How can I test my dog for heartworms at home?

Watching your pup slow down, cough a little more than usual, or seem less interested in their favorite walks—those little signs can make any dog parent’s heart race. Could it be heartworms? The thought alone is scary, but knowing you can take some steps at home to check might ease the worry, at least a bit. Heartworms are serious, no doubt, but catching them early makes a world of difference, so let’s break down what you need to know about testing your dog for heartworms at home.

First off, home heartworm tests aren’t magic, but they can give you a starting point. Most kits use a small blood sample—usually a tiny prick from your dog’s ear or paw. You mix it with the solution in the kit, wait the recommended time, and check for lines that indicate a positive or negative result. They’re designed to be simple, but read the instructions twice before starting. Rushing through steps, like not getting enough blood or letting the sample sit too long, can mess up the outcome. And remember, these kits are for adult heartworms—they might not pick up larvae, so they’re not a replacement for regular check-ins.

Accuracy is key here, and that’s where things get tricky. Home tests are pretty good, but they’re not perfect. A negative result doesn’t always mean your dog is in the clear, especially if they’ve been exposed recently. A positive result, on the other hand, shouldn’t send you into a panic right away. It means you need to call your vet immediately. While home tests offer convenience, it’s important to remember that some regions require a licensed vet to confirm results before starting any treatment. Skipping that step might not just risk your dog’s health—it could run against local regulations meant to keep pets safe.

Timing matters too. If you live in an area where mosquitoes (the ones that carry heartworms) stick around year-round, testing every 6 months might make sense. In cooler places, spring and summer—when bugs are busiest—are critical times to stay on top of it. Puppies under 6 months might not show up on tests, so vets often recommend starting prevention early and waiting for the right window to test. And if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, around other animals, or in wooded areas? Adding a home test to your routine could give you extra peace of mind, even between vet visits.

Let’s be clear: home tests are a tool, not a substitute for professional care. Your vet has access to more sensitive tests, can check for other issues that mimic heartworm symptoms, and will guide you through treatment if needed. Prevention is still the best bet—monthly meds, keeping your yard free of standing water (where mosquitoes breed), and regular check-ups. But having a home test on hand for those “just in case” moments? That’s smart pet parenting.

At the end of the day, what matters most is keeping your dog healthy and happy. Home heartworm tests can help you stay proactive, but they work best when paired with a vet’s expertise. So grab that kit if you need it, follow the steps carefully, and then pick up the phone to share the results. Your pup depends on you to stay one step ahead—and that’s a job worth doing right.