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Ask the Vet About Heartworms in Dogs and Cats
Ask the Vet About Heartworms in Dogs and Cats
Dr. Michael Dym
As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Dym has over 19 years of experience and dedication to enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets. His commitment and passion for pet health continuously drives him to learn more about the art and science of homeopathy through ongoing training and education.
Submit Your QuestionDate: Sep 15, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: Dog
Topic: preventing
Question:which is better . Sentinel or heartgard
Answer:They both prevent heartworms well - Sentinel has added flea protection, but isn't as strong for fleas as adding something like NExgard or Bravecto to HEartgard which covers ticks while Sentinel does not.
Date: Sep 8, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: Dog
Topic: Heartworm positive & nutritional needs
Question:While visiting my parents at the end of July I found a dog in thier back yard. After not being able to find the owners I decided to keep him. While getting him checked out at the vet for vaccines and what not he tested positive for heartworms. The xrays show inflammation in the arteries going from the heart to the lungs and blood work shows poor liver and kidney function. I was instructed to keep him on a low protein, low phosphorus, low sodium diet. Is there a dry kibble you recommend other than hills science diet k/d? Also treats?
Answer:The prescription diets work the best - a few different companies carry them: Science Diet K/D, like you mentioned, then Blue Buffalo carries this one (https://www.chewy.com/blue-buffalo-natural-veterinary-diet/dp/174497) and Purina carries this one (https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets-nf/dp/49995) and Royal Canin carries these: https://www.royalcanin.com/us/dogs/products/renal
Date: Jul 23, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: Dog
Topic: Heartworm medication
Question:Earlier I ask to compare tri heart plus to heart guard plus you said they were the same so would you consider tri heart plus and feel ok about it keeping my dog Heartworm free
Answer:Yes, definitely.
Date: Jul 21, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: Dog
Topic: Heartworm medication
Question:Is tri heart plus as good as heartguard if not what’s the difference they both have same ingredients
Answer:They are the same - Tri-Heart is a generic of Heartgard. https://www.1800petmeds.com/Tri+Heart+Plus+++Generic+to+Heartgard+Plus-prod10413.html
Date: Jun 6, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: 2
Topic: Treatment
Question:My dog has tested positive for heartworms 6 months after we adopted him from a shelter that said he tested negative. Yes he has been on a heartworm preventive. The vet said to wait a year to test him again and if positive, to start heartworm treatment the. Is that safe? Will my dog's health decline without immediate treatment?
Answer:Further testing now is ideal and adulticide treatment but if he has been on prevention and stays on safe prevention (like heartgard) that is a form of treatment in itself. It is also ideal to have him on Doxycyline if you are waiting a year.
Date: Jun 3, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: 1
Topic: Bravecto Plus vs Advantage Multi
Question:My 3 yrs old kitty has just tested positive for heartworm. In light of her diagnosis I am trying to get answers if it is safe to continue using Bravecto Plus. I have heard that Advantage Multi has given dog owners hope whose dogs tested positive for heartworm. I know dog heartworm and cat heartworm is entire different. However, I would appreciate any help on trying to protect my kitty from parasites without harming her.
Answer:Contact the manufacturer for the best advice - it hasn't been out long enough for me to say for sure but the manufacturer's veterinarian will be able to help you. Here is a link to a good article about heartworms in cats, written by another veterinarian, from a site that I trust: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951471
Date: May 26, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: 2
Topic: Heart worm meds
Question:My dog has heart worm and I need a prescription to get his meds but don?t feel save to go out to vet with the pandemic going on right now. Would you be able to give a prescription for the meds? His name is dr Mombo he is over 10 years old and is about 18 pounds
Answer:In veterinary medicine, a face-to-face meeting has to occur to be able to write a prescription - call around near you - most veterinarians have strict protocols in place right now to keep everybody safe.
Date: May 24, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: 1
Topic: What are the first signs of heart worm
Question:What is a indicator of heart worms.is there a preventative measures to get for my cats.I have three.two female one male.
Answer:Many cats have no symptoms and then die suddenly. Luckily heartworms are no where near as prevalent in cats as they are in dogs, but it is still ideal to have them on prevention. I like Revolution the best probably because it helps with fleas as well, but then for just heartworm prevention, there are products like heartgard. Here is a link to our article about heartworm disease in cats, discussing symptoms and prevention: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/heartworm-treatment-cats-8.htm
Date: May 20, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: 2
Topic: Use a dewormer?
Question:Do you use a dewormer as a preventative in a healthy dog?
Answer:Yes, most heartworm preventatives have a dewormer in them, if not, deworming a couple of times a year is recommended. Heartworm medication is recommended year round in the continental United States.
Date: May 18, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: 2
Topic: Do my dogs need heart worm med
Question:I live in Az.. I am going to Oregan for summer,do my dogs need heart worm med?
Answer:Yes, in the summer definitely - in fact, the veterinary parasitologists recommend year round in the continental United States now.
Date: May 16, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: 1
Topic: Heartworm med
Question:Need it for my cat also. Info please
Answer:Revolution is a good choice for cats. Here is a direct link to read about it, with the price: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Revolution-prod10265.html
Date: May 14, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: 2
Topic: Testing
Question:Hello, because of the pandemic we are experiencing I had to miss taking my dog to the vet in March. I?m taking her to a vet in a few days and I?m concerned bc she had to go without heartworm medication. They wouldn?t give me the medication bc it had been a year since her last test. They asked me which blood test I wanted for her. The one they do in office or the one they sent out. Can you help me understand the difference and any benefits of one over the other. Thank you!
Answer:You will have to speak directly to them - it depends on exactly which tests they are talking about - most of us just run in-house tests to begin with.
Date: May 11, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: 1
Topic: Worms
Question:I have a indoor cat do you need to deworm or give them worm prevention ?
Answer:Yes, it is ideal, depending on where you live. We recommend Revolution down here in Georgia. Here is a link to read about it: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Revolution-prod10265.html
Date: May 8, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: 2
Topic: combo heartworm and fly meds
Question:I live on a limited budget and would like to know if the Program Plus by Elanco which contains Mibemycin 23mg and Lufenuron 460mg will protect my 55lb dog against Heartworm, flies and other intestinsal worms. thank you
Answer:I am not real familiar with Program Plus, but the active ingredients are: (1) Milbemycin, which should protect against heartworms and then (2) Lufenuron gives some protection against fleas.
Date: May 3, 2020
Category: Heartworm Disease
Pet Type: 2
Topic: Tri-Heart Plus vs Heartgard Plus?
Question:Does my 8 month old American Bully needs to be on a Heart worm pill? Is there a difference between Heart Gard & Tri-Heart Plus? If I start him on a Heart Worm pill do I give it to him monthly for life?
Answer:It depends a little on where you live, so consult a veterinarian in your area for the best advice. Veterinary parasitologists recommend all dogs take heartworm preventative monthly year round in the continental United States.
