I have heard that Heartgard may kill the heartworms, but also the more traditional treatment is more effective. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
2007-03-17 15:31:06 · 13 answers · asked by jeff 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes you can, but it can take over a year for the dog to test heartworm negative. It will not kill the adult worms, but it kills the microfilaria (the baby heartworms), so the Heartguard will only keep the numbers from getting higher. It can take years to finally cure it, but it will keep it from getting worse.
My brother decided to treat his heartworm positive dog with heartguard (well, the vet decided to treat it that way since my brother could not afford to spend $1000 on a dog that he found and decided to keep). The dog has been on it for about 2 years and he still tests very very slightly positive, but he has not gotten any worse.
2007-03-17 16:00:29 · answer #1 · answered by iluvmyfrenchbulldogs 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Heartgard (ivermectin) does not kill adult heartworms. It does kill the microfilaria.
If I recall correctly, there is a warning on the box that tell you not to give it to a dog that has tested positive for heartworms. Since your dog has a has already tested positive for heartworms, I would NOT give Heartgard. You may very well end up killing the dog.
As someone else mentioned, it's best to take the dog to a vet for the correct treatment.
I hope the links I'm adding help you in your decision. Good luck to you and your dog.
2007-03-17 23:34:54 · answer #2 · answered by HDB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start him on Heartgard immediately so he won't get any more. Heartgard is not dangerous to give to a heartworm positive dog. It does not affect the actual heartworms in the dog's heart, just kills the microfilaria floating around in the bloodstream.
The oldfashioned once-a-day pills, like Filaribit, were dangerous because they actually killed the adult heartworm and the dead worm could actually clog the heart and arteries.
Here is a great place to order it from:
https://www.petshed.com/default.asp
Here is a very interesting site that tells all about different treatments for heartworms, including "slow kill" using Heartgard which I wasn't aware of:
http://www.dogaware.com/heartwormtreatment.html
2007-03-17 22:41:00 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can use heartgard. If the test was a low + it will just keep the dog from getting any more adult heartworms by killing the microfalaria.
Some vets reccomend that for using heartgard as a 'slow kill' heartworm treatment that you bring them in to them for observation during the frist 24 hours, and also give them steroids.
See what your vet says!
Good luck
2007-03-17 22:43:42 · answer #4 · answered by tragedys_kiss 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First and foremost, talk to your vet regarding treatment for your dog.
While Heartgard may kill the heartworms, doing so can severely harm your dog or prove fatal. If your dog becomes active and starts breathing heavily or his heart-rate increases, the dead/dying parasites could break loose and travel to the lungs, potentially causing respiratory failure and death.
This is why dogs with heartworms are kept crated and inactive for approximately 4 to 6 weeks while undergoing treatment.
Each dog's treatment for heartworms is going to depend on his or her overall condition prior to the beginning of treatment, and how he or she responds to the various types.
EDIT: For shame on the person that stated that Heartgard was not dangerous to a heartworm positive dog! Do your research and protect your animals!
2007-03-17 22:44:12 · answer #5 · answered by imrielle 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Heartgard is intended as a preventative not a treatment. If your dog has heartworms he needs to be treated by a vet, and soon!
2007-03-17 22:37:33 · answer #6 · answered by agilesheltie 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Check out this site:
http://www.vonshrado.com/PuppyInfo/Heart%20Worm.htm
It contains info on a "drug" callled Paratox that can be used to treat heartworms at $18 a bottle (it takes about 2 to treat a dog) rather than the $1000 it takes with conventional treatment. And it's safer too.
2007-03-18 11:04:53 · answer #7 · answered by SabrinaD 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heartgard is for protecting (preventing) dogs from getting heartworms. You need to take the dog to the vet and get meds for them there. Good luck. I hope your doggie gets well.
2007-03-17 22:34:48 · answer #8 · answered by I know, I know!!!! 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
heart guard should be given on a regular basis from puppyhood on, in areas where the problem is prevalent. once a dog has heartworms, heartguard is not effective. The SPCA should not be adopting out sick dogs. if in doubt talk to a vet
2007-03-17 22:35:49 · answer #9 · answered by ogopogo 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should talk to your veterinarian on this issue. I have heard that treating heartworms with heartgard can be dangerous, but in some cases it has been used. So it is BEST to talk to your veterinarian so you know you aren't doing any harm.
2007-03-17 22:35:08 · answer #10 · answered by Stark 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋