Okay, I know what you're thinking. Why would anyone do that? She is currently in a great foster home and is VERY sweet and lovely. The foster mom told me she adopted her dog with heartworms, and he is now negative. She was very honest with me and is going to give me more details tomorrow. The rescue group is going to pay for the treatment. Any thoughts?
2007-02-01 12:44:29 · 13 answers · asked by aquagigi 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If i found the dog of my dreams, and i really wanted to adopt him, but he had heartworm disease, i would definitely still adopt him. Heartworms are very treatable in dogs. Though the treatment is a long process, the treatment does cure the heartworms, though there are risks in the treatment, he should soon be a normal healthy dog. Once he is negative, he is negative. I think you should adopt this dog, especially since they are going to pay for this expensive treatment. If you do adopt him, just be sure to keep him on heartworm prevention year-round so he doesn't get heartworms again. Good Luck. I hope this helps.
2007-02-01 12:48:34 · answer #1 · answered by Stark 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All dogs have to be tested again to see if they have heartworms. Dogs that are always negative get tested every two years I think. Positive dogs get tested again after treatment. If the dog is still positive, which I doubt, then there's a non-toxic treatment he can go through that only costs $60. Go ahead and adopt him. He's just had heartworms is all and gone through a difficult & toxic treatment. If they've had him for a month, then all the coughing is done with and he doesn't have to be put up and can stay active. All he has to do is get tested, which is just a requirement before heartworm preventative can be dispensed by a vet (they can't do it until they have a negative test result in their file). I've adopted dogs that have gone through it and they recover and do normal as if nothing had ever happened. They get it from being bit by a mosquito that is a 'carrier' of it. One dog can NOT give it to another. A dog HAS to get bit by a mosquito that carries it. It takes two years (seven stages of development) for the heartworm to mature from the blood stream into full blown worms in the heart. And then it's a slow and terrible death for the dog. Prevention is easy and inexpensive.
2016-05-24 03:44:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would adopt her. You would be giving her a great home and they are treatable. The stray dog I had when we first found him and he showed up positive for heartworms and other worms also and now he is negative and as happy as can be. There is a treatment and you seem to already like the dog alot so go ahead and do it what can be more fulfilling than knowing you gave a dog a forever home and you will now have a companion you have helped and will be happy to see you everytime you walk in the door?
Good luck and I would adopt him and give him a loving home!
2007-02-01 12:49:48 · answer #3 · answered by aliciamarie88 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can put the dog on Heart Guard or Ivomectin and this will prevent the dog from getting any more heartworms, over time the existing heartworms will die and the dog will be free of them. One thought though, the heartworm treatment is very Brutal on the dog and can kill them. I think I would adopt the dog if you like her and give her the heartguard.
2007-02-01 12:49:08 · answer #4 · answered by dwm5_62 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't if you have other pets that could catch heartworms from the dog. I would also be cautious if you have children - check with the pediatrician and make sure that they can't catch anything from the dog. But if it's just you and the dog, why not?
Be aware that when you take on any sick animal, you are committing to the care of that animal forever. The rescue group may not pay for his care indefinitely. It may not be a bad idea to take the dog to the vet (someone not affiliated with the rescue group) to discuss what the costs of his care are going to be in the long term. If it's going to exceed your budget, look for a dog with fewer problems.
2007-02-01 12:49:31 · answer #5 · answered by Amy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are willing to have the patience to go through the treatment and follow the vet's orders, I think it would be very rewarding to adopt a HW+ dog who has a good chance of recovery.
Good luck!
A counter-spin to Tom - if she adopts a HW+ dog who is already in Rescue (she's in a foster home), that frees up a spot in the foster home to take in a healthy dog, who may be adopted more quickly, freeing up that spot again, etc. etc. etc. As opposed to the HW+ dog staying in that foster home throughout her treatment.
Adopting the HW+ dog out of the Rescue group may result in *more* dogs being saved over the course of the dog's treatment.
2007-02-01 13:11:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely that dog needs you to show her love and whether she is positive or negative.It can be expensive to treat active heartworms but if she is now negative I say go for it and the preventive heartworm pills are 6.00 or 8.00 a month to keep them from coming back .I don't know you but I like you for what you are doing I'm like the biggest dog person in my town and I 've been like since I was a child and I'm now 43 and still loving as many that come up in the yard or someone calls me about so you go ahead and give her some huggems and kisses from me and you will find that taking in this dog is good for your soul and the dog will love you endlessly and foreverGo ahead and get her I know as well as you do you want her.Have a ton of fun with your new Friend you know you'll have one for life.Doglover in N.C.
2007-02-01 13:00:24 · answer #7 · answered by connor'snana 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Think about this a little.
While you are thinking about adopting a dog with health problems (even tho' it can be cured) TEN perfectlly healthy dogs will be put to sleep
Grinz: to counter Tirya
Exactlly my point , why isn't a healthy dog in that rescue home now instead of a sick one.
It is after all the person with a rescue facility that should know better. Yet I see dog after dog with sevier HD in rescue homes while healthy dog are put to sleep.
2007-02-01 13:05:58 · answer #8 · answered by tom l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i work in a shelter so i say go for it!!!! if u r saving a life then there shouldnt be a problem. dogs can get over heartworm and what a plus if they r going to pay 4 treatment! i am a firm believer that we dont pick our dogs, they pick us for a reason. if u are drawn to this dog and cant stop thinking about her then she is meant to be in ur life... adopt her. u will be so happy!
2007-02-01 12:53:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well why not? You said they would pay for treatments. That's a plus right there. Would you not adopt a child because it had a heart disease? If your heart is true for caring for any animal this shouldn't be a problem with going through with it. Remember this sweet pup didn't ask for this. Hope you do the right thing and best wished..~smiles~
2007-02-01 13:12:17 · answer #10 · answered by Animal_lover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋