My dog barfs after taking his monthly dose of heartworm medicine. It's like clockwork! My dog is mostly an indoor dog, does not go to kennels, and only is outside when we walk him or if he goes in the backyard for short periods of time.
2007-02-14 04:33:11 · 22 answers · asked by barbmastman 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You do need to give the dog heartworm medicine during the summer months when there are mosquito's. However, if you live in a climate that has winters, and there are clearly no mosquitos, (like where I live, it is all of 5 degrees right now), then you do not need to give the medicine during those times.
2007-02-14 06:38:31 · answer #1 · answered by majolica2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, heartworm preventative is absolutely necessary. As a matter of fact, I am surprised that the shelter didn't have your dog on something. They should also have already done a heartworm test to make sure your dog is negative. Mosquitoes can come out at any time during the year. I live in northern Illinois, and we had a warm spell in February that bred mosquitoes like crazy! Don't take chances with your dogs health-it is better to be on the side of caution. I lost a dog to heartworm-she died from her treatment of stage two heartworm disease at 1 1/2 years of age, and I will never get over it. I had her on a preventative, but she was a Katrina dog and already had heartworm disease when I got her. Your vet will be able to advise you on what you will need to do to protect your dog.
2016-03-29 06:19:59 · answer #2 · answered by Marie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes one infested mosquito to kill your dog. And, haven't you occassionally seen mosquitos inside your house?
Heartworm is less of a problem (but still a real threat!) in certain northern climes than it is here in NC. Here heartworm is a sure thing if you don't protect your dog. I once found a six month old beautiful, friendly pit bull with a prolapsed uterus. I could have saved the dog's life with a little surgery, but the vet wouldn't touch her because at six months she had a SCREAMING case of heartworms. It was so unneccessary to have to put her to sleep. It's only a matter of when the unprotected dog gets heartworms...
So yes, you have to give preventative.
I would suggest that you consult your vet about which prevention to use. It may be that your dog can't tolerate whichever medication you are using. IN fact, collies and several other breeds can be killed by the HW preventative Ivermectin. There are other options. But you have to do something or you will probably kill your dog.
2007-02-14 04:47:37 · answer #3 · answered by Robin D 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Since Heartworm is passed on by infected mosquitoes it doesn't matter if he is indoors, always on leash, etc. He still can get heartworms. I suggest you tell your vet about the vomiting after heartworm medication..there are several different heartworm meds that can be used for dogs taht are sensative to some products.
2007-02-14 05:36:33 · answer #4 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mosquitoes are the cause of heartworm. If you can 100% guarantee that your dog will never come in contact with one...until you can do that, continue on with the once a month.
Trust me, you do not want him to get heartworm.
Note: Anyone who thumbed down all who said that dogs should take heartworm medication is obviously uneducated and needs to put that thumb someplace else, lol.
2007-02-14 05:00:34 · answer #5 · answered by BVC_asst 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's always a good idea to give your dog heartworm medication. Especially if you live in a climate that has mosquitoes. Even if your dog is out only for a short time, he can still be exposed. All it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to make your dog sick. Dogs do not normally get heartworms from being exposed to other dogs with it. Heartworms come from infected mosquitoes.
2007-02-14 04:55:33 · answer #6 · answered by boxadorboxador 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you live in a humid, warm climate, yes the dog needs heartworm preventative. Mosquitoes can get into your house, too, so he really should be protected. I believe that some of the flea and tick monthly applications also prevent heartworm.
2007-02-14 04:43:43 · answer #7 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, all dogs need heartworm medicine. If your dog vomits it up, talk to your vet about another brand or an injection.
2007-02-14 04:59:13 · answer #8 · answered by jframeisu 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes,
Heartworms are caused by misqouto bites and the diease is very hard to treat on a dog and can be fatal
2007-02-14 05:10:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
it only takes one infested parasite to give your dog heart worm and your dog goes outside though not much he is still at risk so yes even though he vomits like clockwork he still needs the protection against them,talk to your Veterinarian and see if there is another alternative or an underlying problem there he might have an allergy to the medicine used in the preventative,your Vet can help you with this problem,if not find another Vet
2007-02-14 04:54:28 · answer #10 · answered by onyxpryzm 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋