Are you giving your senior dogs heartworm medication?

[Anonymous]

I have a 15 year old dog. I’m considering not giving them heartworm meds anymore because it makes them vomit and if they were to get heartworms at this point I would imagine they’d pass away before major issues occurred. Has anyone else stopped giving their senior dog this medication due to age?

[Anonymous]

No. Heartworm preventatives are GRAS for dogs of all ages, and one day of minor tummy upset doesn't negate their value. Heartworm is a horrible way to die.

Also, allowing your dog to become a disease vector is irresponsible.

[Anonymous]

You need to switch the heartworm pill, OP. Have you tried them all?

My sensitive dog who vomits at the slightest hint of anything untoward has no reaction to Iverhart Plus.

[Anonymous]

I'll give it to my dog for life. Have you seen heartworm? It's a horrible and preventable disease. There are a lot of options for HW pills and chews. Find another one that doesn't make your dog sick. There are topical and injectable options, too: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951375

[Anonymous]

Talk with your vet. Pro heart is an injectable heartworm prevention. Some are topical.

[Anonymous]

I would never subject my dog to the possibility of heartworm.

[Anonymous]

Get them on Simparica Trio.

I assume you're giving them flea and tick meds already since they can track those into your house at any age. Simparica includes heartworm with flea and tick so there's no reason not to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get them on Simparica Trio.

I assume you're giving them flea and tick meds already since they can track those into your house at any age. Simparica includes heartworm with flea and tick so there's no reason not to.

Some dogs have gnarly reactions to this. I'm glad mine don't; it's SO convenient to just "one and done" their pest control!