LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Dogs

Comments

Hi Worried Owner,

I really think it would be prudent to consult another vet clinic about the double up on the preventative. Another vet could give you the most educated opinion on whether the preventatives could have contributed to your dog's current heart condition. A lot will depend on the actual combination of chemicals in both products. Did your dog ever present any of the symptoms of an overdose listed above?

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dogs vet perscribed both Heartgard and Revolution for my 40 lb beagle. We just found out that she was not supposed to have both together. (one or the other) She has been getting this combo for years.She is 12 years old and has a heart valve problem which she is on Enalopril and salix for. What damage could have happened from this overdose.

-- Contributed by: Worried owner

Hi Kas,

Treatment for a heartworm infection does carry definite risks as the worms die off. The decaying worms can raise toxicity levels in the bloodstream, and there is an additional risk of clotting. The level of risk is tied to just how bad the infection is at this point. I would be a little worried that this vet made light of them, but perhaps your dog is in the early stages of infestation and this is what your vet is basing his opinion on.

It is an unfortunate fact that some dogs die during treatment, although this is certainly a low percentage of the total of dogs treated each year. You might want to get a second opinion from another vet just to be sure of what you're dealing with before you begin treatment. If it's possible to delay the treatment just a little longer, you may be able to begin obedience training so you can gain more control over your dog's exuberance in preparation for the time to come. I'd also recommend Crate Training Your Dog if you haven't already done so. This will provide another way to help keep him quiet at certain times, but it's not an all day solution.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I wish you the best for your dog's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

We adopted Gustav(Goose- a three to four year old full german shepard) about three months ago from the local pound. When we took him for his first check up and rabies vaccination they ran a heart worm screen that came back positive- the quote to treat him was more than substantial! They said he would have to have two separate injections in his back and that we would have to keep him very calm during the treatment period... Goose is an extremely hyper-( and gets absolutely overzealous when we get home at night- 20 or 30 minutes of jumping and vocalizing, which my kids, husband and I absolutely adore- question is how do we calm this exuberant behavior without damaging the newly formed bond and a daily ritual that we would dearly miss? How dangerous are the injections? The vet seemed to discredit my reservations- he's been our vet for over twenty-five years but someone who had the same treatment for her dog said he had complications with his spine that lessened his quality of life and ultimately his lifespan.

-- Contributed by: kas

Hi Chelsea,

Treating a dog for heartworm infestation is very delicate. The very best thing you can do is call your vet right away for medical advice. The vet may actually want to examine your dog to see how she's faring, so make the call as soon as possible.

Best wishes that everything will be alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog, a german shepard mix (roughly 65lbs) has been diagnosed as heartworm positive, so I immediately started her treatment. For the first month, my dog is supposed to be taking doxycycline hyclate 100mg 2 pills in the morning and 2 at night. I'm the only one who administers my dogs medication in my home, however, my grandmother was visiting for a short while. After I gave my dog her first dose this morning before I went to work, I accidently left the medication out on the countertop(out of my pet's reach) instead of putting it away. My grandmother thought I had left it out for her to administer them herself. So this morning without my knowing, my dog was given double the dosage. About half an hour ago, I gave my dog her nightly dosage. My grandmother has just now told me about the dosage she gave my dog this morning. I'm worried that my dog my have an overdose of the heartworm treatment.

She's already been taking a little higher dosage than she was supposed to, because the vet had to change the original prescription in tablets( 1 1/2 tablets in the morning and night) to capsules. Because capsules cannot be cut in half she had to higher the dosage to 2 pills instead of 1 1/2.

My dog has had double of the highered dosage and I'm extremely worried. She's not showing any symptoms yet, but it's too soon to tell. Please help.

-- Contributed by: Chelsea

Hi Claire,

Wow, that was a real mistake on the part of your vet's office. However, your dog doesn't seem to be showing any of the symptoms of a heartworm medication overdose listed above, so things may yet turn out alright. It's difficult to say if the rash is related to the overdose, but it is interesting that it didn't crop up until after your dog received the medication. Still, your dog could have picked up a parasite, so keep that in mind as a possibility and let the vet sort it out. If you're not satisfied with the way your vet handles the situation when you go in, make it clear that you're going to consult another vet from this point forward.

Thanks for sharing your situation. Hopefully it will make us all check those labels one more time before we give our dogs their medicine. Best wishes for your Yorkie's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My vets office gave my 6 lb. Yorkie heartguard for a 51-100 lb. dog. Well I trusted they gave me the proper meds, so I didn't check it and gave her, her first dose a few days ago. Now she's itching and chewing her skin and getting a rash. I have an appointment with them this morning. Can this seriously hurt my dog? I am pretty upset to say the least.

-- Contributed by: Claire
> Return to article