Heartworm Meds?

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Jakester

Curious what is the difference between Sentinal vs. Heartguard?

Sentinel covers whipworms and fleas and Heartgard does not.

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by chinalee61

I've been using sentinal for years. But I read somewhere it's just a gimmick to give your dogs depending where you live. Is it really needed? I live in central cali. Never go to mountains with them. Thinking of not using anymore. Plus have had other kinds of dogs in past that never used heartworm meds. What's true about really needing it?

If you have mosquitos where you are, you are exposing your dog to heartworms, and it is not in your pups best interest to neglect giving him heartworm medication. I have read many publications that claim heartworm meds are just a gimmick and not necessary......have you ever seen a dog infected with heartworms, and die because of it? I will give my babies a "gimmick" to avoid that terrible, preventable condition!

[yorkietalkjilly]

Tibbe has been on plain Heartgard for about two years now, I think it is. He's never had a problem with it, thank goodness.

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

If you have mosquitos where you are, you are exposing your dog to heartworms, and it is not in your pups best interest to neglect giving him heartworm medication. I have read many publications that claim heartworm meds are just a gimmick and not necessary......have you ever seen a dog infected with heartworms, and die because of it? I will give my babies a "gimmick" to avoid that terrible, preventable condition!

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by chinalee61

I've been using sentinal for years. But I read somewhere it's just a gimmick to give your dogs depending where you live. Is it really needed? I live in central cali. Never go to mountains with them. Thinking of not using anymore. Plus have had other kinds of dogs in past that never used heartworm meds. What's true about really needing it?

There are a lot of crazy wrong articles out there about heartworms. It is passed by misquotes. If your dog gets it because you are not using prevention it is very expensive and very dangerous to get rid of. If it does not kill your dog it will leave them with lasting effects like heart damage. You were lucky with other dogs. Is it really worth risking there life?