What kind of medications do healthy dogs need...for example heartworm...?

Answer 1

They need all their shots of course and then you will want to have them dewormed. You can keep them from getting worms with interceptor (better than hearguard in my opinion and my vets). If it's a puppy, they won't make you get the heartworm test, as long as he is still under 5 months old. If he's older than that, they will make you pay for the simple blood test. You can also get them frontline to keep the fleas at bay.

Answer 2

Shots as needed. Check with your vet as to how often (like, sometimes, you can get a 2-year rabies shot instead of the yearly type.)

As far as heartworms and other pesties, I use Revolution. One tube on the back of the neck per month for heartworms (prevention, not to kill live ones) and arachnid pests--mites, ticks, fleas, and I think lice, too. I don't think it keeps away biting flies or mosquitoes, though (both in the fly family.) That way, it's just one medicine and no collars or sprays or powders.

Now, when my kitty was an outside cat, I just couldn't keep the fleas off her, no matter what I tried. I finally wound up giving her lots of flea baths and skipping the squirt-on meds. Bathe the dog a little more often (non-medicated if you're giving other meds) and comb/brush daily, with a flea comb if necessary. I guess my cat was just a tasty little morsel and the fleas wouldn't leave her alone. Sometimes, meds just don't work for a particular pet, so switch things up if you need to.

As far as vitamins/minerals...there should be enough in the food. Put some V-8 on the dog's food or mix in some veggies (check a dog book if you have, say, a Dalmatian, which needs a low-purine diet.) You can put on a little extra supplemental nutrition if you like, but don't go overboard. Dogs are like humans--a little extra nutrition doesn't hurt, but a lot doesn't help.

Answer 3

They need shots, and obviously, heartworm pill, about one hundred dollars every year. You can get cheaper pill online. You just need to give your dog a pill every month to prevent heartworms. Until then, leave your dog in. For roundworms, you want to check your dog's food. That's about it. Also, if your dog seems awkward or unusual, take it to a vet.

Answer 4

They need vaccinations(distemper/parvo, Rabies) (though not every year), they need heartworm meds after they have had a negative heartworm test, they need periodic fecal tests to check for internal parasites, they need a safe flea med such as Frontline or Advantage..that's it.

Answer 5

All dogs need to be on heartworm preventative every month
They also need to be on a flea treatment
They needs yearly booster shots.
From time to time they need to have their teeth cleaned and a blood pannel done to check organ function and overall health.

Answer 6

the heartworm meds ,dont stop just because its winter
I give my shep/lab mix fish oil capsules they keep the coat healthy and also good for the heart, I also give my dog glucosamine chrush it in his food the fish oil he eat like a treat
I checked with my vet on this he ok'd it

Answer 7

Mine gets Heartguard to protect from heart worm and Frontline for fleas etc.

Answer 8

Heartguard, it's a perscription from your vet, before you can get any though, you vet will run a blood test to make sure that your pet is heart worm free.

Answer 9

flea and tick preventative, especially if you live in a fairly humid area, like the united states south.
heartworm preventative
booster shots (rabies, distemper)
thats about it, i think. keep them groomed, exercised, fed correctly, and keep their teeth clean. if you do all of this stuff, youll have the healthiest (happiest) dog around.

Answer 10

your vet should take care of your questions. you do have a vet i hope