Missed doseQ: I ran out of heartgard about 2 onths ago and forgot to renew the prescritpion. is it safe to just re-start heartgard in my dog? or does she need to be tested first? thanks. A: You could start the pill without a problem. at your next scheduled vet visit or yearly get his normal once yearly test. there are actually very old patients who i have diagnosed actual heartworm infection, and we put them on the preventative to cut down on reproduction of the existing adult worms in those cases we decide not to treat due to age, risk etc. it was only the old daily heartworm pills that you had to make sure your pet was negative before giving them.
Shop for: heartgard
Infected mouthQ: My dog has an infection in his mouth. it is pussy and bloody. i need to know which antibiotic is best for him. he is a 13 year old dauchaund/cocker spaniel mix with a heart murmer. A: 20;35;2
Heartworm medoicationQ: I have no doubt my dogs don't have heartworm, they were in the house throughtout the winter. how come my vet won't give my the heartworm tablets without testing and do i absolutely need my dogs to be tested. it's a monetary issue for me, since i can't really affoird both the tablets and testing. A: If you question your vet i am sure it all boils down to being assured of compliance in administration of the heartworm medication over the last year. there may be additional reasons, but only your veterinarian can disclose those to you.
Itchy earsQ: We have a 9 month old 9.5# bengal who seems to have the same allergies to grass & tree pollen as i do. can i give him benadryl? 1 to 2 mg per pound as you suggest for dogs? he sneezes occasionally and has sensitive ears. dosent seem to scratch much but i can tell they bother him by the way he holds them. A: I prefer chlortrimeton in cats at dose of 2 mg twice daily. if no help in a few weeks, then you could try instread benadryl at dose of 1/2 mg per pound twice daily. dose you mention is too high for cats
Heartworm/regular wormsQ: I have a 140# great dane, and she just started licking around her anus/rear end area. i am suspecting worms. i have heartguard, however, i didn't keep up on the monthly schedule, it has been approx 4 months since i gave her a dose, is it ok to give to her now, or do i need to have her tested again? i live in western oregon. also, from reading other e-mails, you suggest that heartguard helps control intestinal worms, do i need to buy a different wormer, or will heartguard take care of all of them. A: Anal gland disease is a common problem in dogs and cats. the anal glands, also called 'anal sacs,' can become impacted, infected, and abscessed. affected pets may lick the anal area, 'scoot' along the floor, or have problems with defecation.|dogs with recurrent anal gland impactions are often placed on a high fiber diet. the high fiber makes the animal's stool more bulky. the stool will put more pressure on the anal glands and hopefully the glands will express themselves when the animal defecates. there are several commercial brands of high fiber dog food available. animals may also be supplemented with bran or medications such as metamucil which will increase the bulk of the stool.|i would also recommend your using the heartworm prevention throughout the summer months.
