1chumly

I agree with you. He hasn't come back yet though so we are still in the dark as to whether his dogs are on heartworm. Let's hope so.

Britishbees

Hi,

Just discovered other half's thread!

No, they are not on heartworm. Our vet in the UK did not think it was necessary. OH is talking about when you have to worm them every three months.

I guess I had better get them to a vet this week then and get this checked out. With three of them I will anticipate a large bill

Thanks for all your advice.

Tracy

randomgirl

From what I've heard, heartworm is a problem throughout the US and it's definitely a problem in Arizona. Please reconsider getting your dogs on a heartworm preventive, it really is a horrible disease.

Britishbees

now I am totally freaked out. Going to ring a vets tomorrow and get them booked and sort this out. Thanks for your advice.

1chumly

No mosquito's yet this year here in Houston but I don't know what they are like in Arizona. You should be OK if they haven't been buzzing around since you've been here. I started my dog on Heartworm two months before I left the UK. Shame on your vet for saying they are not necessary, they are absolutely vital. I am glad to hear you are getting them in quick though. Good luck.

randomgirl

Haven't seen any mosquitoes in AZ since about November time but I'm sure they'll be back with a vengeance soon! Horrible things. We have a love hate relationship - they love me, I hate them!

randomgirl

No worries! It'll be fine, they'll just do a quick blood test (the one they did for our dog took literally 5 minutes to get the results) and then so long as they don't have heartworm already you can put them on the preventive. It's just one chewable 'treat' (they seem to love it!) per month. Good luck!

Nutmegger

Just get the blood test, put your dog on meds, and I'm sure all will be well. You can also take a stool sample to be tested for intestinal parasites at the same time. But you do not have to "worm" your dog automatically every three months. The heartworm medication has an intestinal worm component and then you can have a stool sample checked once or twice a year -- don't give them medicine they might not need, there's enough that you really do need! I have never had to "worm" my dogs here.

Do you have all the other shots up to date? DHLP, rabies -- is Lyme needed in Texas (very important in the northeast)?

Britishbees

Thanks everyone for all your advice.

They have all their other jabs like Rabies, Lyme's, and all the other nasties. I am very surprised about my vet back home as he was very good with absolutely everything else. Oh well! Not seen any nasty mossies around yet .

Ringing vet this morning to get them in.

Weeze

I had the same panic in week 2 of being in Houston (in Sept) when Chumly told me about heartworm! Like others have said, a quick blood test (done on site, very high tech) and then you start them on the pills. We got our vet to scan all our dogs existing documentation into their computer as well just in case.

Britishbees

Thanks Weeze. Will take all the girls records with me as well and get them scanned in.

Britishbees

Just an update for you all you kind peeps who answered this thread. Took the girls to a very nice vets on Saturday. All tested for heart worm and negative and now on preventative medication for it.

randomgirl

Great news!

It's totally worth it, your girls will thank you

White-ishRose

Well done! Waaay to go...

1chumly

Good to hear! So pleased everything was OK. Aren't you glad your husband asked about worming?!!