Do dogs really have to have heartworm pills?

Question

This was just a curiosity question. My dog IS on heartworm medication.

Answer 1

Remember this, treatment for heartworm can cost twice as much as the preventative.

The treatment for heartworm, could even kill your dog.

Why risk it.

Answer 2

I was much less fortunate than Pet Princess. My dog got heartworm and died from the treatment three days after she had it. We paid $1700 to try to save her life and she died anyway. I adopted my dog heartworm positive, but my other animals have always been on heartworm pills all year long to prevent just such a heartbreak.
We only had her for 10 1/2 months. She was 2 1/2 when she died. If you love your dog, you will spend the money.

Answer 3

Yes, dogs really do need to have heartworm pills. It is alot better to pay $5 a month for a heartworm preventative then to pay the $700 plus for the treatment which is very taxing on the pet. Veterinarians are now suggesting that if you have a cat that they should be on heartworm preventative since it only takes 1 heartworm to put them out of commission. If you are in an area that has mosquitoes, please put your animal on heartworm preventative. Its cheap and good citizenship.

Answer 4

Yes. It is much cheaper to give the pills than to treat for heartworm. Also keep in mind that very few dogs survive heartworm treatment if they do get sick. Better to give the pills than risk the dog's life.

Answer 5

YES!!! Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos, so if you have mosquitos you need to have your dog on heartworm prevention. And you will want to talk to your vet, because certain areas recommend keeping your dog on heartworm prevention year round, but that depends on the climate. Heartworm disease is REAL! I work at a vet clinic, and I have seen Too many dogs die from this disease, which is easily preventable. And the prevention is cheaper than the treatment. I have also seen too many dogs die because owners couldn't afford the treatment. Please keep your dog on heartworm prevention to ensure that he will live a long and healthy life!

Answer 6

Yes. Fleas, ticks and worms can make your dog or cat sick. It costs some money to prevent it but it costs alot more money to treat it and sometimes it can't be treated and it will kill them. The best thing to give your dog for Heartworms is called Heartguard Plus. Depending on the weight of your dog...if you were to get it from 1800petmeds.com (which is cheaper than most places):
*1-25lbs.: 6 months:$25 and 12 months: $45
*26-50lbs.: 6 months: $33 and 12 months: $60
*51-100lbs.: 6 months: $40 and 12 months: $$80
It's worth the money and that question is equal to: "Do my kids have to get shots every year?"

Answer 7

Yes in my opinion they do. Why take a risk of your dog getting heartworms? It is a terrible illness and the dogs suffer so with them. The cure rate is very good but it is also very expensive.

Much cheaper to just give the monthy pills.

Answer 8

Yes. I just adopted a seemingly healthy 2 yr. old Basset/Lab mix from a shelter, and she tested positive for heartworm, and it is going to cost over $300 for the treatment, plus she has to be completely calm for a month following treatment or she could die. The preventative is cheap enough, and it could literally save your dog's life.

Answer 9

I was given a dog by someone that didn't properly take care of her. We had to have her treated for heartworms. The treatment wasn't pleasant for us or the dog. It costs about $400 too. Please treat your dog for heartworms!!!

Answer 10

If you would rather they never developed heartworm, it's probably a good idea.. Check with your vet, and find out if it's a problem in your area.