HW Pills

You can do it safely at 45 days with NO problem at all -- now HeartGuard just isn't nearly as effective as Interceptor -- so I would, for sure, follow it on the 5th with the normal dose if you use HeartGuard. 

45 days from the last pill?  That would be the 18th.     He won't get the pill until the 25th which would be another 7 days.

We are trying to kill the little HW s before they get too large so that they don't cause a problem coming out, right?   Can they grow that much in a week?   A big dog have anything to do with anything?

I would give it today - and just switch your monthly date

Dyan, I use Interceptor every 45 days instead of 30.  I'd do what was suggested right above this post. 

Dyan there is leeway in the 45 day rule -- and you have to understand -- the basic premise is that if he were to be bitten by a mosquito on DAY 1, giving the 'preventive' within 45 days will kill any microfilaria before they develop into the next stage.  Chances are he wasn't bitten IN the first 7 days ... so you are likely safe in any event.  But do follow it up with the next monthly dose.

Thanks everyone..... I will give it to him tomorrow...... gee...I'm getting all worried...and you know.........I really don't believe that much in HW pills. I mean I DO believe that dogs should get them especially in areas where there is tons of mosquitos and of course in the warm states where they stay alive all year around and all.  I dont' even know of one person that ever had a dog with HW...except one dog at work but he came from down south.......   many of my friends have dogs that have never seen a HW pill. Ollie hadn't had one since he was a baby and he is 9 yrs. old.  And I am in the worrying mood...so I am worried about Gibby not getting one lousy pill on time.  Seesh!!!  

Now he is limping to add to my worry.... its just one of those times we all go thru.

I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry about it.  The heartworm dogs I've known were all dogs that were in poor condition due to being in a shelter or some other reason.  Willow lived outside for 2 years and never had heartworm and I'm sure they never gave her anything. 

You could give an enteric coated aspirin for the limping.  Whether you do aspirin or give Rimadyl, neither should be a long term thing.  Short term I don't think they are a huge deal. 

In fact, now that I'm thinking about this.  I need to go check the calendar for Willow too.  She's on so many things, it's hard to keep up!

Thanks Lori.