ATTENTION RE: Distemper Scare

[red98vett]

I agree that Parvo sounds like the one we still have to worry about even with a vaccination...but as a safeguard ...I would always get it because an Unprotected dog is far more likely to catch it....but you're right - it sounds like the Parvo vac needs some work as some dogs ARE getting sick.

[Laura]

I am careful to give heartworm pills, as I know people who's dogs have heartworms and go untreated. The cure is expensive and horrible, especially to large older dogs. I am afraid if you are near the country (and mosquitos carry it), your dogs will be at risk even in the safety of your own yard and home. I have heard it is a horrible death as well.

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by Laura

I am careful to give heartworm pills, as I know people who's dogs have heartworms and go untreated. The cure is expensive and horrible, especially to large older dogs. I am afraid if you are near the country (and mosquitos carry it), your dogs will be at risk even in the safety of your own yard and home. I have heard it is a horrible death as well.

You are SO RIGHT ! I just learned a lesson about being ON TIME and not missing a single dose...I was a week late on my cocker Tessa's Heartworm meds - a sign of it is coughing

Pat...Muffies mom will testify I was at the vet so fast the other day in a panic ....The GOOD thing I found out is even if we are late on a dose - they're still protected. Poor Tessa was fine but that was my first thought.

ANYONE who sees what Heartworms will do to a dogs heart would NEVER miss giving the medication that's for sure. ONE mosquito bite can destroy a dogs heart if they're not protected and treatment IS VERY PAINFUL AND EXPENSIVE !!!

[rrosenberry]

I have heard other on here say that they do not give heartgard in the winter, because of NO mosquitos?? I give it year round, it is cheap enough, I don't do flea meds year round though..

Even a month ago in January with snow on the ground, I saw a mosquito on my sliding glass door! So hmmmmmm.

[red98vett]

Rhonda - GREAT POINT !!!

for the cost....IT's good to give it ALL year - In Texas we happen to have mosquitos full year and I have a feeling this is true in many states...

IT also keeps us in the habit of giving it to them on a regular basis... and all it takes is one slip and boom - the dog will suffer ....and for what ? To save 5 bucks a month ? Thanks for your post - this is a great thread.

That news announcement really bothered me this morning.

[Yorkieluv]

So scary!! All these posts about doggies getting parvo and things that they have already been vaccinated for is terrifying.
Also, giving heartworm prevention or revolution is so important especially here in Florida. Just like Texas and many other states, we have mosquitoes year-round, and I'm definitely not willing to take any chances.
Great post, Villette! It's a great reminder

[RMKC]

does the heartguard pill give them the runs ?? Noticed the last 2 times i gave them to Rosi she got the runs, anyone elses baby ??

[rrosenberry]

Originally Posted by RMKC

does the heartguard pill give them the runs ?? Noticed the last 2 times i gave them to Rosi she got the runs, anyone elses baby ??

I have never noticed anything from the Heartgard.

[whispersmom2]

The resurgence of distemper and parvo is scary. We are accustomed to not having diseases that vaccines take care of even in our humans. You know-polio, measles, chicken pox and so on. BUT, viruses mutate! and we are still gonna see diseases so we cannot be too careful. Another thing is that Heartworm meds are NOT actually vaccines as we think of them. Our puppy shots protect our animals from the time they get them (well, after 2 weeks) FORWARD for a specific amount of time. Heartworm meds do not work that way. They kill and larvae that the animal has been exposed to (and are growing inside of them) in the PAST 30 days. That is why it is so important to give the HW meds year around.
I already posted about NOT putting your pet on the floor in pet stores, but it bears repeating. We breeders often recommend puppy classes to our buyers but they are almost always held on the floor of say, Pet Smart..

[Yorkieluv]

Originally Posted by whispersmom2

I already posted about NOT putting your pet on the floor in pet stores, but it bears repeating. We breeders often recommend puppy classes to our buyers but they are almost always held on the floor of say, Pet Smart..

Great point

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by whispersmom2

The resurgence of distemper and parvo is scary. We are accustomed to not having diseases that vaccines take care of even in our humans. You know-polio, measles, chicken pox and so on. BUT, viruses mutate! and we are still gonna see diseases so we cannot be too careful. Another thing is that Heartworm meds are NOT actually vaccines as we think of them. Our puppy shots protect our animals from the time they get them (well, after 2 weeks) FORWARD for a specific amount of time. Heartworm meds do not work that way. They kill and larvae that the animal has been exposed to (and are growing inside of them) in the PAST 30 days. That is why it is so important to give the HW meds year around.
I already posted about NOT putting your pet on the floor in pet stores, but it bears repeating. We breeders often recommend puppy classes to our buyers but they are almost always held on the floor of say, Pet Smart..

Thank you so much Rini...GREAT post...I honestly didn't know that it works that way - I thought heartguard prevented any larvae from getting into their system.....So even MORE important for everyone to go year round.....

and RMKC..I've heard that said before...My girls (all 3) have never had a problem but ...Maybe try a different preventative ? Is is just the Heartguard doing this ?