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| Author | Topic: Heartworms |
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ilovemypets Member  Posts: 401 |
posted 06-12-2003 11:17 AM
 
Hello, I need to know some things... Do you have to have your dog checked for heartworms before you can buy something such as "Heartguard"? I can't afford getting our big outside dogs checked. However since my dad wont go in with me on the cost, I'm going to try to get a 6-pk supply and split it among the dogs. Thanks for help! Lyndsey IP: Logged |
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honeybear Member Posts: 926 |
posted 06-12-2003 11:56 AM
From what I understand the vet wont prescribe heartworm meds unless the dog is tested the very first time, the reason being is that if the dog has heartworm and you give the dog heartworm medication it can be toxic. Also there is that petmeds .com or something like that, that advertises cheap meds, I checked out their heartworm med price and was much higher than my vet. If you are in a higher heartworm area like I am (20%) of all dogs get it, I would get them on the medication. Maybe your vet can work out a payment schedule or a discount. IP: Logged |
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Maisey Member Posts: 1387 |
posted 06-12-2003 01:20 PM
This is just an idea... In my area, we have a couple programs for Canine Blood donation, they are volunteer blood banks. They both have programs for volunteers and their dogs that include free blood typing, free heartworm testing and supply of heartworm preventative for as long as the dog is a part of the program. One of the programs also includes quality food at wholesale cost, free vet exams, discounted care, free vaccinations..etc. It is their way of saying thank you to the donor and owner, and keeping thier donors healthy. You usually have to commit to the program for a specified amount of time, and would have to donate a set amount of times through the year. The requirements to participate vary, but usually your dog needs to be up to date on all vaccines, at least 50 lbs, and two years old, it is my understanding they will not accept females who have had a litter of pups or been pregnant either. Like I said it is just an idea, to find out about a program in your area, type in Canine Blood Donation into your search feature on your computer, or ask your vet. Being a part of the program would mean a commitment on your part, but it would be a way for your dog to get discounted care, and others would benefit from your gift. As I write this I am questioning myself on how this suggestion sounds...I don't mean it as a means of finding free care, or to misuse the program. From your post, I gathered that you are young and dependent on your parent. I remember my dad having the value that an animal on our ranch had to "earn it's keep", donating blood to help pave the way for some of it's own care might make sense to your dad. IP: Logged |
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ilovemypets Member Posts: 401 |
posted 06-12-2003 04:07 PM
Yes, I'm only 13. Thank you all for the help and suggestions. IP: Logged |
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TinaK12 Member Posts: 15 |
posted 06-12-2003 07:06 PM
Hello, Iluvmypets.... I'm not sure what part of the country you are in, but I live in the Chicago Area and there are pet stores (called Petsmart) that will allow you to set up a sort of 'doggie insurance' plan. This is about $10/month. I have my dog signed up and they offer a comprehensive exam twice a year. I do not have to pay anything for these exams! AND, includes a check for heartworms, as well as the yearly shots for rabies (I only have to pay for the dog tags). But, you need to be careful because some plans might end up costing you more than you bargained for, but I would certainly find out if any stores in your area offer Pet Care with these types of plans. I have found it is well worth it, and have certainly gotten more than my money's worth! Good Luck! TinaK IP: Logged |
nern Moderator Posts: 1591 |
posted 06-13-2003 12:59 AM
I would not give a dog heartworm preventative without having it tested first...especially if these are outdoor dogs. Its my understanding that it can be dangerous to give heartworm preventatives to a dog that is heartworm positive. When I had my toy poodle tested I was advised to not give the heartguard until they called me with the results from his test. IP: Logged |
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goob Member Posts: 552 |
posted 06-13-2003 01:14 AM
If you give heartworm preventative to a dog that is infected, it can kill all the worms causing them to "unanchor" and clog an artery, killing the dog as well. That's why when a dog is being treated for heartworms, treatment takes so long (several "waves" of treatment to wipe out the worms slowly), and the dogs are on restricted activity during treatment (so the dying worms don't all get dislodged at once by fast pumping blood and cause a clog). You need to have them tested before you can put them on a preventative. Afterwards, you can either give preventative during mosquito season only, and have them tested every year; or keep them on preventative all year long, and only have them tested every few years (some say you don't need to do it at all, but others say to be safe, and test every 2-3 yrs). Either way may be cheaper for you, so look into it. [This message has been edited by goob (edited 06-13-2003).] IP: Logged |
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khandi New Member  Posts: 5 |
posted 07-13-2003 10:23 PM
I have heard that garlic is a preventive for heartworm. I have had 3 dogs so far and none of them have had heartworm. This is also what I am using on my current puppy. I just mix a bit of garlic powder in with his food. Of course this is not a "proven" way to prevent heartworm, but it has seemed to work for me. Some people view it as a risk, but its is MUCH cheaper than taking them to the vet since money is an issue for me. Whatever you chose to do GOOD LUCK!! IP: Logged |
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ilovemypets Member Posts: 401 |
posted 07-14-2003 12:14 AM
Cool...I've heard it was a naturaly repellant for fleas but never heard that! I'll keep that in mind! Right now I'm currently using Interceptor though. IP: Logged |
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DogBabi New Member Posts: 4 |
posted 07-15-2003 03:53 PM
our vet only charges $19.50 for the heartworm testing...they just draw blood for that test..it's only the treatment that is expensive if they actually have the heartworms...you might call around to your local vets and get their prices on the testing..if you have several dogs, they might give you a discount for bringing them all in to them. worth a try...heartworms are caused by mosquitos, so try your best to keep those darn things at bay..it's a big battle, i know. IP: Logged |
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bullet unregistered |
posted 09-22-2003 01:01 AM
i would just like to say that everyone should definatly have their dogs tested for heartworms and on the preventative. working in a clinic, i see dogs all to often with heartworms because of owner neglect. heartworm medication is not that expensive, especially in comparison to the treatment. if you really love your dog then you will think about what he/she would go through if they were to become infected. i promise that if humans could get it every one of us would be on preventative. why? because having them is nowhere near fun. would you want a parasite or funky worm living in the right side of your heart? clogging up your hearts ventricles so that bloodflow is lessened causing you to become tierd after trying to live a normal life? some dogs, even young, have been known to fall over and faint after excercise because the bloodflow is shortened to the point where the heart cant push enough through to make up for the activity done. in exterme cases dogs just fall over dead from activities as routine as chasing the ball. please get your dogs on the preventitive and even after that have them checked either yearly of bi-yearly by your vet. do not trust "grannies backyard soloution" unless you just dont care enough about your dog to be as sure as you can. most of these things are nothing more than insect repellents in the first place. example: garlic in the food repels mosquitos sort of like insect repellent spray, but this will not pevent heartworms. if it did then dont you think that a vet would tell someone who didnt buy preventativ to try it? some vets may seem money hungry, and you may think that the whole reason for pushing the preventative is to make a quick buck, but that is totally the opposite of the truth. if they were in it for the money then i think they would never try to push it because they could make more by far on the cost of the treatment, and in some cases the cost of euthanasia can be more than 6 mon. of preventative. just think about it and if you truly love and care about your dog go get the preventative. if its a cost issue try to find it on the internet and see if your vet will write you the perscription. internet cost diffrences have caused some vets to lower their prices on the stuff so you may find that your vet is cheaper. if they arent ask for the persciption to get it. you may find that your vet charges a fee for this and that it would be the same to buy it from him or her instead. some may even match the price that you found. i think that if you try you will see that most vets are more concerned about the health of their patients, regardless of what cost they may have to eat along they way. try it and see, you could be pleasantly suprised. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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Armywife20035409 Member Posts: 18 |
posted 09-22-2003 07:09 AM
WE live on a military installation and our dogs have to get checked once a year when they have ther annual shots. We go to the Vet tomorrow to one of thems shot and treat the other for ringworm. IP: Logged |
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