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Michael Dym, V.M.D.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
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Michael Dym, V.M.D.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
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Ask the Vet About Heartworms in Dogs and Cats

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01
DateJun 24, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicRevolution topical

Question:
My yorkie puppy is 7months- 5 pounds. Do I still give him the revolution for puppies under 5 pounds-15mg or Do I start the revolution for dogs starting at 5lbs- 30mg? Both say 5lbs so I'm confused which 1 to give now.
Answer:
I would recommend the 5.1-10 pound one because he will continue to grow (a little).
02
DateJun 19, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicHEARTWORM/FLEA/ TICK PREVENTATIVE

Question:
WHICH IS THE BEST MONTHLY PREVENTATIVE FOR COLLIES AND SHELTIES. I HAVE HEARD THAT SIMPARICA TRIO AND TRIFEXIS ARE BOTH SAFE. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION AND WOULD U CHOOSE ONE OVER THE OTHER? THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE.
Answer:
Yes, either is a good choice for Collies or Shelties. I prefer Simparica Trio for 2 reasons: tick coverage and Trifexis upsets a lot of stomachs.
03
DateJun 15, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicGabapentin made their skin blister and their hair fell out!

Question:
Is there any other treatment?
Answer:
I need more information to help you. Gabapentin is not a treatment for heartworm disease (the category you used) and it does not ordinarily cause skin issues. Feel free to submit another question if you still need help.
04
DateMay 23, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicDo I need a prescription for heartworm medicine

Question:
Do I need a prescription to have a refill on the heartworm medicine he's already taken
Answer:
Yes - a veterinarian that has met him face-to-face must approve a prescription.
05
DateMay 21, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicMissed heartworm preventative

Question:
My new dog has been off of heartworm preventative for about 6 months. Should I start him back on it immediately or wait until he can be tested in about a months time?
Answer:
It depends entirely on what preventative you have: some can be started relatively safely if they are heartworm positive, some cannot. Since heartwoms are transmitted by mosquitos and they are really coming out, it's definitely ideal to go ahead and test him now and get him started back.
06
DateMay 19, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
Topicbravest

Question:
should i use year round for my 10 yr old golden retriever
Answer:
I can't tell if you're asking about heartworm prevention or "Bravecto" which is flea and tick control. For heartworms: veterinary parasitologists recommend year round prevention if you live in the continental United States. Then for fleas and ticks, it depends more on where you live regionally (and nationally) so consult your local veterinarian for the best advice.
07
DateMay 16, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicHeartworm infestation

Question:
My vet prescribed prednisone, doxycycline and Iverheart Plus for my dog with a heartworm infestation. Is this appropriate??
Answer:
I would need to know a LOT more about your dog's situation (age, bloodwork results, chest x-rays, etc.) to really say for sure but yes, this can be appropriate, but again, it entirely depends on your individual dog's situation.
08
DateMay 11, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicMedications

Question:
My Rx for Revolution has been back ordered for months. My pups next dose should be Sunday May 15th. What do I do if it’s still not received? 1800 Pet Meds still shows it “ON ORDER”. Thank you.
Answer:
You may have to switch to another brand like this product, which has a similar active ingredient: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Selarid+%28Selamectin%29-prod12371.html
09
DateApr 22, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicPrevention-safest for seniors

Question:
Hello, We are in search of the safest heartworm flea and tick medication for a very special guy! Chase will be 14years old on July 5th he is a black brindle Frenchie my personal foster failure when he was about 2 months old knocking on deaths door. So his health is very important. I appreciate any suggestions.
Answer:
Contact your veterinarian for the best advice because they have access to all of his history, bloodwork, etc. Most seem very safe, even for seniors.
010
DateApr 17, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicHeartwarm antibiotic

Question:
My dog sugar is three years old he got his vaccines on Thursday and was diagnosed with heartworm disease that gave him an antibiotic and a preventative liquid form ever since we gave him started the anabiotic he has been really lethargic and has been yelping in pain every time we touch him we say were thinking that where the combination of the vaccine and the heartworm medicine has just been too much grams is it OK to mess tonight‘s dosage ?and give it to him in the morning we’re supposed to give it to him every 12 hours He weighs 7.2 pounds The medicine is called Doxycycline 20 mg
Answer:
Without knowing more about him, I can't recommend skipping so consult the veterinarian that prescribed it for the best advice. If his stomach seems upset (diarrhea, vomiting, not eating, etc.) then it may be the antibiotic, but it sounds more like the vaccines.
011
DateApr 9, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicHeartworm Preventative Timing

Question:
Hello, I have a question about heartworm preventive and how long they typically last/work until from the day of consumption? My dog, Zeus, has the MDR1 mutation so I limit the amount of heartworm medication to only the warm months in Northern VA (April - October). I gave him his last Interceptor Plus pill the evening of October 28th and now believe he may have been exposed to heartworms a week later on November 4th after visiting a local three acre farm where about ten other dogs were playing. Would the heartworm preventative taken on October 28th protect him from the possible heartworm exposure on November 4th due to the assumed 15-day safety net? He has not received any heartworm prevention since October. He is also not showing any signs or symptoms of heartworms, thankfully. I am taking him to the vet on Monday for antigen testing but am concerned a false negative may arise as it has only been 5 months. Additionally, what tests should I have done to confirm the presence of heartworms?
Answer:
No, the pill given the 28th would not be protective. You are right, the test may be negative since it has only been 5 months. You still want to do it though. Thankfully though, mosquitos are fairly rare that time of the year up there so the odds are in your favor that he is negative. Veterinary parasitologists are now recommending heartworm preventative year round in the continental United States.
012
DateApr 6, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicHeartworm

Question:
Can you prescribe medication for my 1 year old male GS k-9?
Answer:
In veterinary medicine, only a veterinarian that has met your dog face-to-face can approve prescription medications.
013
DateMar 29, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
Topicprevention

Question:
What month should I start giving Interceptor plus to my dog in Colorado?
Answer:
Veterinary parasitologists recommend year-round heartworm prevention in the continental United States. That being said: I live in Georgia, so we have to year-round, of course - speak with your local veterinarian about what might be right for your exact location in Colorado.
014
DateMar 28, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicMissed medication

Question:
I just realized I missed two doses of heart worm for my dogs. Feb 8th - Mar 27th. I just have them a dose today. Should I wait 30 days to give the next dose or go back to the normal monthly schedule of the 8th of every month?
Answer:
Waiting the 30 days is fine - no need to give early on the 8th.
015
DateMar 24, 2022
CategoryHeartworm Disease
Pet TypeDog
TopicHeartworm prevention

Question:
What is the best heartworm medicine that also covers fleas ticks and mosquitoes
Answer:
Nothing is labeled for all 4 (that actually works well). Simparica Trio is the only one that covers heartworms, fleas and ticks. Here is a link if you would like to read about it: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Simparica+TRIO-prod12499.html