Do pet parents here treat for heartworm?

Lara's mom · 05-06-2010

I had my brood at the Doctor yesterday for their annual packages of Revolution. In the course of conversation, I asked the Dr. how many cases of heartworm he's treated over the years. He told me that in the six years he's owned his practice, he's only ever treated one dog with heartworm and that that particular dog was on a preventative and became infected anyway.

I asked him to what he attributed such low incidences of this parasite and his reply was that Toronto owners are religious about prevention.

My question is: Do you treat your dogs with a heartworm preventative?

reeskujo · 05-06-2010

I give heart warm preventative for sure...When I lived in Florida they got it year round but living up north I give them the last one in November and start them back up in March...

My vet has ok'd this as well...I take them off in the winter months since mosquitos aren't an issue and I like to give them a fe months without having to meds they don't need at the time..

They do however have to be tested again eachb time I restart them.

Lara's mom · 05-06-2010

I suppose the dosing differs with the climate. Here in Toronto, we start on June the first - once a month for 6 months.

CorkyMax · 05-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by reeskujo

I give heart warm preventative for sure...When I lived in Florida they got it year round but living up north I give them the last one in November and start them back up in March...

My vet has ok'd this as well...I take them off in the winter months since mosquitos aren't an issue and I like to give them a fe months without having to meds they don't need at the time..

They do however have to be tested again eachb time I restart them.

I followed pretty much the same 'directions' above (being from Wisconsin), but I am now not giving anything as with the dilated cardiomyopathy both of my dogs have and the fact that these poisonous heartworm meds build-up in the dog's system over time--I don't want any more stress/poison in their systems! It takes some time for heartworm to develop and get a 'good hold' so I am just having them tested for heartworm every year in March/April. Even if my 2 boys didn't have the heart disease, I still wouldn't give this med anymore---Being 11 and 12 years old I figure they have had enough poisons from the Heartguard build-up, and the stress of rabies shots and everything else--Too much for the immune system to handle. I wouldn't give poison to my human kids and same is now being applied to my fur-babies! No more flea poisons either!

angiesample · 05-06-2010

I always treat my dog.. I actually use Revolution!! Ive seen heartworm first hand, i volunteer at the Humane Society in indianapolis and i would never go without. I would just be to stressed out.

Todd · 05-06-2010

I do for it's too much to risk. I don't give flea stuff though for I go for a more natural method. I am currently looking into commercial natural/herbal therapys though...

DoggieVogue · 05-07-2010

I do the heartworm as well as frontline for the fleas/ticks. My dogs have a tendency to play in the bushes etc.. and have picked up ticks before. I've definitely noticed a difference with the frontline and my small dog also wears a tick collar during summer months. Although heartworm may not be that common, that could be a sign that the medicine is doing it's job.

Todd · 05-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoggieVogue

I do the heartworm as well as frontline for the fleas/ticks. My dogs have a tendency to play in the bushes etc.. and have picked up ticks before. I've definitely noticed a difference with the frontline and my small dog also wears a tick collar during summer months. Although heartworm may not be that common, that could be a sign that the medicine is doing it's job.

I personaly shy away from commercial flea/tick products because of potentially toxic chemicals. Check this out...

Natural Flea Control

Lara's mom · 05-07-2010

Todd: I respect your opinion. However, My vet feels that Revolution is a safe and effective way to prevent heartworm, fleas and various internal parasites. That's good enough for me!

Todd · 05-08-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

Todd: I respect your opinion. However, My vet feels that Revolution is a safe and effective way to prevent heartworm, fleas and various internal parasites. That's good enough for me!

Some believe it's safe, some don't. Personally I don't think I'd take the chance.

GSDS4Life · 05-11-2010

My boys are on Heartgard. They are on it from May to Oct.

Lara's mom · 05-11-2010

Thanks to everyone who responded so far. Are there members who don't treat for heartworm (with the exception of those who are ill) and if so, why not?