JNKHANGMAN

Vet visit went well, out in 8 minutes. Ears clean, physical good, weight is up to 23.5 lbs. , HAM ANYONE?
Sample negative. Coat is shiny.

What is your take on the heart worm tab this time of year? I was thinking of waiting til March. Thoughts?

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honda123

We are in N IL. Many people are programmed not to give preventative heartworm during the winter months; however, with last winter, we really did not have a good freeze to kill mosquitoes and the larvae. Lots and lots of dogs tested positive for heartworm larvae or heartworm at our Clinic this year 2012.

I understand people are trying to save money. But, "NO, you really are NOT."

To treat a dog that is positive for heartworm is expensive, labor intensive (dog has to be crated at home/clinic), and dangerous.

There were some instances, that the people "put down" a beautiful pet because they didn't want to pay for the treatment. And, they refused to surrender.

That's such a shame.

Please, provide the heartworm preventative year round. It is so worth it.

If finances are an issue, maybe, you can contact your routine Vet and work something out.

When we see someone is trying to "do the right thing," with their pet, we can cut corners in pricing. We don't advertise it, but...

LindaH

That is a question you really should ask your vet. I didn't use to give mine heartwormer year round, but I do now as the weather has more warm breakthroughs. Couldn't see pics, darnit.

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JNKHANGMAN

$ not a problem and hasnt been , just in my mind why treat if not a threat at this time of year. Spoke to vet and they would suggest the monthly treatment, a total bank breaker of $10. After all, it is a poison.
Might consider the treatments. Vet did warn of the climate, and I am also aware that yes,
a good hard winter would help with the decline of the mosquito.

No Pics? Well Crap, they are up on my end.
Thanks

Rouleaux

I give my dogs heartworm prevention year round.

Heartworm disease is not a big problem where I live, but I DO NOT rule out the possibility (especially with all of the rescue dogs and cats coming from southern rescues, etc.) HOWEVER, please read your heartworm prevention packaging because my reason for promoting year round heartworm prevention is because it does not only prevent heartworms, but other parasites picked up in the environment.

For example, Interceptor - my prefered brand (Heartworm brand made by Novartis Animal Health) prevents and controls:
- Heartworm disease
- hookworm
- roundworms
- whipworms (infestations of whipworms are terrible! Those little parasites can live in the environment through many types of weather

I believe Iverhart Max does most of the following except whips, but it does do hookworms(?) I could be wrong, but I think this is the case.

My dobie gets into everything under the sun when we are on a hike or simply in the yard. You can't stop wildlife from being around. This is the same reason I apply flea and tick prevention year round as well.

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JNKHANGMAN

True,

Advantage heartworm, fleas, hook,round, and whip worms.

Mags lived to be 11 years old, treated her up until around 5 yrs old. They had tested her
and she was negative heartworms. Pulled off 4 ticks in 11 years and never had a flea. We are on a secluded property, but have on several occasions ran coyotes off property, nasty animals.
Ole Mags lost a battle with a falling tree 2 months ago. She was the best....

Topical solution or pill preference? Probably will treat her soon, leaning towards pill with the constant petting attention she receives.

Rouleaux

It is your choice. There are a few threads on this

As a technician I can tell you I personally prefer and oral heartworm tablet and a topical flea/tick preventative. Ticks are a problem in my area, and the Advantage multi doesn't discourage ticks.

If I was treating my cat I would use The Advantage Multi, but for my dog, I would rather give the pill and topical treatments separately. Plus, if for any reason your dog's fecal comes up positive for any of the stated prevented parasites - so long as you are consistent with dispensing the tablet preventative (and your vet will know how consistent you are and have history of purchasing the medication with them), the company may cover cost of treatment.

Just something to think about. each company is different though.

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