is you don't use heart worm meds - YorkieTalk.com Forums

marcerella02 · 04-02-2008, 01:47 PM

what do you use? i'm starting to think i don't want to give Layla heart worm preventative medication but i'm not sure what else to use. I do plan on having her tested twice a year and was wondering if there is anything more natural i can use. Thanks!

PrincessDiana · 04-02-2008, 02:06 PM

I just did a quick google search and here's a couple of websites I found. I haven't read these thoroughly, nor do I swear by them - so as always, use discretion when it comes to the health of Layla. These are only ideas.

http://www.preciouspets.org/articles...prevention.htm
http://www.theherbsplace.com/heartwo...on_sp_104.html

MyTrixie143 · 04-02-2008, 02:07 PM

I give mine heartworm medicine during the warm months but I am interested to hear everyone's answers. It would be great if there was a safer and gentler alternative.

I know giving heartworm medicine isn't the safest but it beats them getting heartworm. My friend had a Pomeranian that died from heartworms and she was just devastated over it.

Ichabob · 04-02-2008, 02:07 PM

BJH had some great sites heres the links

In regards to heartworms, please read the following information and you will understand my feelings on this.
http://quikonnex.com/channel/item/13049
http://www.nbc5i.com/family/3345322/detail.html
http://www.theherbsplace.com/Heartwo...on_sp_104.html

me being in the south I will keep doing heartworm meds, if I was north I would really think twice about it.

2Parises · 04-02-2008, 02:14 PM

I used to believe that it wasn't important to use heartworm preventative too...then I lost a GSD to it. Now my dogs will be on some form of preventative from April through November.

It is truly heartbreaking to know that my Thor didn't have to die if not for my own decisions.

Crickettsmom · 04-02-2008, 02:25 PM

Because of where we live, I will always use heartworm meds. The only months here that we do not have mosqitos is from Nov. to Feb or March so I don't really feel safe not giving the meds. It is easier to give it to them now then to pay the price later for not giving something that could have saved their lives. Just My Opinion!!

Ichabob · 04-02-2008, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Parises

I used to believe that it wasn't important to use heartworm preventative too...then I lost a GSD to it. Now my dogs will be on some form of preventative from April through November.

It is truly heartbreaking to know that my Thor didn't have to die if not for my own decisions.

I have to give it year around, we have mosquitoes year around. I did find a pill for small size dog 2 lbs to 10 lbs interceptor,

MyFairLacy · 04-02-2008, 04:13 PM

I use heartguard plus year around...it never really gets cold for long here and mosquitos are aweful. and heartworms are very prevelant in this area....I don't want to risk it..that treatment is so hard on them if they do get heartworms and can be fatal. I don't know how common it is where you live though...it is something to think about depending on the area you are in

marcerella02 · 04-02-2008, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

I use heartguard plus year around...it never really gets cold for long here and mosquitos are aweful. and heartworms are very prevelant in this area....I don't want to risk it..that treatment is so hard on them if they do get heartworms and can be fatal. I don't know how common it is where you live though...it is something to think about depending on the area you are in

how do you find out how prevelant it is?

2Parises · 04-02-2008, 04:51 PM

Here are a couple of maps I found on incidence...

http://www.dogsandticks.com/US-map-l...taticmaps.html
http://www.heartwormsociety.org/article.asp?id=17
http://www.knowheartworms.org/incidencemap.asp

Ellie May · 04-02-2008, 05:53 PM

As much as I hate drugging Ellie, this is one thing I won't stop using. I use it 7-8 months of the year. We have heartworms in Michigan and the old treatment was (and I think still is) injections of an arsenic compound...so not just a regular dewormer. There is no way I'd want to see Ellie's go through that. Preventatives aren't 100% effective but I think they are worth it.
I'm sure there are many side effects but the benefit outweighs the risk for me.

nvnvgirl · 04-02-2008, 10:37 PM

I've never given Max heartworm meds (b/c they gave him one dose at the vets when he was finishing up all his shots as a puppy, and the vet told me that unless we take him to other areas (out of the desert), he doesn't need it. Supposedly, we don't have it here (which I find amazing when there's tons of mosquitos during the summer)....however, I am going to have him tested AGAIN and get him started on it (along with my other Yorkie, who's probably never been kept up on his meds anyhow). The first dose didn't do anything to him and if it's something that's going to keep him safe, it's worth it.

marcerella02 · 04-03-2008, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

As much as I hate drugging Ellie, this is one thing I won't stop using. I use it 7-8 months of the year. We have heartworms in Michigan and the old treatment was (and I think still is) injections of an arsenic compound...so not just a regular dewormer. There is no way I'd want to see Ellie's go through that. Preventatives aren't 100% effective but I think they are worth it.
I'm sure there are many side effects but the benefit outweighs the risk for me.

Thanks so much Crystal!

Ellie May · 04-03-2008, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvnvgirl

I've never given Max heartworm meds (b/c they gave him one dose at the vets when he was finishing up all his shots as a puppy, and the vet told me that unless we take him to other areas (out of the desert), he doesn't need it. Supposedly, we don't have it here (which I find amazing when there's tons of mosquitos during the summer)....however, I am going to have him tested AGAIN and get him started on it (along with my other Yorkie, who's probably never been kept up on his meds anyhow). The first dose didn't do anything to him and if it's something that's going to keep him safe, it's worth it.

If it was the Proheart 6 injection, that was pulled from the market because it caused death in a lot of animals.

jeanietoo · 04-03-2008, 10:52 AM

I use it from May to November. I hate using it but I had a dog die from heartworm and it's a horrible death. You can test twice a year and there is a treatment but it very nasty so I think it's better to prevent it happening

04-02-2008, 01:47 PM	#1
marcerella02 Loved by Layla Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 11,257	is you don't use heart worm meds what do you use? i'm starting to think i don't want to give Layla heart worm preventative medication but i'm not sure what else to use. I do plan on having her tested twice a year and was wondering if there is anything more natural i can use. Thanks! __________________ http://misscanam.blogspot.com/ Layla 's Simon

04-02-2008, 02:06 PM	#2
PrincessDiana I ♥ Franklin & Maggie Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,068	I just did a quick google search and here's a couple of websites I found. I haven't read these thoroughly, nor do I swear by them - so as always, use discretion when it comes to the health of Layla. These are only ideas. http://www.preciouspets.org/articles...prevention.htm http://www.theherbsplace.com/heartwo...on_sp_104.html __________________ Diana , Mommy to Franklin, Maggie, Oliver, and Millie - RIP Piper

04-02-2008, 02:07 PM	#3
MyTrixie143 Mom to 6 Beautiful Furkids Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,409	I give mine heartworm medicine during the warm months but I am interested to hear everyone's answers. It would be great if there was a safer and gentler alternative. I know giving heartworm medicine isn't the safest but it beats them getting heartworm. My friend had a Pomeranian that died from heartworms and she was just devastated over it. __________________ A dog is a furry person! http://www.dogster.com/?300866 Tracey and the gang DestinyHarmonyScamperGracieLillieKiwi Hershey Peppi

04-02-2008, 02:14 PM	#5
2Parises Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 951	I used to believe that it wasn't important to use heartworm preventative too...then I lost a GSD to it. Now my dogs will be on some form of preventative from April through November. It is truly heartbreaking to know that my Thor didn't have to die if not for my own decisions. __________________ Lorene, Paris, Paris, Samira, Aja and the newest addition to our family... Halle Belly Bands & Rag Quilts - http://2Parises.etsy.com

04-02-2008, 02:25 PM	#6
Crickettsmom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 1,235	Because of where we live, I will always use heartworm meds. The only months here that we do not have mosqitos is from Nov. to Feb or March so I don't really feel safe not giving the meds. It is easier to give it to them now then to pay the price later for not giving something that could have saved their lives. Just My Opinion!! __________________ Jennifer, Proud mom to Micah, Candy, Nikki, Gizmo, and Crickett (gone but NEVER forgotten)

04-02-2008, 02:07 PM	#4
Ichabob YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lucedale ms Posts: 707	BJH had some great sites heres the links In regards to heartworms, please read the following information and you will understand my feelings on this. http://quikonnex.com/channel/item/13049 http://www.nbc5i.com/family/3345322/detail.html http://www.theherbsplace.com/Heartwo...on_sp_104.html me being in the south I will keep doing heartworm meds, if I was north I would really think twice about it.

04-02-2008, 04:13 PM	#8
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	I use heartguard plus year around...it never really gets cold for long here and mosquitos are aweful. and heartworms are very prevelant in this area....I don't want to risk it..that treatment is so hard on them if they do get heartworms and can be fatal. I don't know how common it is where you live though...it is something to think about depending on the area you are in __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.

04-02-2008, 04:51 PM	#10
2Parises Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 951	Here are a couple of maps I found on incidence... http://www.dogsandticks.com/US-map-l...taticmaps.html http://www.heartwormsociety.org/article.asp?id=17 http://www.knowheartworms.org/incidencemap.asp __________________ Lorene, Paris, Paris, Samira, Aja and the newest addition to our family... Halle Belly Bands & Rag Quilts - http://2Parises.etsy.com

04-02-2008, 05:53 PM	#11
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	As much as I hate drugging Ellie, this is one thing I won't stop using. I use it 7-8 months of the year. We have heartworms in Michigan and the old treatment was (and I think still is) injections of an arsenic compound...so not just a regular dewormer. There is no way I'd want to see Ellie's go through that. Preventatives aren't 100% effective but I think they are worth it. I'm sure there are many side effects but the benefit outweighs the risk for me. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

04-02-2008, 10:37 PM	#12
nvnvgirl Lovin' to the MAX!! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Yorkieville Posts: 2,774	I've never given Max heartworm meds (b/c they gave him one dose at the vets when he was finishing up all his shots as a puppy, and the vet told me that unless we take him to other areas (out of the desert), he doesn't need it. Supposedly, we don't have it here (which I find amazing when there's tons of mosquitos during the summer)....however, I am going to have him tested AGAIN and get him started on it (along with my other Yorkie, who's probably never been kept up on his meds anyhow). The first dose didn't do anything to him and if it's something that's going to keep him safe, it's worth it. __________________ Seana and Max and Madison too! Come visit me at: celebritydogwatcher.com

04-03-2008, 10:52 AM	#15
jeanietoo YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: pennsylvania Posts: 783	I use it from May to November. I hate using it but I had a dog die from heartworm and it's a horrible death. You can test twice a year and there is a treatment but it very nasty so I think it's better to prevent it happening