Leema Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 (edited) What products for heartworm can be used without the dog being tested beforehand? What products for heartworm can't be used without the dog being tested beforehand? ETA: I know the term 'preventative' is a bit misleading in this topic title. They are, in fact, treatments... But anyway, you get my gist! Edited April 11, 2011 by Leema Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubiton Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Its just a blood test - why not get the dog screened and know its fine to treat with whatever product is chosen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mim Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 I've been meaning to ask this same question. I have friends who live in the country and they have dogs and want to start giving them heartworm protection but don't want to drive ages to the nearest vet just for a blood test. They've asked me what they can give the dogs without the test (they have no symptoms) but I don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leema Posted April 11, 2011 Author Share Posted April 11, 2011 I am enquiring for someone else. Personally, I do not treat my dogs for heartworm and do not plan to. The dog in question has a flea allergy and they are finding Frontline ineffective. They are looking for alternatives, but are concerned that some of the other spot on treatments contain heartworm treatments and that this may be harmful to their dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalteseLuna Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Why not suggest comfortis for the fleas - it only controls fleas and its apparently quite effective (more so than Frontline). Of course the friend may need to treat the environment as well to get the fleas under control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leema Posted April 11, 2011 Author Share Posted April 11, 2011 I actually did suggest Comfortis. And also the new 'shoo tag', which I've never heard any personal accounts regarding, but is still interesting. I am still curious about my original question, though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormie Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 What products for heartworm can be used without the dog being tested beforehand?What products for heartworm can't be used without the dog being tested beforehand? ETA: I know the term 'preventative' is a bit misleading in this topic title. They are, in fact, treatments... But anyway, you get my gist! Most of the monthly chews seem to be safe - Sentinel and Interceptor are as is the yearly injection, but if the dog has heartworm, these products will only kill the young stage and anything older than this can still progress to adult stage. It takes 6 months for them to develop into the adults which you can test for. Revolution is also safe to use in heartworm affected animals, but again, like with all the products, they recommend testing either at the time of starting and again 6months later, or 6months after starting. The daily tablets are not safe to give to a dog with heartworm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leema Posted April 12, 2011 Author Share Posted April 12, 2011 Thanks stormie! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffy Magee Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 I moved from a non heartworm area earlier this year to a heart worm area. I rang the vet to enquire about the test etc and she said to start them on heartguard and get them tested in 6 months. I dont think mine will need the test as I had only been here a matter of weeks before I started them on it and it takes 6 months for the worms to mature. Can anyone tell me if I should still get them tested or should I be right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now