My vet says I should still give the dog heartworm meds by mouth and use the flea control oil. Is this harmful and should I be doing this?

Hi Cindy:

Thanks so much for all your wonderful work. I have taken to heart your advice about over vaccination after losing my beloved dog 2 years ago. I had to put her in a kennel (big mistake) for almost two weeks as we were leaving the country and had no one to watch her. At the time I was ignorant of all this and followed their rules about kennel cough, bordatella, parvo, etc. They required that all these be given before they would board her. Within a week after we brought her home she fell ill and never recovered - pancreatitis, and ultimately kidney failure. After many trips to the vet and lots of money spent, we finally had to put her to sleep. I am so thankful I stumbled upon your website. I tell all my friends with pets about it.

Long story short, I have another dog almost a year old now and have not given her any vaccinations other than what the breeder gave her. I have a very understanding vet with regard to all this as well as feeding a raw diet. However, she says I should give the dog heartworm meds by mouth and use the flea control oil that is applied to the skin at the nape of the neck. Is this harmful and should I be doing this? Also our state mandates a rabies vaccine. I don't want to break any laws, so what happens if I don't decide to get this? What are the chances of the dog actually getting rabies if I don't vaccinate?

Thanks again.

Susan