Do dogs need heartworm medicine in winter?

Do dogs need heartworm medicine in winter?

That’s one reason veterinarians often recommend that pets receive heartworm prevention medication all year long. Although there are a fewer number of mosquitoes in the winter, there is still a risk that an animal could contract heartworms if the owner stops giving medication during this season.

Do dogs need heartworm medicine year-round?

Does your dog need year-round heartworm prevention? The short answer is yes, your dog truly does need heartworm prevention all year.

What time of year do dogs get heartworm?

Dogs become infected with heartworms through mosquito bites, so if you live in a climate with cold late autumns and winters, why worry about giving your dog preventive medication every single month of the year?

Do dogs need monthly heartworm pills?

Heartworm disease can be prevented in dogs and cats by giving them medication once a month that also controls various internal and external parasites. Heartworm infections are diagnosed in about 250,000 dogs each year. 1 But there is no good reason for dogs to receive preventives all year; it is just not needed.

How often do dogs really need heartworm meds?

Some holistic vets may recommend only treating every three months or so, receiving fewer doses of the medication (and as they perceive it, less of the risk) while still receiving enough of the medication to kill heartworms as they develop but before they have a chance to reproduce.

What months should I give my dog heartworm medicine?

And because infected mosquitoes can come inside, both outdoor and indoor pets are at risk. For that reason, the American Heartworm Society recommends that you “think 12:” (1) get your pet tested every 12 months for heartworm and (2) give your pet heartworm preventive 12 months a year.

Does my dog need Heartgard?

A: The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round heartworm prevention. One reason is, there’s already a serious problem with people forgetting to give their dogs the heartworm preventatives. It’s a universal problem. Now if you use it year-round, and you miss a month, your dog will probably still be protected.

When should I start Heartgard?

Heartworm prevention should be started as early as 6 weeks of age. Talk to your veterinarian about which prevention is right for you and your puppy.

Do I need to give my dog flea and tick medication in the winter?

Yes. Though many species of ticks and fleas are slowed down or dormant during the winter, certain areas of the United States are not cold enough to truly kill these parasites and stop their activity. Because ticks and fleas can carry diseases that could harm your dog, it’s best to keep them protected all year long.

Does my dog need monthly heartworm medicine?

If at the initial test, your dog is found to have heartworms, treatment will be needed before prevention can begin. However, if your dog is in the clear, he can be started on monthly medication to protect him from the disease.