Local Veterinary Clinic Offers Free Heartworm and Tick-Borne Disease Testing for Eligible Families

April is Heartworm and Lyme Awareness Month, a time when veterinarians across the country encourage dog lovers to protect their animal companions from vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. May through 

According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, approximately one in every 300 dogs in Pennsylvania tests positive for heartworm disease. Tick-borne illnesses are even more prevalent in the Northeast, where 10 percent of dogs test positive for Lyme disease, 17 percent for Anaplasmosis, and where Ehrlichiosis is also a risk.

To help address this growing concern, the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic at Indraloka is offering low-cost annual testing and a 30-day supply of heartworm and flea/tick prevention at no cost for eligible families.  While the prevention and testing are covered, office visits and any additional care may incur fees, which are adjusted on a sliding scale to remain accessible.

Heartworm disease begins when an infected mosquito transmits microscopic larvae into a dog’s bloodstream. Over time, the organisms migrate to the heart and pulmonary vessels, where they can interfere with normal cardiovascular function.

Tick-borne diseases occur when infected ticks attach to a dog and transmit bacteria that may lead to symptoms such as joint pain, fever, fatigue, reduced appetite, or more serious complications affecting the kidneys or immune system.

“These diseases often develop without your dog showing symptoms,” said Dr. Leslie Interlandi, Indraloka’s Director of Veterinary Medicine. “That’s why we recommend annual testing and consistent prevention. Taking these steps early can help protect your dogs from serious long-term health problems.”

A generous grant has provided resources for the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic to carry heartworm and flea/tick preventive medications in-house. The clinic also offers an online pharmacy with additional product options—topical and oral meds—to suit different dogs and family needs.

Dog caregivers interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment can call 570-665-9215 or email the clinic at vet@indraloka.org.