Frontline & Heartguard

[Bill A]

I have a new puppy (10 weeks at this point) who we just took in for his next set of shots, Vet says to start monthly frontline and heartguard treatments on him.

Wondered are these something everyone does? I know it has been a long time since I had a pup but I don't recall ever doing much beyond shots for him (altho that was 25 yrs ago).

Just curious for an indoor only dog here how important is it to do these frontline and heartguard treatments? Not saying he isn't worth it, just haven't had a dog in a while and wondered too since he will be a indoor dog
if it is still something we should do each month etc etc.

Also where is the best place to buy them (price wise) I thought I saw sams club had one of them (cant recall which) but just looking for a possilble tip for better pricing than what I would guess would be full retail at the vet - or is that something you can only get at a vet..

Bill

 

[Adrienne]

This is a subject that many people will have different answers to. Frontline is a good product but I don't like to put anything toxic on my dogs when my children may be touching them. If you are pregnant you aren't supposed to handle frontline so if it isn't safe for me why would it be safe for my dogs? Especially if they are rarely out where they could get ticks. I would much rather just check my dogs for ticks then use a product with a pesticide in it.

Heartguard is the same thing to me except worse because it is in their system and heartguard over here recommeds a much higher dosage than they do over in England. I have decided after doing much research to use Interceptor and Mordy recommeded using the 11-25 lb dosage for any dog over 50 lbs, also it only needs to be given every 45 days.

I have been doing a lot of research into vaccinations/preventative treatments and am amazed at how much money we spend on things that really are not necessary if your dog is healthy.

Check out the vaccination website on yahoo: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TruthAboutVaccines/

 

[Bill A]

Thanks for the reply and the yahoo site link, I guess I have some reading to do, just surprised me when the vet brought in a years worth of one and 6 months worth of another and said ok this is $$$$ and this is $$$$$$$$, seemed more of a salespitch to me, If I said yes my vet bill for that one shot on this visit would have been like $200 for the visit, the shot the frontline, the heartguard and a bottle of ear wash they recommended...

So much for the $12 shot I was quoted about over the phone when I called to gauge my costs, add on $26 for the check (listen to heart, check tummy, teeth, coat) $8 for ear wash, $6 for first heartguard, $15 for first frontline, then $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for 1 yr and 6 month of supplies, still ended up costing over $50 for that $12 shot...

I guess I just never heard of such a thing, my last dog was years ago but I don't recall anything beyond fleabaths once in a while, just wondered does everyone with a new puppy do this?

He is an indoor dog, even potties indoors, and is fed Innova dog food (supposedly good stuff), I haven't read into the pros and cons of heartguard or frontline yet but will for sure start reading up on them here today...

Bill

 

[Debi]

I use Interceptor for the worm issue, it also addresses adult hookworm, roundworms and whipworms. I priced online and found my vet cheapest due to the price being the same, but online would have had shipping cost added. Just my opinion, but you don't really need to buy a special earwash...vets do have products that they 'sell'. A warm vinegar solution works well, or sometimes I just use a wet (squeezed out) cottonball to wipe away dirt. I had a vet that had all sorts of bogus charges everytime you walked in the door. Once I said no to the 'fecal' check only to be told they couldn't examine my dog without it. I changed vets. The old vet bill was never below $100. for nothing but his super gorgeous office and grounds. I use the Frontline or Advantage because we live in a wooded area...same reason I think it's a must for heartworm medication. It's certainly your choice...don't let them pressure you.

 

[Debi]

Forgot to say...Frontline was a little cheaper online, but again had the added shipping cost. I had only done flea shampoo baths prior and we never had a flea problem.