A vet told me that the once a month heartworm prevention medicine is safe and even if a dog has missed several months and has heartworms it won't kill them and may even help. Other vets say that it is necessary to test first. Who is right?
2007-01-28 10:49:40 · 10 answers · asked by misty19492000 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It's certainly not going to hurt him if you give it to him without testing him. However if he already has heartworm it may not do the job completely, you may need something stronger to get rid of the worms rather then just preventatives. So always give him preventatives, but if you suspect worms, get him tested.
2007-01-28 10:57:38 · answer #1 · answered by countryjumper64 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest you call your vet with all of these questions. If your vet did a wellness exam and gave the dog his first set of shots then chances are she did a heartworm test also, it takes only 10 minutes and it looks like a pregnancy test. Also if he's 12 weeks then he's due for his booster shots about now. Call your vet the call is free they won't charge you and you can speak to a vet tech about all of this. The chances of your puppy having heartworm is probably low and yes, if your pup has heartworms the medicine will kill the worms NOT the dog, it's only fatal if the worms break loose and lodge in the veins. Don't wait until he's 6 months before giving him the meds speak to the vet now or wait till his next round of booster shots.
2016-03-29 06:58:50 · answer #2 · answered by Deborah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is necassary to test first. The vets are right. If the dog has heartworms the meds can cause severe problems if the infestation is more then mild. If you only missed one month there would be no problem, but missing several can pose a problem.
2007-01-28 13:28:18 · answer #3 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i work at a vets office and we reqire a heartworm test every six months or we wont sell the heartworm prevention. if your dog has had the test in the last 6 months it probably would be allright but if not then you should have the test done first.
2007-01-28 11:52:26 · answer #4 · answered by krystal j 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really should test before treating them again if they have been off of the medication for more than a month, so my Vet says (we live in Miami and still have mosquitoes in January). However, if you live in a part of the country that is cold and there are no mosquitoes, you're safe. Heart worms are contracted through mosquitoes, no bite, no harm. To be on the safe side, if you can afford it, play it safe if you're in a warm climate.
2007-01-28 11:00:36 · answer #5 · answered by leslie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please take it to a vet and get it tested. If the test is negative, have him placed on heart worm preventive every month. Remember not to skip a month, Good luck with your dog. It's better to be safe than sorry.
2007-01-28 11:00:49 · answer #6 · answered by chilly bean 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ultimately this dog is a member of your family, and should be treated as such. You wouldn't start your child on such medication without professional advice, and I suggest the same should apply for your dog. For half an hour of your time and a consultation fee, is it worth risking the health or life of your canine family member?
2007-01-28 11:15:17 · answer #7 · answered by clare_down_under 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a good idea at all. Do it right and take him to a vet to be tested first. Our pets are worth the money.
2007-01-28 10:52:59 · answer #8 · answered by ♥ Zoey ♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I deworm my kennel every 2 or 3 weeks just to be safe, but i dont think you vcouldnt give it to your dog without a vet check.
2007-01-28 10:53:13 · answer #9 · answered by sportingfield whippets 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't do it without getting him tested.
2007-01-28 10:52:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋