"That time of year" I hear a lot of people say, "Well, it's that time of year again. Getting warmer and mosquitoes are out. Time for heartworm meds again." I think some vets would even say this considering what your climate is... Well, whether it is "that time of year" or "it's needed yearly because it doesn't really get freezing here," everyone needs to remember that heartworm medicine is so important. I'm in Alabama and we don't get super cold winters (for the most part). Therefore, my pups are always on heartworm prevention meds. I brought up rawhides the other day and found out that some newcomers weren't aware of the dangers. I was so happy that I started the thread because I think it helped a couple of people. Soooo, I'm starting this thread. Even if your dogs "never go outside," heartworm prevention is so very important. I sure hope everyone knows this. Trust me - even if *I* never went outside, I could still get a mosquito bite. I've gotten a few just inside my home before. Like it or not, bugs get inside when we open doors. Ever see a fly in your house? Yes? Well, same concept - mosquitoes can get in, too. ;) Have you ever seen a pup suffering from heartworms? Well, I have. It's brutal and it's sad. No, the meds don't eliminate. They help prevent. We spend so much money on our babies. We advocate vets even on weekends or at night. We do all we can for their health. Please please please don't skip this simple and so very VITAL part of taking care of their health. Get your heartworm prevention today if you don't have any! Your pup will love you for it (hey, Mandie loves her heartguard plus!!! it's like a special monthly treat to her hehe) |
Great post. There is a story about a Yorkie in the health section who got heart worms. It was not good. Personally I think it's best to give it all year even if you have cold winters so does my vet. :thumbup: |
So great you are posting this! A lot of us, especially in not such mosquito-prone areas kinda take it for granted. Not good. I never personally saw a dog suffering with heartworms, but I did watch that episode of Pitbulls & Parolees, where they picked up a pit who was literally within 24 hrs of dying from it. Made me cry so bad! They did save him tho. |
I totally agree, Taylor - I would give it year round even if I lived in Alaska. But can you believe, I have actually heard a vet say "it's okay if you skipped during winter" to someone? The problem with skipping is this - what if you wait til you think Spring has "sprung" and then your baby gets a bite 2 days later? It takes a bit for the meds to kick in.... |
yes it does, and the treatment/cure is not pleasant either! |
I've always given it 12 mos. a year, taking no chances. Love your post. Thanks for the reminder to everyone. |
Great Post. Mine are on Preventive all year long. Speaking of mosquitos, I just came in from outside and guess what I have a mosquito bit on my arm. Having worked as a Vet Tech I can tell you it's horrible what dog's have to go through that get Heart Worms, at times it's just too late and it's not a pretty site. |
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I give Heartgard Plus all year around! It kills other worms besides heart worms. The only worms that it doesn't kill are tape worms. My vet and I just discussed this at my last visit! It is advised to get a tape worm test in the fall. Great info for people who need reminding! Thanks! |
Just Friday when I took Darla out for her first trip to the front yard lasted all of 5 mins as I got Eaten alive by mosquitoes. This is a first for me! What is a bit shocking to me is my Vet didnt mention protection when we were there 2 weeks ago almost. It is warranting a call tomorrow to get her on something? Or is she to young? |
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They just had done some testing for West Nile and found it already in certain areas. So they are starting spraying early this year. I hope it's not as bad as it was last year. |
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Sad, but it is true - sometimes we, as doggie parents, have to be proactive. |
Anyone got a miracle for making Joey take his? Carley just gobbles hers right up, no peanut butter needed...Joey I have to cover in PB, and after he licks it all over and spits out the pill I have to have hubby hold him while I jam it down. Then he does this fake swallow, Ive found a pill in his pen before! So I have to lock him up and make him eat and search before he gets free roam of the house again. Spoiled yorkie! |
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