Heartworm Preventive
Comparison Chart
How does my pet become infected with heartworm?
Mosquitoes become infected with tiny immature forms of the heartworm, called microfilariae, when they bite an infected animal. Inside the mosquito, the microfilariae develop into larvae. When an infected mosquito bites a new animal, these larvae enter into the new animal's body. The larvae continue to grow and after about 3 months, they finish their migration to the heart of the animal. Here they grow into adult worms, sometimes reaching a length of 14 inches. Within 6-8 months after first entering an animal, heartworms are mating and producing new microfilariae, which are released into the bloodstream.
What do heartworms do?
Adult heartworms obstruct the chambers of the heart and large blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs. Eventually other organs, such as the liver, can also be damaged. If left untreated, heartworm disease usually causes death.
At what time of year should I start giving my pet a heartworm preventive?
Many veterinarians recommend heartworm preventives be given to pets year round, because several of these medicines have additional effects of protecting animals from intestinal parasites. Additionally, it's easier for many owners to simply continue to administer the medication consistently throughout the year instead of calculating the appropriate stop and start dates. However, if you prefer to give your pet a preventive seasonally, pay close attention to your area's mosquito season. For oral monthly preventives, begin administering the preventive after the first mosquito appears. Daily preventives should be started just prior to the first mosquitoes appearing. Consult with your veterinarian regarding how long to give the preventive to your pet, and to determine the need for routine testing prior to the first dose of the season.
Does my dog need a test before I start giving him heartworm preventives?
The American Heartworm Society advises that all adult dogs being started on a heartworm preventive for the first time be tested. After that, periodic, but not necessarily annual re-testing should be performed. The frequency of testing should take into account variables such as:
I always recommend testing before the dog is started on a preventative, this is becasue the preventative may kill some worms quickly and cause severe problems from the worms dying. If you don't want to use preventative, you can test them yearly.
Mosquitoes become infected with tiny immature forms of the heartworm, called microfilariae, when they bite an infected animal. Inside the mosquito, the microfilariae develop into larvae. When an infected mosquito bites a new animal, these larvae enter into the new animal's body. The larvae continue to grow and after about 3 months, they finish their migration to the heart of the animal. Here they grow into adult worms, sometimes reaching a length of 14 inches. Within 6-8 months after first entering an animal, heartworms are mating and producing new microfilariae, which are released into the bloodstream.
What do heartworms do?
Adult heartworms obstruct the chambers of the heart and large blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs. Eventually other organs, such as the liver, can also be damaged. If left untreated, heartworm disease usually causes death.
At what time of year should I start giving my pet a heartworm preventive?
Many veterinarians recommend heartworm preventives be given to pets year round, because several of these medicines have additional effects of protecting animals from intestinal parasites. Additionally, it's easier for many owners to simply continue to administer the medication consistently throughout the year instead of calculating the appropriate stop and start dates. However, if you prefer to give your pet a preventive seasonally, pay close attention to your area's mosquito season. For oral monthly preventives, begin administering the preventive after the first mosquito appears. Daily preventives should be started just prior to the first mosquitoes appearing. Consult with your veterinarian regarding how long to give the preventive to your pet, and to determine the need for routine testing prior to the first dose of the season.
Does my dog need a test before I start giving him heartworm preventives?
The American Heartworm Society advises that all adult dogs being started on a heartworm preventive for the first time be tested. After that, periodic, but not necessarily annual re-testing should be performed. The frequency of testing should take into account variables such as:
- The age of your pet (the testing schedule is different for puppies)
- Prevalence of heartworm disease in the area
- Missed or late doses of heartworm preventative
- The dog's lifestyle
- The type of preventive used
I always recommend testing before the dog is started on a preventative, this is becasue the preventative may kill some worms quickly and cause severe problems from the worms dying. If you don't want to use preventative, you can test them yearly.
General Grooming
Get them started young!
- Bathing
- Brushing
- Nail Clipping and Fileing
- Ear Cleaning
Bathing your dog is important for various reasons. They can be stinky, use the bathroom on themselves or just to keep the natural oils in the coat regulated.
Baths should not be given to often, maybe one a month max, this is because the coat secretes oils that keep their coat healthy. Bathing to much takes these oils away and can cause dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Puppy shampoo or baby shampoo is best for young or very old dogs. It is very gentle and tearless.
Dawn dishliquid (the blue bottle) is great for getting a very oily, dirty, or flea infested dog clean. Since it completly strips the dogs natural oils out, it should not be used often.
Brushing should be started early to get the puppy used to it. If not properly introduced, some dogs can be frightened of it when older. Brushing helps to spread the coat oils and remove dead hair.
Dobermans shed, so a good brush is a must. Since Dobies do not have a undercoat a regular brisel brush or a rubber brush will do best. I use a FurBuster which is Wal-Marts version of a FurMinatior. It effortlessly removes hair that has built up through winter or from not brushing regularly.
Nail clipping should also be started young so the dog is not scared of it when it is older. Care must be taken so you do not clip the "quick". The quick is a nerve ending that contains blood, if it is clipped, it causes pain for the dog and it will bleed. You should purchase a good quality clipper brand as the cheeper brands are not as sharp and are porely made thus not clipping the nail cleanly. Cheep clippers squeeze the nail and often cause pain then sharp, quality clippers.
Only a little bit should be clipped off at a time. I use a Black and Decker grinder to file nails down the rest of the way. Care should be taken to not make the dog scared, you want this to be a good experience. Only use the grinder for short bursts(2sec), it can get hot and cause pain to the dog if held on to long(4sec). Daily handling of the puppies paws will make this easier to do.
Ear Cleaning is yet another basic grooming need that should be done young. Handle your pups ears often to get the puppy used to the handling. Use cotton balls and ear cleaner made for dogs to clean them out. Try not to get any water in the ear during a bath, that way it does not get infected.
Worms
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Roundworm is a medical condition that is usually caused by two different species of a parasitic worm. This worm will usually first be present in a dog's intestines, though may migrate to other body systems. Many dogs with Roundworm experience a Roundworm infection of the lungs, which leads to vomiting, coughing, and other symptoms.
Hookworm infestation is the invasion and multiplication of the small intestine by a blood-sucking parasite. Ancylostoma caninum is the most important and common hookworm in dogs. Other less common species exist as well. Infection can be acquired before birth or during nursing from an infected bitch. Tapeworms are a parasite that are found in the small intestine of dogs. The most common tapeworm found in dogs is the Dipylidium Caninum. They are flat and segmented, white in colour and can grow up to 20cm long. They attach themselves to the dog's intestine by their hook like mouth. Whipworms are small, parasitic roundworms that have a tail shaped like a whip and live in the small intestines of dogs and other mammals. Whipworms attach themselves to the wall of the large intestine and feed off the blood of the dog. Female whipworms can grow to three inches in length and produce up to 2,000 eggs per day! In contrast to parasites such as heartworms, that hatch in one part of the body and migrate to another, whipworms hatch and live in the intestine. Canine whipworms are found throughout the U.S., but are most common in warm and humid climates. These worms are very difficult to kill and the eggs can live in soil for 5 years! |
De-Worming your puppy or dog
Puppies
Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age, starting at 2 weeks
Once a month from 3 to 6 months of age
After 6 months, follow adult recommendations. Also after six months, use a heartworm preventative medication that is effective against hookworms and roundworms.
Adult Dogs
Treat regularly, considering potential exposure to parasites (example: four times a year)
A continued surveillance of parasite prevalence in your area is recommended.
Breeding Dogs
Once prior to mating
Once at birthing
Lactating bitches should be treated concurrently with puppies.
Newly Acquired Animals
Note: Obtain the deworming history of the new pet from previous owner.
Worm Immediately; then repeat after 2 weeks, then follow guidelines above.
Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age, starting at 2 weeks
Once a month from 3 to 6 months of age
After 6 months, follow adult recommendations. Also after six months, use a heartworm preventative medication that is effective against hookworms and roundworms.
Adult Dogs
Treat regularly, considering potential exposure to parasites (example: four times a year)
A continued surveillance of parasite prevalence in your area is recommended.
Breeding Dogs
Once prior to mating
Once at birthing
Lactating bitches should be treated concurrently with puppies.
Newly Acquired Animals
Note: Obtain the deworming history of the new pet from previous owner.
Worm Immediately; then repeat after 2 weeks, then follow guidelines above.
Top L-R
Drs Foster and Smith PRO Wormer-2, Nemex-2, Safe-guard granules, D-Worm
Drs Foster and Smith PRO Wormer-2, Nemex-2, Safe-guard granules, D-Worm
I use Safe-Guard liquid wormer (10% Fenbendazole) that is sold for use in goats. It has the same active indredient as dog Safe-Guard just at a lower level. Safe-Guard is generic for Panacur.
Since the active ingredient (Fenbendazole) is less than Safe-Guard for dogs
(which is 22.2% Fenbendazole per dose) I give it at a rate of 1cc/mg per 5lbs. This will have it come to 20% Fenbendazole which is a little less per dose than the dog version.
Safe-Guard must be given 3 days in a row to be effective. Adult dogs should be wormed yearly.
I am stating what I use, It is up to you to make the decision to use this product. I will take no liability if you give your pet the wrong amount. Please discuss it with your vet to make sure it is ok in your situation.
Since the active ingredient (Fenbendazole) is less than Safe-Guard for dogs
(which is 22.2% Fenbendazole per dose) I give it at a rate of 1cc/mg per 5lbs. This will have it come to 20% Fenbendazole which is a little less per dose than the dog version.
Safe-Guard must be given 3 days in a row to be effective. Adult dogs should be wormed yearly.
I am stating what I use, It is up to you to make the decision to use this product. I will take no liability if you give your pet the wrong amount. Please discuss it with your vet to make sure it is ok in your situation.
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