In addition, after the seizure scare, I do not update my dogs' vaccinations. The dosages are too toxic. However, my dogs are mostly indoor dogs.
Replied By Sandy (Houston, Tx) on 01/02/2010
Heartworms are epidemic in the Gulf Coast area. Dogs WILL get them if no preventative is used. My problem is, I suspect Heartgard is the reason for my Border Collie/Pointer's seizures that have started at 5 yrs old. I'm switching to ProHeart, which use a less toxic chemical, and I'm using a smaller dose than is recommended. I'll have her tested in a couple of months and again after the first big cold spell of 2010, but I'm guessing she will be heartworm free. In addition to decreasing the toxicity of heartworm meds, I'll be using herbal remedies as a back up. If you don't live in this area, you have no idea how bad the mosquitos are. And I refuse to keep my 3 dogs indoors all the time because they need to be outside enjoying life. Good luck to everyone on this thing...Replied By Olga (Hollywood, Florida) on 01/04/2011
I've had four dogs since living in south Florida since 1979. They are inside dogs and I have used lavender and skin so soft if they happen to be outside during times that there were many Mosquitos. None of my dogs have ever been on heart worm prevention. I had them tested annually however, to ascertain that they did not get bitten by an infected mosquito. I have to say however, that I cook for my "children with hair" and use alternative remedies as the norm - thanks to websites as Earth Clinic. My German Sheperd was 17 when she passed away.