how does it work? what are the pros and cons of using it? what are some of your experiences with it? do you think i should start my dog on it? he is very healthy and he is on flea meds with frontline plus. if i do use heart worm guard on my dog should i switch my dog's flea med to another brand? i want to know how you guys think before i ask a vet.
2007-10-01 08:40:36 · 15 answers · asked by luv ellell 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Heartworm protection is so imporant for dogs, so you are a good owner for investigating your options. Do talk to your vet about it, but here is some info to get you started. Test your dog for heartworm first (a simple blood test) to make sure your dog does not have it to begin with (put yout dog on heartworm preventative meds if he already has heartworm can be fatal). Most ppl test every year, but if you are consistent with using the medication, you can get away with testing every other year (aprox $40).
Some meds cover only heartworm (ie heartgard) and others do a bit more ie) sentinal also does fleas. If you want a product that does it 'all' i recommend Revolution - it covers heartworm, fleas, mange, earmites, and all sorts of worms. Advantage multi does as well, but has not been tested as long as Revolution, so personally i dont trust it as much (plus, its a pesticide that basically coats your pet).
Make sure to keep up with regular vaccinations and i would also suggset a lepto vac as well as we are seeing some cases of that lately (can be fatal too).
2007-10-01 08:58:01 · answer #1 · answered by bunnygurl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs definitely need to be on heartworm preventative. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos, and a dog who is not protect (even some that are), can be bitten by an infected bug and contract the disease.
Heartworm is exactly what it sounds like - they are worms that live in the heart and bloodstream and will kill a dog if not treated. The treatment is extremely hard on the dog, and many dogs do not survive the treatment.
To avoid this, have the dog checked first by the vet (this involves a simple blood test).
There are a variety of medications available, all of which will be compatible with any flea medications you are using.
2007-10-01 08:55:15 · answer #2 · answered by rjn529 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heartworm is fatal in many dogs. It's not even worth it to consider not putting your dog on heartworm meds. There are several different types of pills/doses to get if cost is a factor. I like getting mine from www.entirelypets.com because they're cheaper there than 800 pet meds and definitely cheaper than what the vet sells. It's so easy to give your dog the meds, so much easier than having to deal with that Frontline stuff (which doesn't interefere with the heartworm meds at all) and if you're interested in easy, check that website for Program, a flea pill for your dog just once a month. My dogs stay flea free and don't look or smell gross. JMHO.
2007-10-01 08:52:59 · answer #3 · answered by chaychayolei 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have two of my dogs on frontline and heart guard we live near the lake and mosquitos are plentiful. but my puppy is on revolution. it protects against heartworm, fleas, ticks, sarcoptic mites and ear mites. how does it work: mosquitos becomes infected while feeding on an heartworm infected dog, that same mosquito then flies to an Uninfected dog and transmit the heartworm to that dog while feeding on that uninfected dog. tiny immature heart worms migrate to the heart and lungs where they develop into adults and cause disease. so basicly if there is a dog in your area that has heart worm disease. then there is a infected mosquito near by as well just waiting to infect your dog. your dog has to be tested for heart worm Before you can put him on heart worm medication. if you miss giving him heart worm preventative for one month then you have to get him tested again before restarting him on the preventitave. you place it on the back between the shoulder blade parting the hair so that it get only on the skin. just follow the directions or ask you vet to demonstrate for you. the pros: dog will not have heart worm and die. it is not messy will not wash off the dog and depending on which product you use it will last for a month at a time. cons: some dogs and cats may experience stomach upset. or hair loss on the application site. but thats minimal and rare, it can't be used on sick, weak, or underweight animals. my dogs had no ill effect from revolution, and frontline seems to be every pet owners favorite. I just wish they made a heartworm preventative as well. but some of these products also come in a spray. you can buy it online. at 1800petmeds.
2007-10-01 09:11:22 · answer #4 · answered by dobby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Frontline only works for fleas. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos. If you have mosquitos, get your dog on the heartworm preventative. It is only given once a month, and the version we have been using for the last several years also prevents other types of worms---we still get checked for everything once a year, but I have not had to have any of my dogs wormed for at least 6 years.
2007-10-01 08:47:37 · answer #5 · answered by Rachal961 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First of all, your vet MUST perform a blood test to determine if your pet is heartworm negative. You should NEVER just give this to your dog without having this test done as the treatments are different. Once your vet has determined that the dog is HW-Neg, then Heartgard should be given. If you live in an area that is high for Heartworms (ie; warm climates) then it should be given year round. Otherwise, it can be given once a month for 6 mos. (when mosquitoes are most active, spring thru summer). It is easier to prevent them than to treat them as the treatment is basically a poison and can affect older or very young dogs.
2007-10-01 08:57:08 · answer #6 · answered by wrenchma2 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's cheaper to give the dog a monthly dose of heartworm meds than to pay for surgery afterwards or have your dog put to sleep. All i know is that it must work because my dog hasn't had heartworms or else it would have died. You don't need to switch the flea and tick meds. Consult your vet and they'll advise you.
2007-10-01 09:00:31 · answer #7 · answered by rachel b 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi: we use Revolution on our Yorkie it is for heart worm, fleas, and ticks a 3 in 1. We have used it for 4 yrs with great success. We live on wooded acreage with a pond( harbors mosquitoes) so it is extremely important she have heart worm meds. She was on heart guard originally but vet withdrew it after some controversy and switched her to Revolution. If there is heart worm infestation ion in your state you definitely need med for heart worm. Where we live in Michigan it is a must for all dog owners. Hope this was helpful to you
2007-10-01 08:57:57 · answer #8 · answered by GEORGE I 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want to learn the truth about heartworm protection, go to Dr. Malernee's site.
http://www.evidencebasedvet.com He is a regular vet in Florida.
Click on articles and scroll down to the one on heartworm. Be sure and follow the link to the government's web site and read the original studies. I've read them on all the brands. This is what I read in the government's site..............
Heartworm meds do not have to be given every month.
Heartworm meds can be given to heartworm positive dogs.
Heartworm meds given to dogs at twice the dose can kill the heartworm.
2007-10-01 09:14:17 · answer #9 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heartworm prevention is much cheaper, and alot easier on your dog than dealing with a case of heartworm.
Have your pup on prevention, no need to change his flea med.
Its a once a month, beefy chew, most dogs love to take it.
2007-10-01 08:46:32 · answer #10 · answered by Bindi *dogtrainingbyjess.com* 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋