Heart worm

[JimBo]

What is the general opinion on heartworm medication. Do people use it? When? What kind? I think maybe I should, but I don't know for sure.

[JayT]

Talk to your vet. My vet gave me some stuff that is great, but you are better off getting advice straigght from the vet's mouth.

[14rock]

If you havent been using it go to the vet and have them run a blood test to determine if your dogs already have it (probably do, its very common). This will take awhile to get the results back but now is a good time to just start them on a preventative every month. I believe I'm using something called "Interceptor" at the moment, one pill the first of every month. Its very cheap also, and this was from the vet so I imagine you could find even better deals on the net. Make sure you get the right pills based on your dogs weight. As always though, talk to the vet.

[Miakoda]

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/11300.htm&word=heartworms

My opinion on heartworm medication? It's a must!

In my state, heartworms/heartworm disease kills more animals than any other cause. It's a slow, painful way to die.

If your dog is over the age of 7 mo., I suggest having him tested by your vet. He's actually old enough to have heartworms & test positive. Once the dog is already diagnosed with heartworms, unless there's strict treatment on the owner's part, death in a few short years is to be expected.

Once your dog is tested, then your vet will prescribe you a preventative. Some of the more common ones are Heartguard, Sentinel, Revolution, Tri-Heart, Iverheart, & Interceptor. The preventative are to be taken monthly throughout the entire year unless otherwise directed by your vet (some places in the north only perscribe HW prevention for the summer months).

Price/cost should NEVER be an issue when it comes to your dogs health.

[Judy]

Mine is on Iverhart year round.

[suki]

If in doubt, get your pet tested. Heartworm can manifest itself, yes, even with just ONE mosquito bite!!! It's a must to use preventative!
It's a very simple, quick easy test, and worth every penny!!!