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Heartworm Medicine

Dear Uncle Matty: My neighbor's dog was recently diagnosed with heartworm disease, and I was wondering if this poses a threat to my 6-year-old lab, Micky, and to my 12-year-old cat, Wanda? --N.P., New Orleans

Dear N.P.: The neighbor's dog is considered a primary host for the disease, which is transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes, so you should have your dog's blood tested by your veterinarian. Often canines can be hosts or carriers without any symptoms. An early sign may be a cough. And yes, other species can become infected, including members of the cat family.

After testing, should your dog not be infected with this dangerous and often deadly disease that requires a good deal of treatment, prevention is in order. According to "The Angell Memorial Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs" by Darlene Arden, published by McGraw-Hill, "Testing is very important, as 5 to 10 percent of infested dogs will have serious or even fatal reactions if they are given preventive medication." In other words, if a dog is infected, the treatment is entirely different. However, Arden goes on to explain that preventive medication is available and says, "When used properly, this medication is nearly 100 percent effective in preventing heartworm disease."

Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, established in 1915, is one of the foremost animal treatment facilities and teaching hospitals in the United States. There are now three facilities located in Massachusetts -- in Boston, Springfield and Nantucket Island. Humans have adopted wellness as important to living healthier, happier and longer lives. "A new approach in veterinary medicine seeks to ensure that long and happy life: wellness," Arden notes.

It is less costly in the long run and much more caring for all pet owners to adopt a wellness attitude, which is why I frequently urge pet owners to schedule an annual physical for their animals at the same time they schedule one for themselves. The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital book, by the way, provides a wealth of wellness help for dogs on everything from dental care and dermatology to diets. Ask your veterinarian about prevention and the right kind of wellness program for the age, breed and condition of your pets.

Dear Uncle Matty: We have decided to take our two dogs to California in August when we head for the beach to escape the Arizona heat. We will be driving to Southern California and then up the coast to the San Francisco area. I have called a couple of hotels, but so far, they won't accept pets, and we want to stay in fairly nice places. Should we forget the dogs and leave them at home? We don't want to. --Donna H., Tucson, Ariz.

Dear Donna: I usually do not recommend traveling with pets, especially if they are not seasoned travelers. Usually pets are safer and more comfortable staying with a qualified caregiver or at a boarding kennel that has someone on hand 24/7. However, if you insist on taking your dogs, they should be well trained, and remember, the responsibility regarding places you stay is all yours.

There are a number of guides written just for people like you. The books list dog-friendly hotels, motels and even places to visit. In some books, there are also listings of outdoor restaurants where dogs are welcome. In every case, you always need to call ahead of time and make sure the hotel or motel has not changed its policy regarding dogs and cats. Keep in mind that sometimes facilities change hands and new owners or managers may want a pet-free environment. I find that more and more hotels, especially upscale locations, are catering to dogs and some even include doggy room service, special canine gourmet cuisine and a valet who is also a dog walker.

You'll find national and regional guides available in many bookstores and also at www.unclematty.com, including guides that specifically deal with Arizona, California and the Pacific Northwest among others.

WOOF! --Uncle Matty

Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Read all of Uncle Matty's columns at the Creators Syndicate Web site at www.creators.com, and visit him at www.unclematty.com. Send your questions to dearuncle.gazetteunclematty.com or mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. © Creators Syndicate Inc.

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