Every day is a good day to learn something new. Do you know why you can't just buy heartworm preventative on a whim and why your dog should be tested annually? Or would it be a surprise for you?
I stopped by a local vet yesterday to pick up heartworm and flee/tick meds for my dog. I’ve never been to this particular vet so I encountered an issue that has never come up before.
I wasn’t allowed to buy the heartworm medicine!
Huh?
I had to check the sign hung on the doors of America. Yup… sure enough…it still said United States of Capitalism. So I was confused.
Forgive me, I said to the lady at the reception desk. And why am I not allowed to buy heartworm medication for my dog?
She said that she’s not allowed to sell it.
If you’re getting frustrated with me not getting to the point, imagine how I felt. But allow me to be thorough.
Ok, but why? I said to her.
It could cause a pulmonary embolism. She said.
Editor's note: Pulmonary embolism is actually less likely to occur than a shock, caused by body's reaction to the dying larva in the bloodstream. Both, shock or pulmonary embolism, can be life threatening though.
Excuse me? Why wasn’t I aware of this?
Do you mean to tell me that giving my dog heartworm meds can cause him to have a heart failure? Why are people selling this crap to begin with?
If the dog ALREADY has heartworm, giving him the medication for it could cause a blood clot in his lungs. By the way son, pulmonary embolism is a lung failure, not heart failure. She added.
Ahhh…I see. So heartworm medication is a preventive measure ONLY. Ok. But why can’t I buy the medicine. My dog doesn’t have heartworm.
We can’t sell you the medicine because if the dog has heartworm the medicine could kill him and that would be our responsibility. She answered.
Now I’m confused again. How exactly are YOU responsible for MY dog?
I didn’t say that but I thought it.
The vet was near by and he was overhearing our conversation so he chimed in.
It’s impossible for owners to tell if their dog has heartworm.
The onset is gradual and most of the time it looks like aging. The dog slows down, starts to go grey around the muzzle. Their coat loses its luster and their energy is depleted. Most owners welcome this kind of change because it means they don’t have to exercise the dog as much.
He also added. The heartworm test is mandated by both the American Heartworm Association AND the manufacturer of the heartworm medication.
Ahh…I get it. You are not responsible for my dog. I am responsible for my dog, but you are liable.
Exactly. He replied.
Thnx doc, I’ll just grab the flee/tic meds then.
That’ll be $49.95. The receptionist said.
A swipe of the credit card later I was on my way out the door slightly better off and more knowledgeable about my dog’s welfare than I was when I went in.
I hope you are too after reading this article.
Dogs should be tested at least once a year for heartworm and given appropriate preventive meds.
When was the last time you tested your dog?
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Dino Dogan is a blogger, writer, biker, dog trainer, singer/songwriter, Martial Artist. Currently working on Human-Dog Problem Tree; a thesis in human-dog relationship. Check out Dino's great blog at Dogan Dogs Video Blogs, or connect with Dino on Twitter or Facebook.
Related articles:
Don't Let Heartworm Become A Heartbreak!
Hunter, Heartworm Positive
Further reading:
Dog Heartworm
Heartworm Testing in Dogs
Heartworm Preventive Medication in Dogs: The Debate
Current heartworm recommendations for dogs
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