Heartworm Treatment Recommendations

[hallieworthington]

I am researching heartworm meds, as our vet said recommended to not use Heartgard anymore (he said it seems to be losing it's effectiveness and he has had several patients who have used Heartgard for years who have dogs testing HW+; checked with another vet in town for a second opinion and got the same advice). I have her on K9 Advantage II, so I'm not looking at anything like Trifexis. Just wanted to hear what other products y'all might have used.

[Maxx&Emma]

This scares me so bad as my vet just told me the same thing about 2 dogs in his practice that are HW+. I have used Heartgart+ for years and am really confused and afraid.

[kimbersmom]

What??? This is very scary!

[EmmaJo11]

Sentinel Spectrum

[hallieworthington]

I know! We've always used Heartgard for our dogs, so I'm not sure what's going on :/ My vet said it's something about the chemicals in it being changed, if I understood correctly, but he doesn't carry it at his office anymore and refuses to write a Rx for it to his patients. I'm glad he's staying on top of what's working and what isn't and that he is being so up front about informing me, but it is so frustrating to know a product I've used for so long isn't good. I'm not familiar with other heart worm meds. He also recommended several different brands to use that he approved of and said to do research on which I thought would be best for Lulu out of those, which is how I ended up here. I haven't heard of Sentinel Spectrum-is that available online? How is it administered?

[3ChocMom]

I'm still using Heartgard. I live in Florida and my vet has not said anything about this and still sells it. There have been documented cases, not just for Heartgard but other preventives as well, where a dog still contracts the disease. It happens, but it's not common. In fact, most manufacturers will pay for the heartworm treatment if you can prove your dog was taking their preventive when they contracted it. I don't have any plans to change unless my own vet recommends it.

[EmmaJo11]

I haven't heard of Sentinel Spectrum-is that available online? How is it administered?

It is a chewable tablet active ingredients are milbemycin oximetry, lufenuron and praziquantel. Heartgards main ingredient being Ivermectin.

[hallieworthington]

@3chocmom My vet has told me not to keep her on it, which is why I'm stopping that treatment and on the hunt for a new one. I trust my vet and wouldn't change my dog's medication without being advised to with reasoning to back it. I know nothing is 100% foolproof, but the fact that not only his practice, but a separate practice I called in the area for a second opinion stated the same thing as my vet and that both had recently had several dogs active on HW prevention contract HW was enough to convince me. It may have something to do with my location that may be a contributing factor, but regardless, I will be switching. I'd rather safe than sorry, especially if the location/strain of HW is a factor in the loss of effectiveness with Heartgard. I live in a rural, swampy-ish area of GA where Mosquitos, fleas, and ticks are a big issue so if my vet won't back it, I won't risk it with Lulu.

@emmajo11 thanks for the information! I'll definitely look into it.

[Maxx&Emma]

Please keep us posted on what you find in your search for answers. My best thoughts for your dogs. Being a good bit further North than you but hearing the same thing frightens me.

[shellbell]

I have to wonder in the cases where dogs are testing positive, if they are getting the pill every 30 days. I know some people like to go six weeks, or might forget and give it a few days later. My vet has told me about a new genetic mutation in mosquitoes causing the lifespan of the HW to be shorter, which is why preventative MUST be given every 30 days to be effective. She told me this a couple years ago, that these mosquitoes were being found mainly down south, but likely to travel up the Mississippi.