Puppy heartwrom medication questions

[chickenlover09]

This isn't about chickens, but when shoudl we start giving our 5 month old puppy heartworm medication. I called the vet and they said that they don't give it to their dogs, because it's not an issue where we live (in southern california). Is this true?

 

[prostar]

You're probably fine then. I've lived places where yep heart worm is a serious concern (Ontario Canada) and I've lived places where it wasn't a concern at all - all the vets recommended there was a generic dewormer in the spring (southern Alberta) and some didn't even bother with that (unless of course the dog was showing worm symptoms). I've had times where I've travelled to Ontario while living in Alberta and my vet was able to get me some heart worm drugs just to play it safe.

Listen to your vet. If your gut is telling you something funny, call another vet and get a second opinion.

Ps my autocorrect hates the word vet. Lol.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

We usually start at 6 months to a year, but if the local vets don't think it is an issue, then that is fine to listen to them. There is nothing wrong with giving it just in case though. Generally, the parasite is spread through mosquitoes, so if you don't have mosquitoes or the parasite is not yet found in your area, the risk is quite low.

 

[chickenlover09]

Okay, thanks! Mosquitos aren't really an issue in the area, but there seem to be a lot near our house (we bought one of those bug zapper things and it goes off all the time). I think i'll ask another vet, and if they say they do give it to them, then I'll just give him the medicine just to be safe

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

What breed?

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

That sounds like a good idea to me!