Do you give your pets Heartworm Preventatives

[onyx'girl]

Originally Posted by mehpenn

Ivermectin paste (horse dewormer), pea sized amount once a month.
We adopted a heartworm positive dog and that's what the vet recommended... so we do that for all the dogs now, once they are tested negative. Tested once a year.

From what I understand you should not use the paste as the Ivermectin is not distributed properly thruout the tube(it is supposed to be dose in large amounts not pea size) so you may not be dosing properly.

Originally Posted by silly34

Also, some research has indicated GSDs can have the same genetic sensitivity to Ivomec that Collies have (it kills them). Something to think about.

I use the Ivomec 1% from Tractor supply. Do you have statistics or a link to back this up on the sensitivity to GSD's?

[heatherr]

We're finishing a 6 mo pack of heartguard now, and will switch to the interceptor after that.

My pup wasn't tested at rescue for HWs since he was only 12 weeks, but I will get him tested at his yearly checkup, and then keep him on preventative and test him as the vet recommends.

[mehpenn]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

From what I understand you should not use the paste as the Ivermectin is not distributed properly thruout the tube(it is supposed to be dose in large amounts not pea size) so you may not be dosing properly.

I use the Ivomec 1% from Tractor supply. Do you have statistics or a link to back this up on the sensitivity to GSD's?

We had a thorough discussion about various treatment/preventative options before beginning this path.... but we've been using this method for 12 years and have not had a dog test positive since. Even had one rescue (black lab) who tested positive at adoption, treated with the ivermec paste and tested negative a year later and each year after. One thing we do do is measure out exactly the amount they should recieve, since my pea size is not the same as my husband's pea size, so pea size is a relative term.

[JOSHUA SAMPSON]

I will NEVER stop giving my dogs heartwork preventaive, when i was a teen we lost our family palmeranians to heartworms. mys sister is a vet and i love my shepherds too much to just let them die like that, i would recommend that if you have ever been bitten by a mosquito that you live in an area were your dog can get heartworms.

[shawnmccarthy87]

Zowie gets the heartworm treat once a month and always will. Flea and Tick During the Summer. Not taking any chances!!!

[Akk578]

Bandit gets heart worm perventative tablet one a month

[JustMeLeslie]

A long time ago I had a dog die of heartworms and I can tell you it is something you do not want to go through. I got the dog already heavy positive and there was nothing we could do by that point. You do not want to see your dog dying of something you could have prevented so easily. The vets here in Texas definately recommend you give heartworm meds. I give Interceptor every month year round and all of my dogs think it is a treat. Heartworm preventative is a big deal here in Southeast Texas. I think in the warmer regions the vets all recommend it as to a place that has a colder climate probably would not put such an emphasis on giving it.

[GSD Fan]

My last dog was on a heart worm medicine thing. I forgot what it was called, but it was a red square that you put in the dog's food. My dog would actually eat the medicine seperately, like it didn't taste bad!

I think every dog should have some type of preventative, regardless of location. It's better to be safe, than sorry.

And my next puppy will get it too.

[Kaidsmom]

yes i treat my guys with interceptor.

[vicky2200]

I use revolution ( it goes on their back) and now they give you pills to deworm them. I dont use it once the snow starts to fly.