All of my dogs have ALWAYS been on a heartworm preventative. I have personally known the horror of dogs infected with heartworm. Many of the dogs at our rescue center come to us with heartworm. It is very costly to treat this condition and too many dogs are euthanized because of this condition. If they are not immediately euthanized and survive the condition, they are often deemed unadoptable. Just not enough money in the system to treat them. And few people wish to adopt a dog that comes with a very costly vet bill. While treatable if caught early enough, the treatment is very expensive, extensive and uncomfortable and the accompanying symptoms very debilitating. The damage this condition does is indescribable and potentially fatal. A beautiful golden puppy named Honey, who was rescued from a puppy mill and brought to our kennel to be held until ASPCA could find room for her in the system, was a victim of heartworm. She was thin and constantly sick with vomiting and diarrhea. As a puppy, she was failing to thrive. Finally she was tested positive for heartworm and sent to Angel Memorial in Boston for intensive treatment, where her prognosis was deemed grave. She had extensive organ damage. I would strongly support your decision to have them treated. We used to use Interceptor, but now use Heartguard. It is given 12 months a year, instead of only 6 months as with Interceptor. No stopping and re-starting in the spring. Just once a month, every month, as a treat which they love. With the Heartguard, as opposed to the Interceptor, it is not necessary to have blood work done every year. We have a few acres of woods on our property as well as nearby sand dunes filled with dune grass that the dogs love to run and play in. If they were not treated with Frontline, they would become infested with fleas and more importantly, ticks. The Frontline treats both, though my vet says that it is most effective against ticks. Last year the flea season was so bad and long that my vet suggested I skip one month of Frontline, and substitute with Advantage for one month only which is much more and effective against fleas. Good Luck!

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited March 09, 2001).]