Members: Do you use conventional heartworm larvacide?

[DanielleDL]

Members: I'm still waffling on whether to use conventional heartworm larvacide (cuz it's not prevention!). Obviously we have the toxic nature of HW meds on one side, and on the other side, we have the potential risk of HW itself. I'm hyper focused on optimizing Bobby's health, but he's still showing mild signs of imbalance (thus vulnerability) as we approach warmer weather, so I feel like I'm running out of time to make a decision. What is your story?

 

[aruna]

Great question, @DanielleDL , I just wanted to share with you the latest post on heartworms that Dr. Christina posted in case you haven't seen - Heartworm prevention for dogs - Holistic Actions!

 

[DanielleDL]

@aruna - Thanks! Yes, I have read that. I think I'm leaning back away from HW meds again. My parents nor my husband's parents never used them (and neither set were holistic minded in the slightest), and all their dogs did fine. I don't think I could fully relax with either option, so I might as well lean towards the more healthful option. I'd still be curious to hear about other members and what they do.

 

[aruna]

Yes, I agree, hope others give you their feedback - it might be useful to mention which part of United states you live

 

[DanielleDL]

Good idea @aruna - I'm in San Mateo in the SF Bay Area of California. We do live within a 5-min walk of the Bay, where there are some swampy areas of standing water. Other than that, it's the suburbs.

Side note: If anyone's used the HealthGene D319 Canine Heartworm (Diofilaria immitis) test (it's a DNA test that detects heartworm larvae, so you apparently get earlier detection than the standard antigen or microfilariae tests), let me know more about it. I found it reference in this Dogs Naturally Magazine article.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Personally I don't use the preventative for Archie but do a heart worm check twice/y.

As Aruna aptly pointed out, the decision to use it will partially be based on the risk:benefit.

The wonderful @ivegrgas lives in your area and is also an awe-some researcher for his sweet pup.

I'd be curious to hear what he has found. BTW-When I was in vet school the incidence of HW in the NW USA was super low.

I have never used the test you mention and find a twice annual heartworm check to be more than sufficient (along with BEAM) for early detection.

 

[DanielleDL]

Thanks as always for your input @Dr. Jeff! What's the optimal timing for the tests? I know that Dr. Christina suggested one about now or June. When should the second one be? Also, should I get both the antigen AND the microfilariae test? The odds are low that he would be positive since his last test was in November (and, yes, the HW incidence in our area is low too) and he's been on Simparica Trio on all the months since then, except for last month, so in general he's only been without HW larvacide for a month (or less if the meds last longer than they say).

 

[Dr. Jeff]

YW Danielle.

What's the optimal timing for the tests?

Mid spring and fall are great times to test if you choose not to use HW meds.

Also, should I get both the antigen AND the microfilariae test?

Nah. The in house test is fine for routine testing.

 

[Dr. Christina]

Definitely I support no heartworm "preventative" until Bobby is really well. Just avoid mosquitoes! many natural ways - Garlic barriers outside, Essential Oil or herbal sprays each walk, etc.
Dr. Christina

 

[DanielleDL]

Definitely I support no heartworm "preventative" until Bobby is really well. Just avoid mosquitoes! many natural ways - Garlic barriers outside, Essential Oil or herbal sprays each walk, etc.
Dr. Christina

We're definitely naturally protecting him from mosquitos the best we can. We can't use strong smelling products, because they're distressing to Bobby, but I've been using many non-smelling options. I'm spraying the yards with Wondercide today as an outdoor barrier.