Question by janet899: I’ve heard that in Southern California, having a dog on heart worm prevention medicine is not necessary?
I just want to make sure that it’s true. I don’t want to medicate my dog (a one year old Shih Tzu) if it’s not necessary. Heartworm supposedly is the most dangerous in dogs? Currently my dog has been tested free of worms. Is an annual test enough? Or is it better just to give him heartguard or sentinel forever? Which brand is better and are there some less chemical alternatives?

Best answer:

Answer by grey_wolf1233
A dog can get heartworms any were. It dont matter were you go. And b/c its Shi-Tzu (i got 1 too), its more important cuz there more prone to them. Heartworm is one of the most dangerous things a dog canget, it can kill them with in a few days.
Honestly if you want your dog to be safe the heartguard is your best bet, if you dont you could risk the death of your dog.

Would you rather save money and lose you dog?

Give your answer to this question below!

My dog gets de-wormed every year when she gets her annual vaccines.
The Vet Tech told me to come in 3 times a year to have her de-wormed.
Is this really necessary?
If I noticed worms I would go in to get her de-wormed.

Sheesh I hate Banfield!
I’m switching Vets soon..

My vet has been having us give our dog heart worm pills every day of the year. i take her in and she gets her shots, etc. and her yearly blood test for heart worms. THEN I ALWAYS get a heart worm prevention meds for a full year. And give her one a month. THEN back to the vet. For six years we have been doing this. Now I hear from three different pet owners…They don’t give them in the winter months. Soon as the first freeze comes they stop. I KNOW this is true about the flea drops…But the heart worm pills?
Appreciate your opinion in this. CAUSE I WILL continue as I have been for Ginger’s sake. BUT do I HAVE to? AND shouldn’t the other pet owners do the same for their dogs?
Most of you mis read my question. i DO NOT give them to her daily. But I DO yearly…One a month…Every month for a full year. NOT DAILY…That would probably kill my dog…and I love her too much to be stupid with her medication.
I see a lot of good answers though and I thank you so much for answering…

I got a notice from the vet. I assume they will do the heart worm test, which will cost money, and then sell us the heartworm medicine at a mark-up. I know I can get the same medicine at a discount elsewhere. I don’t mind taking him in for the test, if it is necessary, but is it? He’s never missed a dose since we had him tested originally, so could he still get heart worms?

I just want to make sure that it’s true. I don’t want to medicate my dog (a one year old Shih Tzu) if it’s not necessary. Heartworm supposedly is the most dangerous in dogs? Currently my dog has been tested free of worms. Is an annual test enough? Or is it better just to give him heartguard or sentinel forever? Which brand is better and are there some less chemical alternatives?