LillyRobeson

We just brought our dog over (arrived yesterday) and need to start him on heartworm medication. I phoned a few vets and they all insist on a heartworm test and an examination before prescribing. given that our dog was just examined before he flew and has just arrived from somewhere without heartworm this is pissing me off a bit. Anyone ordered heartworm medication online?

Orangepants

I order from Amazon and free shipping is always a bonus.

Jerseygirl

I think you'll find it is normal procedure...the same when you visit the doctor (blood tests) or dentist (x-rays). These are all done every year or sooner if a procedure is required.

LillyRobeson

shit, he's got a tick on him already. Ugh. I think it's easier owning a dog in england!

Jerseygirl

That's way I never allow my dogs on the grass. <<<shudder>>>

Nutmegger

In this litigious society, no doctor is going to take someone else's word for it that the dog is heartworm free when there could be adverse consequences if a dog with heartworm takes the medication. Get the test done, and you won't have to do it again for a few years. Also, has your dog been vaccinated for Lyme yet? You could get that done at the same time.

Awesome Welles

Heartworm is most frequently transmitted through mosquito bites - if he's been bitten by a mozzie - he could already be infected (unlikely, but possible). The vet tests to determine if infection is current because dosing an infected animal is very different from preventative dosing levels.

LillyRobeson

Just getting the courage up to deal with the tick...

LillyRobeson

And it's on his willy, poor thing

LillyRobeson

I can't get it off!! What do I do? I know you're not supposed to tug hard or it can leave its mouth bit inside - how the bloody hell do I get it off him??

rebs

I use these - http://chiennatura.eu/index.php?item...d=2172&lang=EN

I find them really easy to use and they get the ticks off really easily. I'm in the UK, and we're on about one tick a day at the moment!

Jerseygirl

I've only found a tick on my dogs once since living here...and that was the day after we brought her home. My daughter noticed it on the pup's tummy as I was driving back from school. I took the pup straight to the vet and asked him to remove it. There is no way I could touch it....ewwww....

LillyRobeson

I may have to do that. I tried boiling hot tweezers but obviously didn't want burn my dog (and on such a sensitive area!) and tick didn't seem to care less. Oh well, go and fork over more $$$ and get the dog tested at the same time!

rebs

Don't mess about with tweezers - get a pack of the tick hooks, they are just pennies to buy and they make removing ticks an absolute doddle.

LillyRobeson

Yes, but where do I get them? Dog has a tick on him NOW!!!