Your dog is tested for heartworm disease by taking a small blood sample. The test can be run in the clinic and will give results usually in about 10 minutes. It is a very accurate test, requiring just a small blood sample.

Most groomers are trained to work with dogs that have behavioral issues or nervousness, so they should be able to handle such situations. In some cases, dogs may need oral anxiety medication for grooming appointments or vet visits. Talk to your veterinarian about this option. In more extreme cases, some pets may require light sedative medication to make them sleepy for grooming.

Yes. Most professional groomers require pets to be fully vaccinated to protect them against diseases from other pets. Flea control is essential for pets living inside or outside the house or even just going outside to the groomer or bathroom. Fleas can hitchhike on clothes, so it's recommended to have flea and tick coverage year-round.

It is recommended to have your pet professionally groomed regularly. For longer coat dogs like Shih Tzus or Yorkies, go every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on hair growth. For short breed dogs like Dobermans, go every six weeks for brushing out and bathing. In between professional grooms, perform regular care at home, such as combing hair, trimming nails, and giving baths as needed.

Yes, you can bathe a dog too often. It depends on factors like the dog's age, breed, coat type, and how dirty they are. A monthly bath is recommended for regular hygiene. However, some dogs may require cleanup baths in between, especially puppies and notorious breeds like labs. For puppies, dilute their puppy shampoo with water for cleanup baths to avoid stripping oils from their skin. Use a dog shampoo and avoid human shampoos or dish soap, as they can dry out the skin.

No, heartworms are not visible. Both the microfilaria (transmitted from the mosquito) and the adult heartworm live inside the heart, lungs, and major vessels. They are not visible when looking at your dog.

No, as far as we know, heartworm disease is not a painful condition for dogs, thankfully.

Common symptoms include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, and fatigue after moderate exercise. Dogs may also appear lethargic. These are the initial signs of heartworm disease.

It varies, as dogs often remain asymptomatic during the early stages of heartworm disease. It can take 6-12 months or even 12-24 months for symptoms to develop. The longer the infection persists, the more symptoms will start to appear.

In regions like Mississippi, the risk of heartworm infection is significant. The Mississippi Delta, from central Mississippi down to the Louisiana coast, has the highest number of heartworm cases in the entire United States. Year-round prevention is strongly recommended for dogs living in these areas.