I've moved from Japan w my dog. Could you please tell me about vaccination, heart worm prevention?

Question

Hello. I've moved from Japan with my dog, and now live in Ohio. Could you please help me out?

The vaccination that my dog has been given in Japan was "Duramune Max 5". I paid about $70 for this vaccination. It was needed once a year. I checked the vaccination name in the internet and found out there is the same one in America too, but how much will it be if my dog get shot by vet in America? Is it also need once a year?

Also, about heart worm medicine. "Milbemycin" is the name of my dog's medicine, but I couldn't find the same one when I searched for it in the internet. Instead, I found a lot of different kinds.....like the one you can buy in the internet(Heartgard plus, Iverhart Plus, Interceptor, Sentinel). Are these good enough for the heart worm prevention? Or should I get the specific medicine from vet? If so, how much will it be? Need it year round? (In Tokyo, it was needed from June through December. same here in America/Ohio?)

Thank you so much for your help

Answer 1

Depending on where you live (region) will determine what the best products are to use. If you live in an area where whipworms are a problem I recommend using Sentinel or Interceptor. If your area does not have a problem with whipworms Heartgard is great. When it comes to flea/tick prevention I like Advantage or Advantix. However, if you bathe your dog frequently or groom your dog it is wise to use Frontline because it actually enters the bloodstream and won't wash off whereas the Advantage and Advantix adheres to the hair follicles and can be washed off. If your vet recommends using Revolution (great topical product for both the heartworm and flea prevention) you have to be very consistent with application and make sure that you do it the same day every month. Revolution only last for 30 days so if you forget to give it there is a chance that your animal will get heartworms. When it comes to vaccinations the price will vary with location. The DHLPP-CV is a 6 in 1 vaccination and is your annual vaccine. This covers canine distemper, hepatitis, lepto, parvo, parinfulenza, and corona. Depending on your state your dog will need to be vaccinated for rabies every 1 to 3 years. It is also recommended that if your dog is groomed, boards, or visits parks/pet stores that you vaccinate for canine kennel cough (bordatella). This vaccine can be given by injection or intranasally and is given every 6 months. Some regions require vaccines for Lyme disease and is something that you will need to address with your vet. As far as price - a full canine yearly DHPP-CV ($35), RV ($20), HW test ($30), fecal ($10), bordatella ($20) is about $115, however that varies by location and even from vet to vet. Also, it is safest to give the heartworm prevention year round. Last but not least....NEVER buy animal products via the internet. These products are not sold by licensed veterinarians and are not sold to the retailer from the manufacturer. Call any of the manufacturers of these products and ask if the sell their products to these "wholesalers". Be weary of them!!!! Hope this helps!

Answer 2

For heartworm prevention, the most common preventative is HeartGard. HeartGard actually has a guarentee whereby if you dog gets heartworm while on this med, they will pay for any/all costs associated with the disease. There are other meds out there that I'm sure are very effective, but I would only use Heartgard for mine because if they are so sure about the effectiveness of their product that they would make that guarentee, it has to work. As far as the vaccines, I know that in CT there is a state law mandating the Rabies vaccine on all pets. That is a must. The other big vaccine is the distemper vaccine which isn't mandatory, but let me tell you how well worth it is to have this vaccine. I have seen puppies contract distemper because of improper vaccinations and let me tell you, it is very sad. The whole vet bill including vaccines and heartworm meds in CT would probably run you around $200. That is very expensive, I know. But that is for the physical, blood work and all vaccines and heartgard (and CT is the most expensive state in the nation- no different if you are a dog or human). I do hope all this helps, and welcome to the USA. Good Luck!

Answer 3

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Answer 4

In Ohio, dogs need rabies and distemper shots. If you kennel your dog, your vet will most likely want to give your dog a kennel cough vaccine too.

Heartworm isn't required by law but it is a very good thing to do. Yes, all the heartworm meds you listed are good. I got the Heartgard from my vet and it is a very good thing to use here in Ohio because the climate. It's best here to use it year round and your vet can give you specific instructions especially if your dog spends significant time outdoors.

Also you'll want to get flea and tick protection here in Ohio, especially if you live near a wooded area. Fleas and ticks are HUGE problems in the summer/humid times of year (April through October).

Answer 5

You need to get the rabies vaccine yearly...or pay a little extra for a 3-year shot. Parvo, Distemper etc are also a very good idea. The heartworm pills are important, we have lots of mosquitos. The vet suggests a full year of treatment, but usually just summer months are important. I would definately get a vet to give the pills and not buy them online.

Answer 6

the first thing you need to do is find a good vet. dont use petco or petsmart. go to a ligitimate vet and ask the questions. i think your going to find that the vaccination is alot cheaper than in Japan. Try the spca and they will direct you to a good vet and also you can get discounts on pet care through spca. heart worm you will need once a year im sure but i cant give you any prices. a good figure would be about 20 bucks for each one.

Answer 7

Generally in the US we require an annual vaccination.
And your vet can recommend a good heartworm medication.

You might want to inquire by phone of the Vets in your area (Yellow Pages in Yahoo!) and ask what they charge for each one!

Welcome to the USA!