Heartworm!!!!

Sorry, but I am reposting this. Tomorrow I am taking two Fluffy Dogs to the vet for heartworm treatment. I am just sick to my stomach just thinking about it. It is like chemotherapy. They are in pain and sick for several days after. They need to be kept calm for a month after treatment while the worm dies. All of this can be prevented for just a few dollars a month for a heartworm pill. On the positive side, I give Lori who runs the rescue so much credit for accepting heartworm positive dogs as many rescues turn them away. She takes on the expense and care to give them the chance at wonderful futures.


All dogs must have heartworm preventative pills. Prevention is just ONE of these pills a month. There are several brands of meds on the market that can be obtained from your vet. (Heartguard, Interceptor) You can even obtain a prescription from your vet and mail order for a lower cost. Price is approx. $6-8 a month. Vets differ on recommendations to either give monthly for all 12 months or give only in the months that mosquito's are present. More and more vets are suggesting year round heartworm pills. An additional benefit is the pills also deworm the GI tract.

Fluffy Dog Rescue is one of a few rescues that will take heartworm positive dogs. We have a local vet that will administer this costly treatment. The dogs are given injections to kill the worm. This is not easy on the dog. The injections are painful. The dog must then be kept on a very low activity protocol for one month. The dog must receive one preventative heartworm pill every month for two years after the treatment. Fluffy Dog Rescue has had great success with this treatment.

Now for my soapbox. Many dog owners in Wisconsin are not giving their dogs this simple heartworm preventative pill. This is such a basic dog care need. I just don't understand the reasons. Are Wisconsin vets not stressing the need? Are people lazy or ignorant? Heartworm in dogs is on the rise in Wisconsin.......please give your dogs heartworm preventive meds.