Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
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While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.
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Ask the Vet About Heartworms in Dogs and Cats
Got questions? Ask Dr. Dym & our Vet Team
While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.
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Are there any that I can purchase without script
All heartworm preventatives will require approval from a veterinarian that has met your dog face-to-face.
I left my supply of heart guard in the car for a couple of weeks. Highs here are around 81-85. Is it still ok to provide to my dog?
Contact the manufacturer for the best advice about that - their contact information should be on the packaging or package insert.
Hello Dr Dym, My GSD puppy is 6.5 months old, he was given his heart worm prevention treatment(tablet) by the vet 2months back during his regular check up, he did not have any for past 2months, we are assuming what he gave was a monthly dose. what is the procedure to get him re-started with the preventive tablets, my vet never gave a prescription. Also what is the risk he has worms now? Thanks for your help, Ra
At his age, your veterinarian will probably want to test him. It depends on which medication you choose to start him on, BUT since they won't test positive until ~6 months after the missed pill, test in 6 months for sure. Get him started back as soon as you can. As far as the risk that he has heartworms - at his age, it's probably very low risk, just missing one or two months, but it depends on where you live, so consult your local veterinarian aout that.
What would you recommend for heartworm Medicine for dogs?
There are MANY really good options to choose from. Here is a link to a lot of them: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Heartworm-cat11.html My dogs take heartgard, just because it has been out for so long (tried & trusted). I use either Nexgard or Bravecto for flea and tick control with it. If you are looking for an all-in-one product, Simparica Trio covers all 3: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Simparica+TRIO-prod12499.html
Hi, I have a 2 year old female Boxer mix who weights 70 pounds who takes both Interceptor and Bravecto. Is there a more cost effective, safe alternative?
That combo is one of the more effective, cost-effective options. You may save just a little if you replace the interceptor with generic Tri-Heart and the Bravecto with Simparica.
what is the best heartworm prevention medication for my dog that takes pimobendan.
There are many good options - none really interact adversely with pimobendan. Here are many options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Heartworm-cat11.html
I received heartgard Monday and gave it to my 2 yrs. Old lab. She soon started vomiting. About 2 hrs. She was fine. Question is what do you recommend as a substitute for heartgard?
Heartgard so rarely causes vomiting, I would be more suspicious of something else if this was only a one time occurrence, but there are many alternatives. Here is a link to read about them: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Heartworm-cat11.html
Heartworm positive dogs are hospitalized and given an injection of melarsomine (Rx) (brand name--Immiticide) to kill the adult worms. A second injection of melarsomine is given 24 hours later. My pet shows no signs of symptons, I requested to have them tested for heartworm and she came out positive, recommendations?
Most dogs show no symptoms until they are about to die from heartworms. Cost will vary based on where you live so call around in your area for quotes. Yes, that is the most ideal treatment. Here is a good article about treating heartworms, written by another veterinarian, from a site that I trust: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951486
my dog has a lump the size of a large apple in her chest
I'm not sure what your question is based on the information that you submitted. Feel free to submit another question if you still need help.
Is there an OTC heartworm prevention? I can't afford a vet, a friend paid for rabies, and I purchased DAP vaccine.
No - there is not an over-the-counter one, but some of the afforadable vaccine clinics near you may be able to help with that - they often do heartworm testing and prevention, as well as vaccines.
Can a 11 weeks 10Lbs Golden Retriever puppy take heart worm chewable tables?.. If yes.... Which one. Thank You very much
Some are not labeled for use in puppies that young (Bravecto) but some are : Nexgard is the one I recommend for most puppies. Here is a link if you would like to read about it: https://www.1800petmeds.com/NexGard+Chewables-prod10356.html
Does Advantage II protect against mosquitos
The canine (dog) Advantage II is labeled to protect against mosquitos - the feline one is not. Neither is a heartworm preventative.
Can I order flea medication like trifexis without my fig being tested for heart worn disease? Or should he be tested before taking the flea medication.
It is ideal, especially with Trifexis, for your dog (or fig, lol) to be tested.
I currently have a 6 month old puppy, He had his first Heartguard dose at 4 months old on 4/15. I have missed the next 3 doses by accident. Is it safe to give him the next dose without a blood test?
If he got one at 4 months and he's only 6 months, he only missed one so yes, it is safe (and recommended) to keep giving it. Even if he is 8 months, which it sounds like he is, if it is heartgard, you restart him immediately and test in 6 months (they won't test positive until 6 months after the missed pill.)
Can I get sentinel chews for my 7 year old 60 lb lab cheaper then vet.?
Here is a link to Sentinel, with the prices: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Sentinel-prod10118.html
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