Heartworm Med

[wcladymacbeth]

When I adopted my dog Maggie last Tuesday, they gave me a heartworm pill to give her this month... but it didn't come with any instructions whatsoever.

Maggie is somewhat fearful, although she's warmed up to me a lot. I'm afraid to do anything to upset her more. I was going to give her the pill on the 25th of every month, because that's the day my mom gives her dog his pill and she said she would call and remind me. But that's tomorrow.

I don't think it would work to put the pill in a treat because she's so picky about treats, and even when she does get one that she likes (like a bite of chicken), she doesn't just gulp it down, she picks at it all dainty and stuff.

I'm guessing I'll have to do the ol' cram it down her throat method. Or maybe I should wait until next month, when she's even more comfortable with her environment. She was checked before I got her and was negative. And heartworm is spread through mosquitos, I think, and there aren't any right now here in Ohio.

I would appreciate anyone's opinion on this matter. Should I wait a month? How should I give it to her so as not to upset her too much?

 

[Zoom]

I would at least attempt to offer it to her at least once (maybe just stick it in her food so it's like another bit of kibble)...they're flavored and most dogs like them quite a bit. Mine actually look at them like a special treat.

I've also had good luck smearing peanut butter or cream cheese over the pill and then just handing it to them. I used to work in a boarding resort and gave meds out to dozens of dogs at a time using this method.

It probably won't hurt her to wait a month this one time, because it is cold, but try to give it to her quickly next month.

 

[bubbatd]

Mine have always taken them like a treat ....

 

[wcladymacbeth]

Oh ok. I didn't realize they were tasty. Hope she thinks so. I'll try the peanut butter thing.

 

[Zoom]

What kind are they? Interceptor? Heartguard?

Being that your dog is collie-type, it's generally a safer bet to give them Interceptor over Heartguard because colliedogs can have a genetic mutation known as MDR1 that renders drugs like ivermectin (primary ingredient in Heartguard) unsafe and potentially fatal. Interceptor is just as effective, but without the sideeffects of ivermectin.

 

[lakotasong]

Since you just adopted her, it's a good idea to have her checked out by your own veterinarian soon. While there, you can discuss heartworm protocol and find out your vet's recommendation for dogs in your area. If Maggie doesn't like the flavored heartworm preventatives, there are also topical options (I use Advantage Multi) you can consider. I'd also contact the shelter and find out when she was last dosed, if you are unsure. Good luck and kudos for adopting!

 

[bubbatd]

My vets prefer interceptor over heartguard too ...........

 

[Barb04]

Mine won't take the interceptor pill no matter what I did to it.

Mine will ONLY take Heartguard!

 

[wcladymacbeth]

It's Iverhart Plus.. main ingredient is ivermectin :-/ Probably a generic version of Heartguard.

Yeah, I'll just make her a vet appointment soon. Maybe I could get her the injection like ProHeart that lasts 6 months.

 

[Chewbecca]

I use sentinel for Ella.

Ella is a pain in the butt to give pills to. She's TOOOO picky/stubborn/smart to be fooled into taking one in her food. The only thing I can do is tilt her head back and stick it down her throat, massage her throat after, and praise her with scritches. The ONLY pill I can get Ella to take, without forcing it, is her glycoflex tablet. She LOVES those.

 

[elegy]

Proheart 6 is no longer on the market.

My dogs all take Sentinel taste tabs without a thought. I act like they're treats, make them all sit or down, and then give them as rewards.

 

[wcladymacbeth]

I'm afraid that's how Maggie will be, too. She's picky even with her treats.

 

[Zoom]

Another thing you can do is buy a pill crusher and just mix the powder into a glob of PB or cream cheese...that way even if she's picky and just licks it, she's still getting the meds. Or you can try just pilling her...I usually did this as a last resort and followed it up with lots of praise and treats (if they'd take them).

 

[Herschel]

We use Interceptor (Nala) and Sentinel (Herschel). Same drug is in each.

We just coat the pill in peanut butter and give it as a treat. They never seem to notice the "special surprise."

 

[skittledoo]

Bamm uses Interceptor =)

 

[GlassOnion]

You could wait a month. It takes 6 months for the dog to develop full blown heart worms from time of mosquito bite.

 

[Tess32]

I wouldn't be giving any ivermectin products to a herding breed.

The daily tabs are actually the safest heartworm product, but MUST be given daily and never missed.