What is the average age a dog will get heart worm??? I have a 2 yr old dog that is very HYPER and happy but he has a cough that sounds like a cat with a fur ball. He went to the vet last weekend to get kennel cough treatment( 2 injections and antibiotics) but he is still coughing. He had his heart worm tablets 3 months ago and is due to get more but should i give him the tablets if he might possibly have heart worm...Please dont say go to the vet as atm i cant afford it and was wondering if i can give the heart worm treatment now and he wont die of a heart attack if he actually has heartworm. I dont think he does because at the moment he is very active like normal and he only has a cough that occurs about once every two days so its not often he has it. He only recently got this cough and do you think that this might be because of the change in season ( its spring in australia ) thanks !!! will deffinetly choose best helpful and not rude answer!!!
2007-10-20 16:52:06 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I give my dogs REVOLUTION and you give it every 3 months
2007-10-20 17:07:52 · update #1
If your dog has tested negative in the past and you have kept him on his meds, you have no danger of heartworm. Kennel cough can last up to four weeks or more; the cough doesn't just disappear right after treatment.
If you haven't had a heartworm test you may need to invest in one. They are not expensive-it is a simple blood test. I am rather surprised that your vet didn't check that.
2007-10-21 03:36:04 · answer #1 · answered by anne b 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not good to treat a dog if it has heart worm, it can kill them.
Kennel cough is like a normal human cold. If he has it, it can and will pass on his own.
If you have concerns about anything else with him, do some calling around. I'm sure there is someone out there that can offer very cheap or even free care for your dog if you make the effort.
2007-10-20 16:57:49 · answer #2 · answered by Michele 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has your dog been on heartworm all its life or do you just recently start? If you have always given it to him then he should not have heartworm. If you have just started giving it to him did your vet give him a heartworm test 1st? If he did then your dog doesn't have heartworms the medicine would prevent it. If he didn't give him a test than it is possible. I would still give him the meds because you don't want to take a chance on him getting it if he doesn't have it.
They can get heartworm at any age, they get it from mesquito bites.
2007-10-20 17:14:53 · answer #3 · answered by Nikki 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since heartworms take 6 months to mature,it's usually dogs over 6 months of age who have never received heartworm preventative who contract heartworms.It's hard to say if your dog has them.If you haven't given him his heartworm pills for 3 months,then he could have them,but he shouldn't be coughing yet.You have to give the pills EVERY month,on the same day,not just when you have the money.The cough he has is most likely from his kennel cough,but it would be wise to have him checked for heartworm,and if it's negative,give him the pills regularly for the rest of his life!
Edit:I don't know what kind of Revolution you use,but everyone I know who uses it administers it monthly.
http://www.petshed.com/articles/all-about-revolution-for-dogs.html
2007-10-20 17:03:02 · answer #4 · answered by Dances With Woofs! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is only coughing once or twice in two days, the medicine the vet gave him is working and it was kennel cough. He'll be fine in another couple of days. It takes time for the medicine to work, just like it would in a human. But he'll be fine. Don't worry about it too much.
2007-10-20 16:59:08 · answer #5 · answered by caitiejx36 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If I was you I would just not do anything right now. I really feel bad for you. That must really suck. I hope your dog doesn't get or have heart worm. Just hold off on going to the vet or giving him any antibiotics. Good luck, I hope I was able to help you.
2007-10-20 17:00:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
every dog from birth is born with worms not heart worms but worms. im thinkin dog allergies. i have a dog that sounds like he coughs up hair balls and he just has asthma so dont worry
2007-10-20 17:20:47 · answer #7 · answered by lovedove 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HW preventative is given monthly - not every 3 months.
you need to have him tested again & then give the meds properly.
age has nothing to do with when they get it, HW is carried by a mosquito - & they will develope anytime after 6 mos of age. it takes 6 mos for them to mature from the filliara to actual HW's
yes, it could be allergies
2007-10-20 17:00:46 · answer #8 · answered by sadiejane 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
any age can get heart worm
2007-10-20 16:57:15 · answer #9 · answered by beaglegurl87 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
SORRY but you definitely need to get your dog to the vet! Maybe you can get them to let you make payments.
2007-10-20 16:56:54 · answer #10 · answered by twjr 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋