Heartworm Prevention - Page 3

Thanks everyone.  I always use Neem oil on my dogs.  If I don't mix it myself, I use the Ark Naturals Neem Protect Spray.  It also has cintronella.  Dog's and some people hate the smell but I have never had a tick, flea or heartworm positive.  I will keep using that..even with any other chemical preventative as there have been breakthroughs.  BUT the vet seemed so upset, and said she has never seen so many cases of heartworm in her 20 years as she has the past year.  This has made me very concerned and I have a lot of misgivings with either decision.   The Ivomec, other than for those with MDM1 gene, seems the most proven and, potentially the breakthroughs with that have been due to iffy dosage in the name brands.  The people that have given the .1 cc per 10 pounds every 45-50 days seem to not have any issue with breakthrough heartworm infestation.  Either way the neem is great as it is also an antifungal and it actually kills fleas, lice, but you can eat it and even get it in your eyes.  If you do a scholar google search of neem it is amazing how many applications it has. 

Ruger 1:  Of course I respect your decision to do what you feel best for your dog, yet, I'd feel better if your dog was on heartworm preventatives. He's such a special dog! All the natural remedies in the world or fabulous natural immunity won't stop your dog from getting ill, if only just one infected mosquito bites him. You're playing "mosquito" roulette, IMHO.

      Bee...Your point is well taken...: )

         ....IMO I play roulette either way....I feel I am picking the lesser a two evils...but I still do worry.....

             Prince is a very special dog for sure...:) 

no heartworm preventative, or anything topical. 

We don't have a heartworm issue where I live, but still I planted Rosemary along the fence, with a few Citronellas here and there. Citronella is not really efective unless you cut a leaf, however Rosemary is quiet effective in keeping mosquitoes away, to maximize effectiveness, I preen a couple of branches off the Rosemary to increase the scent. Makes the yard more enjoyable and mosquitoe-free. A similar set-up should be probably help you reduce the risk.

Deanna, I don't either. I live near you.

@Ruger1 - I am in NJ, heavily wooded area, wetlands in the area as well (just not on our property)