bea@alice.UUCP (Bea Chambers) (02/25/85)
I bought a standard poodle puppy last spring and the breeder advised against using heartworm medication so I didn't use it. Since then, I have talked with a lot of dog owners ( I live in NJ- one of the mosquito capitals) and almost everyone uses heartworm medication. I did not use heartworm medication for my last dog but that dog was only outdoors for walks. This dog, however, has an outside run and loves to stay outdoors as much as possible. At the moment, I am going to have her tested for heartworm and if she is negative, I will start her on it. But I really dislike giving a dog any daily medication and I wonder about side-effects. I am already somewhat ( depending on who you ask) paranoid about feeding her good stuff and making sure she gets enough exercise and at this moment, she is an exceptionally healthy,happy, playful, feisty, terrific dog. I would like to find out how many people in net.land do or do not use heartworm medication and why. Thanks in advance. Send mail to alice!bea. If I get a lot of pro and con, I will post a summary.