heartworm

Question
just wanted to find out if heartworm medication was necessary since our husky is 4 and still hasnt had it yet.  the only thing we used on her was frontline for ticks.   thanks.   linda

Answer
Dear Linda,
I am afraid to say that your dog should have been on heartworm medication since 3 months of age.Now to start him on it you will have to get a vet to test him for it before you can start on a program of treatment.As he may have it and you really can not tell,if you were to just give him the medication now and he does have it chances are he could just die.As the medication kills the worms and they then block the arteries causing stroke.This has to be done under vet supervision,mind you your dog stands a real chance of still dying despite vet care.
However if he does not have the worm and your vet will soon tell you get him on medication straight away.Heartworm really is best prevented than treated i am afraid.
Good luck i hope he is clear,Faye and Husky Crew.