How Important is Heartworm Preventative?

**ekfishlover2011** · 10-10-2012, 02:08 AM

My dad is trying to tell me its a waste of money to buy Heartgard for my new dog. My grandma is saying im going to kill my dog for treating him for something he doesnt have, and isnt listening to me when i keep saying its not a treatment its a preventative, all vets tell you to use it. I tell her Animal Cops complains how simple it is to prevent and yet 1000s of dogs die from heartworm every year from people who think its unimportant. But shes now yelling that im wasting my money and overdoing my dog care.

Do other dog owners on here use it or a similar medication? Is it important for a small Pennsylvanian dog, or can he do without it? I found a generic brand for him thats only going to be $40 for a years worth, which i think is a very good deal. But my family is making it a hassle to try to get it.

**Cliff** · 10-10-2012, 02:47 AM

Heart worm treatment is a preventative treatment for the virus that causes hart worms. There are very few places in North America when you do not have to worry about this. And all of those places are in Northern Canada.

When we lived in Louisville KY, I had my dogs vaccinated for hart worms (based on the advice of our vet) and nothing bad happened to them. They are healthy and happy dogs. If I am remembering correctly, the further south you go, the higher the risk of hart worms (but I could be remembering this wrong)

Perhaps you could get some info about from your vet to show your grandma. This would be no different than a vaccination for rabies, just preventative medican.

**Lady Hobbs** · 10-10-2012, 02:50 AM

In warmer climates, it should be used year around. In colder climates where there is a kill off of mosquitos, it's only needed during the summer months.

He should also get shots for parvo and other puppy diseases. I hope they don't think those are unnecessary, too.

**gabbyguppy** · 10-10-2012, 03:39 AM

Heartworm is a blood borne parasite carried by mosquitos.

If your dog has not been tested, make sure to have the Vet test BEFORE starting preventative.

**Crispy** · 10-10-2012, 06:48 AM

my mom is a vet. it is necessary!!

**Aeonflame** · 10-10-2012, 11:49 AM

If there is not a high incidence of heartworm or mosquitoes where you live, then it is not necessary... especially if the dog lives indoors. That being said, it is always better to err on the side of caution.

**GuppyAteMyDog** · 10-10-2012, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by Crispy

my mom is a vet. it is necessary!!

cool !, i wish my mom was a vet , i am actually studying veterinary science right now i am in my second year ,still a little squeamish at blood and guts side of it though but i can't tell you how satisfying it is to see an animal who was sick or injured become better from my doing , although i still get watery eyes when we euthanize animals and my colleagues give me a hard time for it (those evil XXXXXXX)