Question:
My 7-year-old, 14-pound shih tzu is wonderful and in great health. She's outside only under supervision. I take her on planes with me when we go to Florida during the winter. She stays in her carrier and never whines, cries or barks. She is my love.Please advise whether you think she needs a heartworm test every year. She gets Heartgard and Frontline each month. Thank you for your advice.
J.E., Westport, CT Mar 12, 2006
Answer:
I understand that you and your little dog live in two places and that wintering in Florida can increase your pet's risk for heartworms and fleas. If you were staying north for the winter, your dog would not need these preventive medications during the cold months.But since she doesn't get outdoors in Florida without supervision, you might want to consider not giving her the Frontline if the areas where she goes are open and sunny and not heavily trafficked by other dogs. Give her a rub or spritz with a little essential oil of lavender, lemon and pine or eucalyptus. This will help repel fleas and mosquitoes. Simply make a tea of one sliced lemon soaked in boiling hot water. Allow it to sit overnight, then filter and apply some on a sponge to your dog's coat. This will keep all kinds of bugs away.Heartworm disease is far more serious; thus, I would continue giving her the heartworm preventive medicine every month throughout the year.
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