Can we talk heartworm meds?

DukesMom · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:26 am Post subject:

Hiya Anne!
I was hoping you would come in! The one map recommends July thru Nov for my area. We do get some mosquitos but obviously not a huge problem like in many areas. Do you have any idea what the incidence rates of heartworm are in California?

peppernaei · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 10:21 am Post subject:

Wrench · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 11:49 am Post subject:

We have been put on advantage multi by our first vet but because he is an avid swimmer we are looking to change. I am looking at sentinel too but our newest vet has another idea of something however I am not sure what to do just yet. Being in South East swamp area Houston we will be on it year round...even though mosquito's are worse in summer and you may not see any during winter worms can still be a problem but also there can be days in winter up in the 90's out of no where or even for months at a time can be 70-80....crazy here .

dustydiamond · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 7:28 pm Post subject: heartworm treratment

Parts of central California are a given for Heartworm. I am in about the center of the state but not considered central. I treat all my dogs monthly. some are on Heartguard or Iverheart and some are on Interceptor. The dogs that travel with me to other states are the ones that get Interceptor because of all the extra things it will cover. I was told by 2 differnet Vets that you should not miss more than 2 days beyond the 30 for effective protection. If you have ever had to hold the paw of a dog suffering from Heartworm, you will treat monthly. The preventative is peanuts compared to the cost of treatment for heartworm, not to mention the pain, suffering and agony of the dog or cat affected. Sorry for the soap box but I am fostering a rescue dog right now that is positive. He is hacking, panting and urinating blood. His prognosis is bleak, but if there is a glimmer of hope I am going to try to help him.

DukesMom · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 10:33 am Post subject:

peppernaei · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:00 am Post subject:

So I haven't been able to find that memo but in my search I have noticed that Canadians and Americans are being told something different (of course) however Merial doesn't have a Canadian website and they refer us to the US site.

In my current box of Heartgard (from Canada) it states "Because most dogs find the product palatable, they will accept Heartgard-30 when offered by hand. If more convenient, the entire chewable can be added to a small amount of dog food but do not crumble or split it..."

The American website states "Because most dogs find HEARTGARD Chewables palatable, the product can be offered to the dog by hand. Alternatively, it may be added to a small amount of dog food. The Chewable should be administered in a manner that encourages the dog to chew, rather than to swallow without chewing. Chewables may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole..." From: http://heartgard.us.merial.com/downloads/Dog_information.pdf under Administration

I have always given the product whole and although Zaphod is not a chewer he has never had an issue with Heartgard. Since Marvin doesn't get many treats or human food from our hands he likes to inspect and chew everything we give him.

anne · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:36 am Post subject:

weimdogmom · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:39 am Post subject:

Thank you for trying to (re)find the memo you read earlier!

We used to use Heartgard and didn't have a problem. The dogs always thought they were treats and just chewed them up.

I think this is where I had read about the difference between Heartgard and Tri-Heart and chewing...

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Rx_Info_Sheets/rx_ivermectin_heartworm.pdf

kcos · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject:

I was going to try the Revolution...it's supposed to be heartworm and flea and tick all in one .I would love a season without mosquitos, but that's Oklahoma for you. Confused

DukesMom · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 12:08 pm Post subject: