I am just the opposite of many here. I don't give it during the cold months (November - March) because I albsolutely hate over medicating my dogs. With that being said though I should clarify that I do have them tested yearly.

I also do not give yearly vaccinations. My reasoning..... Many dogs (especially larger breeds including Goldens) seem to get more serious illnesses during the periods following innoculation than any other time. Most people don't realize that after the yearly vaccine is given the dogs immune system is knocked down to fight off viruses for about 14 to 21 days. During this period it is best to treat the dog as if it were a pup and not subject them to places where the virus's can be caught (ie dog stores, parks, community potty areas). Many cancers have been determined to show up in Goldens about two to three months after shots. Dixie's Aunt Jazz was diagnosed with cancer and was pts just four months after her yearly shots. There is no proof that her vaccinations were in play here but there is no proof they weren't either. Perhaps Coincidence in timing.

My recommendation.... I have a blood test done yearly to check for titers. Titers are the antibodies that are formed from vaccinations to determine their effectiveness in fighting off virus's. If the titer level comes back low then I vaccinate and watch where I take the dogs for two to three weeks.

If the titers come back normal then we have them rechecked the following year and forget that years vaccine. It usually comes back normal every other year. I was able to skip Dixie though for three years. She just had her vaccines a couple months ago and now I am dealing with a paw issue. I AM NOT SAYING HER PAW IS RELATED TO THE VACCINE. It is just coincidence I'm sure. What I am saying though is that I think many dogs are over vaccinated!

Having the titers checked is about $50.00 a year per dog. Many people do not want to assume this extra cost especially if the test comes back low and vaccines are needed. I just chose to pay the extra money for my own peace of mind. Others have to do what gives them peace of mind!

As for heartworm..... you need to at least have them checked if you don't give the meds around the calendar year.