Heartworm Prevention - Page 1

My vet told me that the approved treatment for hearworm is virtually unavailable so that it is more important than ever to use a preventative.  Most holistic vets do not reccomend monthly chemical treatment, and, at most, say give only Ivermectin (Heartguard) and only every 45 days for as long as mosquitos are active (9 months, where I live).  Some of the chemicals, as you know, are linked to cancer.  Any thoughts, suggestions...what do you do to prevent heartworm?

I Ivomec, as far as worrying about cancer I'm pretty sure there is some researchers out there that if you wait around long enough will say everything causes cancer.

There is something negative said about everything.  In reality, it has been reported..it takes 8 months for microfilaria(heartworm larvae) to become an adult heartworm.  I believe the more important points are....make sure the dose is correct per dog's weight & make sure the full dose is ingested.

I use Ivomec...which is also used in beef and swine for worming.  If it was so bad, it wouldn't still be used on market animals.

Vets here don't have Heargurad/Ivomectin....Do you use Ivomec from a feed store for cattle?  IF so what dosage and how to administer?  All my dogs are 94-105 pounds.

The oral dosage of the 1% Ivomec seems to be the topic of debate when it comes to heartworm.  I have seen 1/10 th of a cc per 10 pounds (1 cc for a 100 pund dog).  I have read dilute 9:1 and then give about .27-.3 cc for a 100 pound dog.  I have heard no dilute of the 1% and just give .5 or 1/2 a cc.   I just need to know what others find works for them and if their vet suggested.  My vet wants to sell me Interceptor, but I have read about deaths and breakthrough heartworm, so Ivomec seems safe..but what dose?

Just order Heartgard online. The vet should give you a prescription. My friend has been doing the slow-kill method using ivermectin on a dog w/HW; I can ask him about the dosage.

Do not assume because your dog is on HW preventative, that it works! You still have to test.

Anecdotally, my dogs were kept right next to dogs who tested positive for several months. They're FINE. All of them. No preventative. I waited a year to have them tested just to make sure there was enough time for it to show up. Must be just luck.

I live in California. I order my Heartgard online and have done so for YEARS..
The company I get mine from is based in Australia and their price is CHEAP, since they are not in the USA they do not require a prescription... I dont care about that I just like the CHEAP PRICE..
Here is the link..
http://www.bestvaluepetsupplies.com/user/121142440/web/121142440_products-sub.asp?Category=507&SubCategory=818&SubName=Heartgard%20Plus&CatName=Heartworm%20Products

Thanks, Jyl! I couldn't find that; I used to have it saved and my damn computer crashed.

I use the Ivemec also  (Ivermectin)  1% solution


Make sure you buy only Ivemec and not the one with  the added ingredient as is not for use in dogs..and can be dangerous

I have never used anything else , or ever sold a dog with heartworms.

I do not use it every month, I skip a month or do it every 50 days...

That is my preference as this drug stays in the blood stream a long time

My vet approves my use and also has prescribed it for Scabies in pups like the early measles, and also RED MANGE


My vet has given me the correct dosage and I  always do the lesser end of measurement'

Ivemec is a very strong drug but very effective and I have used it for  20 yrs

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