So, I'll ask again, does anyone know of any holistic heartworm preventive? I am very wary of giving HeartGard to my BC mix. I switched my Lab from HeartGard to Interceptor because of his food allergies, but I'm looking at all the options for my BC right now. I'd appreciate if anyone could point me in the right direction. Apparently, the Whole Dog Journal did an article on this, but I don't have a subscription, so......

Have you considered Filaribits for your BC-X?
I used to use these years ago on puppies that were too young for Ivomec. At one time you could get the generic version without the flavoured filler but you had to hide them in something as they tasted crappy! Giving them daily wasn't too bad if you get a routine going but it is sure easier (and lazier) to do the 30 day Ivomec thing. I don't know about the holistic thing -
there is a lot of "holistic" stuff out there that makes big claims and sounds like pure bunkum.
Unless something is proven effective I would be kind of leary about using it.

I tend to feel the same way about a lot of holistic stuff....but as I said, I'm looking at the options.

I've never even heard of Filaribits... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Filaribits was the 2nd generation HW preventive....ok, back in the early 70's people gave sytrid caricide which was a little white pill, given daily.

Filaribits was developed as an alternative for the masses -- daily chewable for people who could not/would not pill their dogs -- I believe similar formulation (I actually was working at the vet school at the University of Georgia and assisted in the study using 60 research beagle puppies) This was in the late 70's

Then came the various monthly preventives (at which time I was a stay at home mom -- think we are talking mid 80's, then of course the 6 months shot in the past few years.

The evolution of heartworm prevention seems to have been the trend towards increased convenience; I am not sure about the safety as each new *improved* product hits the market. I do recall, however, that the lethal dose for ivermectin is incredibly high (unless you are collie.......) and have been known during prior economic slumps to carefully measure out zymectrin (horse ivermectin) -- gotta be very VERY careful though to go that route.

BTW, you may want to research to see if BC's have the same toxicity issues as regular collies do; I have no idea.......

Yup, BCs do have Ivermectin sensitivity issues; hence my looking at alternative.

Alternatives --- boy that is tough; each time a new HW medicine comes out it seems like the old ones disappear.

I remember not being able to get caricide (which was very cheap) very shortly after Filaribits came out $$ then we had to go to heartgard..$$$

The proheart 6 news is discouraging too; need to do some more research on that as well....did find isolated web info, read the Fort Dodge Letter posted by an anonymous *vet* (who for all I know could have stock in a different drug company)but nothing on the FDA veterinary site......

In all of this discussion, I have not seen any mention of Revolution. This drug is supposed to protect against fleas, ticks, and act as a "hw preventative." I have not read anything positive or negative about the drug and would appreciate any information (pro or con) about it. I'm still scouring this forum for info, so it's possible that I have not come across it yet. I have my 15 mo female GSD on it and, in one year I have found two ticks (recently attached, no chance to react to the medicine) and three fleas (likewise, recently acquired). I'd say that it's doing its obvious job, but I have not been to her (soon due) vet checkup to see if the heartworm prevention is living up to its claim.
On that same note, what is the opinion of the majority where the winter months are concerned? Should I suspend monthly treatments when the insects are dormant?

Revolution isn't popular in my neck of the woods.

I suspend frontline in the winter months as well as my heartworm regime. Do you put on fly spray before you go out in the winter? I know I don't!!

You can buy Ivermectin in liquid form with no perscription at any large Farm supply store and give it orally once a month or as you prefer in measured doses. Much cheaper and more control of exactly what the dog gets. You will, however, have to buy a fairly large bottle...but it will last a long time!