Heartworm
This is my homework. Your answers my differ.
CDC confirms oil of lemon eucalyptus as effective as DEET
I’m often asked if I give my dog a heartworm preventative, this is the short answer.. Living in Southern California I have not given my dogs heartworm preventatives to date. If I were choosing a heartworm preventative in 2026, I would ask my vet to have “moxidectin” compounded at one of the two Veterinary Pharmacy’s listed below at a monthly dose for a moderate risk area at 9 µg/kg.
Veterinary Pharmacy’s
I believe Moxidectin is the most highly effective against the resistant strains. There are several products available that include moxidectin, but I have safety concerns with these products since they are bundled with other pesticides which I avoid. (and my not be needed) At the present time there are two injectable standalone moxidectin products available. One a 6-month, and the other a 12-month. My concern with a long-term injectable is that if a dog has a reaction, we cannot remove the injection once its been given.
I would be giving my dog the compounded moxidectin monthly starting 30 days after the temperature reaches 57 degrees. And I would continue with that dosing with the last dose being after the temperature stays below 57 degrees for a month. This protocol is used because preventives don’t prevent our dogs from being bitten or infected by mosquitoes. They work by killing the larvae our dogs have already acquired during the previous 30 days. This is why its important to continue giving moxidectin 30 days after the temperature has stayed below 57 degrees. If I lived in Florida, I would be giving moxidectin 12-months a year due to the higher risk. I would also be giving the higher dose for high risk areas. (24 µg/kg/month)
If my dog tested positive for a heartworm infection, I would opt for the slow kill method*. (Moxidectin & Doxycycline) I would also be giving my dog a probiotic and a liver support product during and 6 months after this treatment. Below are the products I would be using for my dog.
Primitive Probiotics
Liver Lift™ - Daily Detox
If you are interested in the veterinarian guidelines that I’m following, you can send an email and I’ll direct you to the resources.
Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC)
https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) provides “Parasite Prevalence Maps” tracking Heartworm, Intestinal Parasites, Tick Born Disease Agents, and Viral Diseases that affect both dogs and cats. (See above)
Every three years, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) gathers data on heartworm testing to understand the impact heartworm is having nationwide, as well as in specific regions. Testing data from thousands of veterinary practices and shelters is used to create a detailed map showing the average number of heartworm-positive cases per clinic. American Heartworm Society (AHS) Tracking the impact of heartworm disease
*The American Heartworm Society (AHS) does not recommend slow kill as a first-line treatment, but acknowledges it as an option.
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