I use natural prevention and don't live in an area where heartworm is a concern. You want to put poison in your dogs system as a prevention I want to keep a strong immune system that fights parasites and my dogs blood does get tested and guess what, no worms.
I feed raw and not everyone agrees with that I don't give heartworm treatment not everyone agrees with that. For all the dogs you are pointing out in my area who had it I can show you 50 who don't get the treatment and have no worms.
As for putting a gun to my head don't be coy I was paraphrasing. There are other means of preventing and protecting your animals. You just have to do the research.

I am so finished with this. This has nothing to do with me and everything to do with protecting pups.

For those people who are interested, I am providing links for you to read. There is NO scientific evidence that holistic or other so called harmless things will protect your pup from heartworms...in fact there is evidence it does not.

American Heartworm Society

OVMA - Heartworm Disease In Dogs

From the second link:

What you need to know about Heartworm disease in Ontario
A study on “Heartworm in dogs in Canada in 2010” published by the Ontario Veterinary College’s Department of Pathobiology at the University of Guelph has revealed a 60 per cent increase in the number of dogs in Ontario with heartworm since the last study of its kind was conducted in 2002.
The Canada-wide study showed that 564 dogs tested positive for heartworm in Canada in 2010; 431 of those dogs were located in Ontario (that’s over 75 per cent of the total). Also of concern is that eighty per cent of animals that were found to have heartworm had not been on a heartworm preventive medication. In a few cases, pets that had been receiving heartworm preventive medication also tested positive for the disease; the most common reason for this was that the pet owners indicated they had forgotten to give their pet the preventive medication at the prescribed intervals.

No, actually it was a PERFECT analogy. I am just saddened that you cannot see it. I hope you will continue to have healthy pups and they don't contract heartworms. Yes, the odds are different there than where I live, but you are running a risk nonetheless.

I did a lot of reading about heart worm when Gemy's Zoey had heart worm, particularly the information on the American Heartworm Association site. All of my Rainbow Bridge babies and now Katie took heart worm medication only when mosquitos are present. I really didn't know what to do because I've read enough threads about heart worm here on YT and thought of using it year round. My vet's preference is to discontinue heart worm medication in the winter because he prefers less chemicals unless necessary. He said to start back in May.

When I was playing outside with Katie early May last year, I saw a mosquito, and I somewhat panicked. She was at the vet within a few days for a heart worm test, and we resumed the heart worm medication. She took her last dose early December. It broke my heart seeing the anguish Gemy went through with Zoey. Her dogs are normally treated, but a dosage was probably missed. She is very active with her dogs and takes day and overnight trips hiking and swimming with her pups often. That year she was also at an outdoor dog show in Kentucky that Razzle was being shown in. Whether Zoey contracted heart worm in the U.S. or Ontario is unknown.

I really do worry about the chemicals we put on our pups, but I put them on my little girl because I am afraid of the alternatives. I worry about cancer, too. Gemy's Zoey was diagnosed with lymphoma a few months after she underwent heart worm treatment. We will never know if those intense heart worm treatments contributed to her cancer; it probably didn't, but how do we really know for sure? Gemy is so careful with her pups and gives them such good, whole foods and the best medical care. I think I'm going to make sure that Katie gets tested again the end of April and started on heart worm medication before the mosquitoes arrive. These small doses are far better than if a dog actually gets heart worm. Heart worm treatment is very toxic and can be deadly, and pups really suffer undergoing treatment. For me, it's finding a balance. At this point Katie is off of it for a few months, but that could change if I hear of incidences in the Northeast of heart worm during the winter.

I can't let my fears get in the way of doing what's best for Katie. I never had a problem with fleas or ticks with any of my babies, but I used Frontline on them and before that Program. This past June I was late putting Katie's topical on her, mostly because I was trying Advantix II and was scared. My husband checks Katie every day for any new lump or bump and found a tiny tick on her under her armpit. It couldn't have been there long since he checks her daily. If she had gotten Lyme Disease because of my fear of the topical, I would never have forgiven myself. Katie was fine and I make sure I give her the preventative monthly.

Why do you need a scientific study that natural holistic means work. I just gave you one. Mine.
Don't get all pious and snotty. There are areas of this world where there are huge issues with mosquitoes and heartworm and those who live there do what they do to protect their dogs.
I personally feel that prolonged use of insecticide on my dogs will impact their immune system and organ functions.
You cannot force someone to do something they do not feel is right and you most certainly are in no position to pass judgement on my or any other persons character because of your personal choices versus mine. I certainly am not trying to belittle you for you beliefs. Learn to respect mine and share opinions.

And the Ontario study it can't be shown that the heartworm was transmitted in Ontario as many of the owners travelled to the US with their dogs

YIKES. But, exactly! Not giving HW meds *IS* like playing Russian roulette. Personally, I would never play that kind of game when it comes to my kiddo's lives. Just for some perspective, take a look at these maps:

Heartworm Incidence map 2001-2007: http://www.heartwormsociety.org/down...idence-Map.pdf

And, 2010: http://www.heartwormsociety.org/down...e-Map-2010.pdf

See how progressive and volatile incidence is? This translates yet again to playing Russian roulette, so it really is a great analogy.

I live in Arizona, and it's really not terribly prevalent here, but I learned a huge confirmation lesson a few years back. In our neighborhood, we found a gorgeous purebred female black lab - just the best dog! Someone likely dumped her, but we couldn't figure out why. After trying to search for her owner, we found her a home. When they took her to the vet, they found out she had heartworm, in an area of LOW incidence! We were blown away. Thank God I'd already been giving mine the meds. That poor precious kiddo went through hell with those arsenic treatments, let me tell you.

My point is, while you may feel safer not giving it -- my firsthand experience informs me that even in areas of low-or-no-incidence -- it's THERE. It's right flippin' there nonetheless. Sadly :(.

Just my 2 cents, take or leave what you will.

This was totally uncalled for! Sharing a passionate opinion does not = pious and snotty. You've been asking that your opinion be respected, yet you're calling others names for having theirs - not cool at all. Please, don't bring it to this level - we're all way better than this. There is no acceptable reason as to why we can't have a respectful exchange about this, even if passion abounds.

I admit I'm a little bit more lackadaisical in the colder months around here. It's been very cold here since at least December. I just realized a few days ago that I haven't given him Heartguard chew since December. So I skipped January, and am not worried about it.

But I agree that in MOST areas, it's just silly not to give it. It's something I'm usually pretty adamant about. Unlike flea/tick meds, I only give those topicals about 2-3x a year in the summer. Admittedly, I haven't heard of many dogs around here who end up with heartworms (even in the rescue I used to volunteer for, etc) but I know it's a huge problem in the south. My dads dogs are not given heartworm meds, and it's not out of a lack of love, more just ignorance, and my dad and stepmom don't keep up with that kind of stuff. Their dogs are almost 7 and 6. No problems thus far. My moms dog used to be a primarily outdoor dog and never had anything either.

But their level of care for dogs is not the same as mine. It's not something I want to risk personally. And I understand the feelings of not wanting to give too many drugs, or pesticides (it's why I am very limited on vaccines and flea/tick meds) but I truly feel that the heartworm meds (at least the one I use) is well tested and is very safe. So I will continue to give it year round, or at least 90% of the year.

:thumbup::thumbup:

I could never do that with my dog I love he way way to much. Here it was $60.00 for a year of heartguard.

Exactly!

Natural prevention can be even more dangerous because testing is not done on it.

Sure she can pass judgment on you I sure know I am but she also wants other people who read this thread to know the truth.

I hear what you are saying Britster and Wylie's mum thanks for the info.
My boys get their physicals and there blood work done annually.

You also need to let people know that just like other parasites heart worm larvae can develop an immunity to the topical treatments and there are cases showing dogs who have received year round treatment.

A friend of mine in Wyoming has been using a natural product called TickZ have any of you ever heard of it? It's something she uses as an alternative to topical treatments.

Tickz | Tick Treatment For Dogs, Pet Tick Treatment | PetzLife

Stop Poisoning Heartworms: Risky Business

The problem in some areas is that they are less populated and terrain is difficult. Less vet offices are present and sometimes less diagnosing is done.

I like Sentinel and Heartgard. Prefer Sentinel for our needs.

Stoppng preventative toward the end of the year is a major concern and does not take the lifecycle of heartworms into account.

I really like how Dr. Peter Tobias explains heart worm and for those that live in my area, maybe this info will make you a little less nervous.
http://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/11...bout-heartworm

Wherever you stand, I believe this is good info to have:

Unknown Facts about Dog Heartworms

Natural Heartworm Prevention


I encourage everyone to read, research and ask questions and hopefully all of us will make the best decision possible for our own unique situations and for each and every one of our four footed friends.

Graphic Pictures
 

These pics are scary...I cannot imagine leaving my tiny pups at risk of these horrible worms. Sometimes I wonder if people really grasp what they are and what they do. Some people seem to focus on the methods of prevention and not on the heartworms themselves....almost as if it is not a real threat.

Anyway...for those interested, here is a picture of heartworms and, then, below that some simple facts and an image from a site that I felt summed it up well:

Attachment 396851


Heartworm

Attachment 396852


Heartworm Facts

Heartworms can be diagnosed with a simple blood test.

Treatment for heartworm disease can be expensive, lengthy and traumatic
In dogs, heartworm disease can cause breathing problems, heart failure, and death.
In cats, heartworm disease can cause Heartworm-Associated Respiratory Disease(HARD), vomiting, appetite loss, and sudden death.
Adult heartworms can grow to be 10-12 inches in length.
Adult heartworms can live in the heart and lungs for 5 to 7 years.
Heartworm disease is transmitted to your pets by mosquitoes.
There are more than 70 species of mosquitoes that have been shown capable of transmitting heartworm disease.
There is now effective treatment for dogs with heartworm, and heartworm prevention are virtually 100% effective.
Dogs infected with heartworms may not show any signs of disease for 1 to 2 years. By then, the disease may have already damaged the dog’s heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Heartworm has been found worldwide and in all 50 states.

The second link, an article written by a DVM . . . First he accuses profit-seeking clever marketers of playing on our fears to sell heartworm preventatives. Then he tells us these preventatives are bad for our pets and dangles a safe, natural approach -- BUT, we have to buy his e-book to find out what these natural, safer solutions are.

Why should I trust anything he has to say when he shows me up front that he is a hypocrite?

Gotta love all these heart worms is a "conspiracy" links. They also say heart worms are treatable but they don't mention the treatment can kill your dog and if the heart worms don't and the treatment doesn't it still is going to leave your dog with lasting effects and more then likely other illnesses. Why put a dog through that when you can just prevent it? Don't they deserve your protection?

I have never used on chester, but maybe I need to rethink my vet recommended it since I travel alot during the summer, thanks for the info

How often do I need to test for it and obviously Im sure before I start, one thing I have not researched

I think persons who live in areas where heartworm isnt prevalent like in my area are going to have different views on using the preventative and that is okay they are entitled to their views

To the OP I think your vet is the best person to tell you if you need it or not

We test every year.

It's recommended year round in every state across the USA now. It used to be seasonal here. When places like tufts and Angell -- leading vet hospitals in the Northeast and the world recommend year round hw prevention then that tells me what they are seeing. It's not worth it.

Yes exactly a complete hypocrite who wants to profiteer off fear mongering. Just ridiculous.

Garlic is toxic to dogs.

I test every year in the spring. I only give HW preventative during the spring/summer months.

I didn't know it was recommended year around now. I thought you could either give year around or test annually in the spring for it and then start giving it.

If you are going to only do it during those months, you really need to speak with your vet.

Here are the guidelines from the Heartworm Society:

http://www.heartwormsociety.org/pdf/...Guidelines.pdf

From that site:

To be maximally effective, heartworm prophylaxis should be given year-round, but if seasonal treatment is chosen, administration should begin at least one month prior to the anticipated start of heartworm transmission and should continue for at least 3 months after transmission typically ceases. The latter 3-month recommendation emanates from new knowledge regarding resistant strains, which showed that extended treatment after exposure is required to
prevent infection. Current data demonstrate that not all compounds and formulations necessitate this extension.