Pet Lovers

[on the bay]

@PansyBoo,

How I loved your beautiful story!

[Alsace Gal]

@Sapphiregal 

Yes, My Brandy had heart worm. She was a flat coated retriever, very active, but smart and obedient.

Decades ago, I was commuting 150 miles a day and ran out of heart guard. It was less than a week, enough time for the damage to be done. 
She underwent treatment and at the time my vet kept her three days. When I brought her home she stayed down and I put  a leash on her to take her out to potty.

She was well trained and did as I asked.

It's up to you to do what's needed.

I wish you well and a speedy recovery for you beloved pup.

[Group 5 minus 1]

When we adopted Sparky he was dying from heartworm.  After 4 years he did die,his lungs were so damaged. We mourn him still every day.

[Kachina624]

@Sapphiregal. There are a lot of people here who really love dogs and make sure the get the preventative.  You post reflects an attitude of, " Here's what the vet wants to do but it's really too much trouble".

Yes, it will be a lot of inconvenience for you for what, 30 days?  It will also be expensive.  Yes, you will have to crate the dog, keep him mostly in the house and give him lots of attention to keep him quietly subdued.

Knowing where you are, what kind of responses do you expect to get from your fellow posters?  I can tell you I'd do it and not give it a second thought because I love my dogs and because I'd know it was my fault my dog got the heart worms and I'd feel guilty as heck.

[Another new name Sue]

In all fairness, Sapphiregal is just looking for more information, tips about managing treatment.  Maybe she is overwhelmed, questioning the treatment. For some people, managing a dog with this treatment would be a real challenge.   I doubt there are any vets here, but she's wise to check with others who have dogs.  

Edited to add: this is a reminder to us dog owners that if we live in a heartworm area to use the monthly treatment.  We don't have much heartworm here in So. Calif., but my dog gets the Heartgard monthly as my vet recommends it.  I don't think he would live through the treatment if he got heartworms, and I would feel terrible if he got it because I didn't want to give him that monthly medication.

Think of it--it literally is worms in the heart!   Poor puppies that get it.

[PansyBoo]

@Kachina624, below is what she said in post number five so it's in no way her fault. I'm sure she's just feeling overwhelmed. And treatment is scary, expensive, and somewhat burdensome...especially with a rambunctious, energetic dog. We were lucky that Charlotte, who I mentioned in my post, was pretty quiet and laid back. I also don't think she felt so hot. But she made it through the treatment and lived a long and lovely life! 

"I rescued him from a county shelter that had him on their list to euthanize. I found out he was heartworm positive after first visit to my vet."  

[Marp]

@Kachina624,  did you miss this from @Sapphiregal's post (#5)?

"I rescued him from a county shelter that had him on their list to euthanize. I found out he was heartworm positive after first visit to my vet."

[Kachina624]

@Marp.  Yes, 8 did.

@Sapphiregal. Sorry if I came down on you harshly.  I've  seen too many people in my years of rescue who've neglected their dogs and bemoaned them getting heart worms.

[Carmie]

Those " preventative" heartworm meds are not actually preventative drugs.

They are toxic pesticides that are manufactured to kill larvae that may or may not be in your dogs body. They're made to treat a condition your pet may not have.

These drugs are not always safe and cause neurological problems in dogs.

It is safer to test the dogs for heart worms...and you should, even if your pet is taking the "preventative" meds.

I wish our pets had better healthcare.  Instead, many vaccines are overused and many preventative products are not 100% safe.

I have had to tell my own Vet to knock off trying to get me to get vaccines every year, which is no longer recommended.  It's a big money maker.

Because Vet bills are so high, many pet owners can't afford to have any Vet services done, in turn, pets are getting sick and suffering or are being abandoned.

I have great empathy for the OP's new dog and want to thank her for helping this poor sick fellow.

[spumoni99]

I would let the shelter where that you adopted from know that he tested positive for heartworms, they may be able to help with the necessary treatment.  Thank god you adopted him, had they found out they probably would have just euthanized him.

But who knows they may help or have a veterinary service that they can offer to help you with.