This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
We decided to spruce things up and fix some things under the hood. If you notice any issues, feel free to contact us as we're sure there are a few things here or there that we might have missed in our upgrade.
Hi
Does any one use the yearly heartworm vaccination?
Or what do fellow dogue owners know regarding this vaccination?
Thinking of changing to it but get so much conflicting info for/against.
Your thoughts greatly appreciated.
Thanks Pistol
You mean the heartworm preventitive shot? (Its NOT a vaccination BTW)
I have not and will not use it for my dogs. You are essentially injecting poison directly into your dog, enough poison to linger in their system for an extended period of time, and you have NO WAY to remove it from their system if they have a bad reaction to it.
From what I've heard (which isn't much, since heartworm is not a big issue where I live) - the shot (and maybe to a lesser extent the preventative tablets??) are basically the same as the cure... you're basically assuming the dog has the worm, and are trying to kill them off before they grow enough to cause symptoms. I think I'd opt for an annual blood test (or every 6 months if you're in a high-risk area) to check and see if the treatment is necessary, first.
I use a monthly prevention. Where we live, it is necessary. I don't like the sound of a yearly injection. I agree with ruthcatrin. I don't use flea pills or liquid until I see a flea.
I live up in the northern states, I only worm for heart worms twice a year, July and October as it takes 90 days of above 60 degree temps (day and night temps) for the larvae to be mature enough to START moving to the heart. So wiping them out (if there are any) twice is the max I will do here in MN. I wouldn't opt for a vaccination, as stated it has to be strong enough to last the year, not happening here.
The Dane I just rescued is HEARTWORM POSITIVE. Poison or not, if his previous owner had given him any type of prevention, he wouldn't be getting ready to start heartworm treatment and it would cost A Lot less. I live where it's necessary all year round though. The only other thing we vax for is rabies because we're required by law.
The Dane I just rescued is HEARTWORM POSITIVE. Poison or not, if his previous owner had given him any type of prevention, he wouldn't be getting ready to start heartworm treatment and it would cost A Lot less. I live where it's necessary all year round though. The only other thing we vax for is rabies because we're required by law.
Yah, but with a monthly preventative you're not injecting large quantities of poison into your dog (cause thats literally what the shot is), AND, you have a much better chance of being able to counteract a monthly preventative, and if you can't at least its a MUCH smaller amount, if the dog has a bad reaction.
Plus, the list of restrictions they have on it....did you read it? Basically if your dog has ANY preexisting conditions they recommend NOT using it. Even using painkillers in combination with it are shown to be associated with an increased risk of problems potentially leading to death. And you have NO way of knowing in advance if your dog is going to need that before the 6month period is up.
Don't remember the very long name but Mouse's is monthly until he turns 1yr then will become every 60 days.
It is by weight and his changes so much as a pup, is why once a month until 1yr, at which time there is a slower rate of growth.
(And I completely agree with Ruth, about dumping that much poison in there system at once.)
Also why some extra vet trips, current vet does not believe in a lot of vaccination at once or to close together.
