why Every Dose Matters

Heartworm preventatives work by targeting immature heartworm larvae soon after infection, stopping their development before they can settle in your pet’s heart and lungs. Skipping a dose leaves an opening, however short, for those larvae to slip through and start growing undetected. The risk isn’t just theoretical, mosquitoes that transmit heartworm are present throughout much of the year in Long Beach, and missing even one dose can open the door to infection.

What to Do if You Miss a Dose

If you realize you’ve missed your pet’s heartworm medicine by a few days, give the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your regular schedule. However, if it’s been longer (especially more than a month), don’t just resume as normal. The safest move is to call Bixby Animal Clinic for tailored guidance.

Depending on how much time has passed, our veterinarians may recommend a heartworm test before restarting the medication. This ensures that if your pet was exposed during the lapse, any infections are caught early, before further treatment decisions are made.

Staying on Track Moving Forward

It helps to set reminders, use a medication tracker app, or ask our vets about long-lasting injectable preventatives. Staying consistent is the simplest way to keep heartworm worry off your plate.

Call Our Vets near You to Start Your Pet’s Heartworm Prevention Today

Missed doses happen, but quick action can make all the difference. If you’re concerned about heartworm risk, whether from a recent slip or a series of missed months, call Bixby Animal Clinic in Long Beach, CA, at (562) 426-4066. We’ll give you clear direction and help keep your pet on the healthiest path forward, every single month.