I know this can be a hot topic for everyone, and I agree with all the posters who said that everyone needs to do the research and then make the decision that they think best for their pets.
Having said that, I live in Ontario, more to the point the Toronto Area, and my Holistic Vet's opinion is that if Heartworm were an issue in this area then the coyote's would be dying of it. According to her, and some of what I've read, Heartworm is not new, but the reason dogs are getting so ill with it, is more likely due to the poor diets and over abundance/use of pesticides...taking that into consideration, I test my dogs yearly and although they are not on a heartworm preventative, I do use natural preventatives for mosquitos/fleas and ticks.
Its a gamble that I'm willing to take...it really is about balancing risk and benefit. |