In 20 years, I have never forgotten until this month. We normally give the heartworm pill on the 1st of the month but did not remember until today. How much trouble am I in? I will take them tomorrow for a heartworm test but should I repeat this again in a month or two just in case. We live in Florida.
I have worked at a vet clinic for 12 years so I feel I can safely tell you that you DO NOT need to take your dogs in for a test if this is the only pill you have missed.
It takes 6 months for the immature heartworms to even show up in a test and you have two or three weeks leeway in which you can give the pill. Remember, it does not WORK for one month it takes care of any infestation that occurs during the month SINCE you gave the last dose. If I took mine in for a test everytime I was late in giving the pill I would be there 4 or 5 times a year. If your vet tells you otherwise then you need to search for another vet....
Just remember that next time you are at the vet for something else or they get their annual shots (if you do them annually) then remind them that you were late on a dose of HW prevention. When they had the daily Filaribits or Ivermectin you did not have the luxury of missing doses...you could get into trouble that way...enjoy the newer meds and relax...they will be fine!!!
Interceptor will work for up to 60 days before you give it. so if you rush to the vet and get an Interceptor for the dogs (it doesn't matter if they are usually on heartgard, it only matters what you give this time) you will be fine. The reason I say Interceptor and not Heartgard is because Heartgard only kills anything from the last 45 days, but Interceptor should work. Jerri gave you good information, six months or more down the road you might want to have the dogs tested when you are in there anyway for something if it will make you feel better.
I would schedule my dog's Ivomec (same ingredient as heartgard) every five weeks if it weren't for the cat (kitties supposedly do need it every month on time, but if anyone has heard something else I would love to know).
"Dog breeding must always be done by a dog lover, it can not be a profession." -Max v Stephanitz
Yes, we have been told that you don't have quite the leeway with the Heartguard as the Interceptor or Sentinel...we also sell the Heartguard for the cats and we try to encourage the use closer to the 4 week (30 day) mark. You might could get away with a longer time period but if you live in a high risk area you need to try and stay on schedule. I am in the South so I really have to stay on my toes!!!
The cat and dog live with my family in costal South Carolina (1/2 a mile from a river, the mosquito problem is very bad) so it isn't worth the risk for me. They get theirs on the 15th of every month, and I have only been two days late so far (my mother has been good about giving it since I have been off at college).
"Dog breeding must always be done by a dog lover, it can not be a profession." -Max v Stephanitz
I live in georgia, the reason I am asking is because that is about the time I had given ivermectin to puppies before8-12 weeks, if it was summer. I talked to a vet(or tech, i'm not sure) over the phone and they said anytime before 6 months is good. I am not sure the life cycle of the heartworm, or how ivermectin interrupts the cycle, but is it really safe to wait 6 months?
Ivermectin kills all microfilarae that have entered the bloodstream up to 45 days before treatment. Based on when they are first exposed to skeeters, you can decide when to start heartgard. It had been studied, and heartgard plus can kill worms that are a little bit older (about a month and maybe more, can send you the article if you PM me) over time. Based on what I know and the manufacturer recccomendations, 8-12 weeks sounds okay (I started Auster at 8 weeks).
6 months is based on negative test results, but those only tell a small part of the story. A female heartworm must be 6 months old (males can only be detected with the feline test) before the test will detect it. So a dog could test negative until 6 months making the vet think that the dog doesn't need prevention, but the dog could still have a heartworm infection that the test can't detect.
"Dog breeding must always be done by a dog lover, it can not be a profession." -Max v Stephanitz
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.