Heartworm and Flea & Tick Prevention Q??

Question

I was speaking to a friend of mine and he said that once the weather gets cold, I live in the Northeast, that he stops heartguard and advantix use fo rthe winter. I was going to stop the advantix because I figured that with the cold weather these insect would not survive in the those conditions, but was going to continue the heartguard. What are your opinions on stopping both for 3months during the cold winter months???

Answer 1

My sister lives in New Hampshire and she usually stops both around December or when the snow starts and then starts them up in early spring. Her dogs are small so they aren't out all the time but she hasn't had any problems with either fleas or heart worm. You might want to give your vet a quick call just to make sure when the kill off is complete, I'm sure she/he will be able to tell you.

Answer 2

Ask your vet: records are kept on cases in your area and normally they'll give you information about the months you should stop giving the medication. I live in a cold area and the kits for heartworm medicine my vet prescribes are just for 6 months :)

Answer 3

Talk to your vet.  They will know whether it is necessary to continue the heartworm preventative into the winter.  In my area, most vets only prescribe it for 6 months out of the year, but it will differ by your specific climate and area of the country.  I am not familiar with the recommendations in the Northeast.

Answer 4

for fleas and ticks give your dog a flea and tick bath with flea and tick killing shampoo or get a flea collar

for heartworms talk to your doctor about getting a heart worm preventative pill

Answer 5

if you want to discontinue flea and tick control during the winter months, fine, but you should keep your dog on heart worm prevention all year long.