Heartguard? I have not heard of that.
We are coming out in April May so all info gratefully received.

lots of links, this is one, don't know if you get it in Galicia

http://www.dog-toy.co.uk/dogarticles/?article=1049

Our two dogs have once a year jabs for heartworm. There are tablets are liquid remedies that are cheaper but you have to remember to administer them at the same time every month. Your vet will advise you.

JJ

If you mean I fiona no I have always given my dogs a scalibor collar and used Advantix as reseach shows this is the best better than frontline do not use the ones from the supermarket. Go to your Vet or chemist re Advantix

Does anyone have a cheap source of Scalibor or Advantix?

Anna I would not risk it unless you know the source I mean if Sainsburys can sell of all things fake Colgate toothpaste, I am sure they will have made fake collars because they are so expensive but you are taking a gamble with your pets life by buying them from a source unknown to you.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/n...-recalled.html

I've always used Scalibor - vet recommendation. However excuse my ignorance, but why is an additional either Frontline or Advantix necessary? I've never found either ticks or fleas on my dog - not that I'm not aware that complacency is dangerous, but tell me why? Ditto heartworm - never heard of it I'm afraid. These are things maybe I should have asked the vet but I've always found her pretty upfront so felt comfortable with what I've been doing.

we use Xspot for sandflies and frontline for fleas with our wee dog, she also gets a heartguard chew every month. When we were in Hong Kong she got tick feverand it was touch and go for few days if she would survive or not. Don't skimp on protection for your pets, it will cost you a fortune in the long run
Heartworm can be contracted from flea bites and is such serious problem that if your dog has had heartworm or tickfever certain countries will not allow you to bring you pet if you decided to move there

Don´t even consider it anna. It´s your dog´s welfare at stake.

Advantix is supplementary to the Scalibor collar. Our dogs don´t go running in long grass but they´ve still had ticks, which can cause lyme disease.

Heartworm is very serious and is also caused by bites from a mosquito which has ´swallowed´the worm after biting an infected animal. A friend of mine´s dog got it and almost died on the operating table when he was being neutered. Since having it he has an enlarged heart and used to have fits, which were terrible to witness. In most vet´s surgeries they have pictures of a worm infested heart, and it´s not a very nice sight I can tell you. Do have a word with you vet because these diseases are rife in Andalucia.

Thanks. Will do next time.

Apparently there are 2 distinct types of heartworm.
One type, the French heartworm has been found as far North as Central Scotland and can be picked up from slugs and snails.
It is believed to have moved North due to climate change.

Strangely enough I approached my local vet with regard to heartworm medication, about 30 km inland from Valencia.
He virtually ridiculed my query stating in no uncertain terms that there was absolutely no risk of heartworm in my area.
He did however emphasize the danger of leishmania.
Wonder to what extent if any the heartworm is regionalised in Spain?

I don´t know if it´s regionalised but if you look at this map you will see that heartworm is supposedly prevalent in Portugal, Spain, Italy and even the South of France. I would rather give the medication than take the chance. As I have said, I´ve seen an animal with this disease and it´s not nice.

http://www.wormfree.co.uk/dog_cat_wo...eartworm.shtml

The more common type in Southern Europe is dilofilaria immits.

However the French heartworm, angiostrongylus vasorum,does occur in the UK.
It has a similar effect,eventually causing heart failure, after living in the arteries of foxes and dogs.
It is transmitted differently via slugs,snail and frogs and is also difficult to treat.

http://www.costalistings.org/costa-b...rs-to-your-dog

http://www.iberianature.com/material...andstings.html

http://www.justlanded.com/english/Sp.../Pets-in-Spain

http://petsinspain.info/animalwelfa.htm

Just a bit of light reading above re pets, Bringing your pet from the UK, And some of the animals that may be unfamiliar to us Brits on arrival or falling over them in our time here.............. Remember sleep tight and don't have nightmares