This is non negotiable. Mosquitoes can be out on warm days in February. Heart worms are very serious and as such need to be prevented from maturing.

While I normally disdain use of chemicals this one is too important and I know of no holistic or herbal substitute.

The mosquito plays an essential role in the heart worm life cycle. Adult female heart worms living in an infected dog, fox, coyote, or wolf produce microscopic baby worms called microfilaria that circulate in the bloodstream. When a mosquito bites and takes a blood meal from an infected animal, it picks up these baby worms, which develop and mature into “infective stage” larvae over a period of 10 to 14 days.

​Then, when the infected mosquito bites another dog, cat, or susceptible wild animal, the infective larvae are deposited onto the surface of the animal's skin and enter the new host through the mosquito’s bite wound. Once inside a new host, it takes approximately 6 months for the larvae to mature into adult heart worms. Once mature, heart worms can live for 5 to 7 years in dogs and up to 2 or 3 years in cats. Because of the longevity of these worms, each mosquito season can lead to an increasing number of worms in an infected pet.
​
Note that in as little as 51 days, immature heart worm larvae can molt into an adult stage, which can't be effectively eliminated by preventives.  it is  important that heart worm preventives be administered  in a timely manner every month.  mark your calendar - put a note on the refrigerator - however you need to be reminded just do it.

Bitches spayed at 7 weeks  had significantly delayed closure of growth plates as  compared to those spayed at 7 months, and those spayed at 7 months  had significantly delayed closure of growth plates as compared to those left intact.

In a study of 1444 Golden Retrievers, bitches and dogs spayed or neutered at less than a year of age  were significantly  taller than those spayed or neutered after a year of age.

In a study of 203 agility dogs,  the  tibia and radius and ulna were significantly  longer than the femur and humerus, respectively, in dogs that were spayed or neutered at or prior to 8 months   of age as compared to intact dogs.

Several studies have shown that spayed and neutered dogs have a significantly higher prevalence of  CCL  rupture  even when controlling for body size.

Dogs that were neutered at least  6 months prior to a diagnosis of hip dysplasia were 1.5 times more likely to develop hip dysplasia than
sexually intact dogs.

Spayed/neutered dogs had 3.1 times higher incidence of  patellar luxation.

Dogs that have been spayed or neutered  at or before puberty can often  be identified by their longer  limbs, lighter bone structure, narrower chests and narrower skulls than intact dogs of the same breed  This  differential growth frequently results in significant alterations in body proportions and particularly the lengths (and  therefore weights) of certain bones relative to others.

For example, if the femur has achieved its genetically  determined normal length at 8 months, prior to a dog being spayed or neutered, but the tibia ( which normally  stops growing at 12 to 14 months of age) continues to  elongate for several months after that point because of the  removal of the sex hormones, then  the relationship between the femur and tibia will be different than what was  genetically determined.

This may result in  an abnormal angle  at the stifle and a longer (and therefore heavier) tibia placing increased stress on the cranial cruciate ligament (of the knee or stifle joint).
​
It is well known that  spayed and neutered dogs  are more likely to be overweight or obese than sexually intact dogs, and this can be a contributing factor to  orthopedic diseases.

Spayed  females had more than 5 times greater risk than intact bitches of developing
cardiac hemangiosarcoma and neutered  males had  1.6 times higher risk than intact males had of developing  cardiac  hemangiosarcoma.

Spayed females had 2.2 times increased risk for developing  splenic  hemangiosarcoma
In a second study, spayed/neutered dogs  had  a 2.2 times higher  risk of developing
bone cancer than intact dogs.

Neutered dogs had a 2.8 times greater risk for developing any prostate than intact dogs.

Neutered dogs had a 4.3 times higher risk of developing prostate carcinoma.

Neutered dogs had a 3.6 higher risk for developing transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
than intact dogs and a 3 times greater risk of developing any bladder tumor.

Spayed/neutered dogs had more than 4 times greater risk for developing transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder than intact dogs.

One study indicated a slightly increased risk of mammary cancer in female dogs after one heat cycle (8% increase), greater risk with two heats (26% increase) and increased risk with each subsequent heat.

However, a recent  systematic review  of the publications that advocate neutering to reduce the risk of mammary  tumors in dogs indicated that 9 of 13 reports had a high risk of bias and the remaining 4 had a moderate risk of  bias. This study concluded that the evidence that neutering reduces the risk of mammary cancer is weak and do not constitute a sound basis for firm recommendations.

Additionally, at the time when several of these studies were conducted (late 1960s), it was found that incidence rates for all malignant neoplasms were 4/100,000 female dogs. Mammary tumors accounted for half of these tumors, 8/100,000. Thus, the actual overall risk  at that time of any bitch getting a mammary tumor was only 0.2%.

In any case, the figures for increased risk of mammary cancer must be compared with the 200 to 400% increased risk of other cancers in spayed females.

While about 30% of mammary cancers are malignant as in humans, when caught and surgically removed  early, the prognosis is very good)

This is in comparison to the other cancers listed, such as hemangiosarcoma
and bladder cancer, which are often fatal. 

Given the balance of cancer risks listed above, owners  should strongly consider leaving the ovaries intact for at least two heat cycles. In addition, the veterinary  field should be developing programs for regular examinations  including imaging to facilitate early diagnosis of mammary cancer in all intact female dogs, as has been performed in women for decades.

Behavior Considerations
Early age gonadectomy was associated with an increased incidence of noise phobias and undesirable sexual behaviors, such as mounting. Significantly  more behavioral problems in spayed and neutered bitches and dogs, with  fearful behavior being most common in spayed bitches and aggression in neutered dogs.

In 2011, researchers at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine found that cancer was the most common cause of death in older dogs. (It’s also the leading cause of death for 71 of the 82 breeds studied.)

what your vet says should take precedence over this - I will touch on some of the more common tumors/cancers as we've had several dogs over the past 4 decades with cancer and more with lipomas which while worrisome are not something to panic over -but should be monitored letting your vet know of rapid changes.

Not all tumors in dogs are cancerous, but all of them should be evaluated by your veterinarian.

Lipomas
Christine Swanson, DVM, a veterinary medical oncologist and assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University, calls this benign fatty tumor very common and notes that many different breeds are prone to developing them. Lipomas usually feel like a relatively soft mass that can be moved around underneath a dog’s skin.
They vary in size, and most of the time, they’re not a serious issue. A fine needle aspirate is done to confirm the benign nature of the tumor, and the tumor is usually only removed if it’s bothersome to the dog’s normal movement or activity

Mast Cell Tumors
mast cell tumors are one of the most common type of canine skin tumors. These grow quickly and are usually red and very itchy.

Melanoma
This is a form of cancer of the pigmented cells of the skin of dogs, and like melanoma in people, these tumors are typically black or dark brown. Many skin masses are benign, but those in the mouth and at the nail bed can be very aggressive, she adds. In the case of the latter, the toe is typically swollen and may be painful. Following an x-ray, it may be determined that the affected toe must be amputated in order to fully remove the cancerous mass.

The risks with this specific type of melanoma don’t end there. It may metastasize to places such as the lymph nodes in the area and the lungs, liver, or other internal organs. Once evidence of such metastasis has been identified, some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy (a therapeutic vaccine for canine melanoma has been licensed by the USDA)

Lymphoma
Lethargy, decreased appetite, and coughing may accompany swollen lymph nodes in dogs of all breeds with this type of cancer, although some individuals initially show little in the way of symptoms other than lymph node swelling. this swelling is most noticeable under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, and behind the knees.
A fine needle aspirate and/or tissue biopsy is done to reach a diagnosis. Then, a veterinary oncologist will conduct something called a staging test to determine where else in the body these cells might be. The most common treatment is chemotherapy.

Papilloma
These benign tumors are warts in dogs, and Swanson says they can be uncomfortable and problematic. When this infection develops, multiple hard, pale, cauliflower-like warts are noted typically on the lips, inside the mouth, and around the eyes. The warts can be painful and severe infections can make chewing and swallowing difficult.

Papillomas will go away after a few weeks, sometimes months—though if they’re causing major problems for the dog in question, they can and should be removed by a veterinarian.
​
These benign tumors are caused by a virus (called papillomavirus) that is transmitted by direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated objects like bedding or toys. While it’s best to keep affected dogs isolated from unaffected ones, the incubation period often lasts months, so by the time symptoms make themselves known, it might have already spread to other dogs in a household.

Raw yeast
Raw yeast cells multiply too quickly for dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts. When dogs swallow unbaked dough, it can continue to rise, creating a risk of blockage or even rupture of the dog’s GI tract. In instances when a very large amount of yeast is eaten, the yeast also ferments inside the dog, producing alcohol, in which case alcohol poisoning can occur.  use your best judgement on when to involve the vet.
If you bake breads from scratch, or have yeast in your kitchen for any other reason, remember to keep it – rising dough in particular – in a safe, dog-proof location.

I admit a lot of this is copied I've added it just to provide some potentially important info:

Fruits, nuts & Vegetables

Apples – Yes. Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior dogs. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core first. Try them frozen for an icy warm weather snack. Read More >

Bananas – Yes. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s regular diet.

Watermelon – Yes. It’s important to remove the rind and seeds first, as they can cause intestinal blockage, but watermelon is otherwise safe for dogs. It’s full of vitamin A, B-6, and C, as well as potassium. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so it’s a great way to keep your dog hydrated on hot summer days. Read more >

Grapes – No. Grapes and raisins have proved to be very toxic for dogs no matter the dog’s breed, sex, or age. In fact, grapes are so toxic that they can lead to acute sudden kidney failure. Definitely skip this dangerous treat. Read More >

Strawberries – Yes. Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. Along with that, they also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth as he or she eats them. They are high in sugar though, so be sure to give them in moderation. Read More >

Oranges – Yes. Small dogs can have up to 1/3 of a full-size orange, while large dogs can eat the whole thing. While the peel isn’t toxic to them, vets recommend tossing the peel and just giving your dog the inside of the orange, minus the seeds, as the peel is much more rough on their digestive systems than the fleshy inside of the orange.

Blueberries – Yes. Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike. They’re packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well. Teaching your dog to catch treats in the air? Try blueberries as an alternative to store-bought treats. Read More >

Carrots – Yes. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on the orange snacks is great for your dog’s teeth. Read More >

Tomatoes – No. While the ripened fruit of the tomato plant (the red part humans normally eat) is generally considered safe for dogs, the green parts of the plant contain a toxic substance called solanine. While a dog would need to eat a large amount for it to make him or her sick, it’s better to skip tomatoes all together just to be safe. Read More >

Pineapple – Yes. A few chunks of pineapple is a great sweet treat for dogs as long as the prickly outside is removed first. The tropical fruit is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins.  Read More >

Avocado – No. While avocado may be a healthy snack for dog owners, it should not be given to dogs at all. The pit, skin and leaves of avocados contain Persin, a toxin that often causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The fleshy inside of the fruit doesn’t have as much Persin as the rest of the plant, but it is still too much for dogs to handle.

Broccoli – Yes, broccoli is safe for dogs to eat in very small quantities and is best served as an occasional treat. It is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. On the surface, this makes it an appealing choice for dog owners looking for a healthy dog treat, but broccoli also contains a potentially harmful ingredient. Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Also, broccoli stalks have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus.
     
Mushrooms – No. Wild mushrooms can be toxic for dogs. While only 50 to 100 of the 50,000 mushroom species worldwide are known to be toxic, the ones that are can really hurt your dog or even lead to death. Washed mushrooms from the supermarket could be OK, but it’s better to be safe than sorry; skip out on the fungi all together.

Cucumbers – Yes. Cucumbers are especially good for overweight dogs, as they hold little to no carbohydrates, fats, or oils and can even boost energy levels. They’re loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1, as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin.

Celery – Yes. In addition to vitamins A, B, and C, this crunchy green snack contains the nutrients needed to promote a healthy heart and even fight cancer. As if that wasn’t enough, celery also known to freshen doggy breath.

Onions – No. Onions, leeks, and chives are part of a family of plants called Allium that is poisonous to most pets, especially cats. Eating onions can cause your dog’s red blood cells to rupture, and can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Poisoning onions is more serious in Japanese breeds of dogs such as Akitas and Shiba Inus, but all dogs are very susceptible to it.

Pears – Yes. Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. It’s been suggested that eating the fruit can reduce the risk of having a stroke by 50 percent. Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide.

Potatoes – Yes. It’s fine to give your dog plain potatoes every once and a while, but only if they’re cooked, as raw potatoes can be rough on the stomach. A washed, peeled, plain boiled, or baked potato contains lots of iron for your pet. Avoid mashed potatoes because they often contain butter, milk, or seasonings.

Cherries – No. With the exception of the fleshy part around the seed, cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. Cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, which means that your dog’s blood cells can’t get enough oxygen. If your dog eats cherries, be on the lookout for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums, as these may be signs of cyanide poisoning.

Peaches – Yes. Small amounts of cut-up peaches are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, and can even help fight infections, but just like cherries, the pit does contain cyanide. As long as you completely cut around the pit first, fresh peaches can be a great summer treat – just not canned peaches, as they usually contain high amounts of sugary syrups.

Asparagus – No. While asparagus isn’t necessarily unsafe for dogs, there’s really no point in giving it to them. It’s too tough to be eaten raw, and by the time you cook it down so it’s soft enough for dogs to eat, asparagus loses the nutrients it contains. If you’re determined to give your dogs vegetables, go for something that will actually benefit them.

Sweet potatoes – Yes. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, including fiber, beta carotene, and vitamins B-6 and C. Just like with regular potatoes, only give your dog washed, peeled, cooked, and unseasoned sweet potatoes that have cooled down, and definitely avoid sugary sweet potato pies and casseroles.

Raspberries – Yes. Raspberries are fine in moderation. They contain antioxidants that are great for dogs. They’re low in sugar and calories, but high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin C. Raspberries are especially good for senior dogs because they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help take pain and pressure from joints. However, they do contain slight amounts of the toxin Xylitol, so limit your dog to less than a cup of raspberries at a time.

Mango – Yes. This sweet summer treat is packed with four, yes four different vitamins: vitamins A, B6, C, and E. They also have potassium and both beta-carotene and alpha carotene. Just remember, as with most fruits, to remove the hard pit first, as it contains small amounts of cyanide and can become a choking hazard.

Macadamia nut- The good news is that we have no documented cases of macadamia nut poisoning that has led to death. It alleviates after it passes through the dog – in around 12 to 36 hours. The bad news is symptoms are dramatic. Hind-end weakness, lethargy, depression, vomiting, and diarrhea all come after eating as little as 1 gram of macadamia nuts per pound of a dog’s body weight.

We raise most of our own food organically since I am admittedly anti-chemical to a point.  we use those large turkey cookers to cook perhaps a dozen chickens over night (you can use store bought chicken hopefully finding a nice sale).

Basic steps are cook until practically falling off the bone, let cool, de-bone, can the meat - see most universities canning procedures for caning meat and adjust for your altitude. 75 minutes a pint and 90 a quart. look up the pressure for your altitude.

Toss remaining skin - bones - meat stuck to bones - etc into your pressure cooker. what you want is the bones to crush easily between your fingers.

Strain broth off and can separately for you or your dogs use. Can or freeze the rest. Noting a salmon can with the sloped side make an easy to remove "hockey puck" frozen treat for your dog.  We save the canned product to mix in with some rice or barley or?  for cooking in the winter on the wood stove to give the dogs a warm treat meal.

• Increase in DCM in dogs may be linked to diet  - excerpt.
• Grain free feeds being investigated
• FDA investigating connection between canine heart disease and pet food ingredients
  
  Instances of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) may be correlated to specific ingredients in pet foods, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  
  The agency is warning veterinary professionals about occurrences of the disease in dogs consuming foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), a collaboration of government and veterinary diagnostic laboratories, are investigating this potential association.
  
  https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/increase-in-dcm-in-dogs-may-be-linked-to-diet/

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• “The FDA is investigating a potential dietary link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and dogs eating certain grain-free pet foods. The foods of concern are those containing legumes such as peas or lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes listed as primary ingredients. The FDA began investigating this matter after it received a number of reports of DCM in dogs that had been eating these diets for a period of months to years. DCM itself is not considered rare in dogs, but these reports are unusual because the disease occurred in breeds of dogs not typically prone to the disease.”
  After the advisory, 149 new cases of DCM were reported to the FDA.
  What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
  
  Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a type of canine heart disease that affects the heart muscle. The hearts of dogs with DCM have a decreased ability to pump blood, which often results in congestive heart failure.
  
  Some breeds, especially large and giant breeds, have a predisposition to DCM. These breeds include Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, and Saint Bernards. While DCM is less common in medium and small breeds, English and American Cocker Spaniels are also predisposed to this condition.
  
  When early reports from the veterinary cardiology community indicated that recent, atypical cases in breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Whippets, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus all consistently ate grain alternatives in their diets, the FDA took notice.
  Should you be Concerned About Grain-Free Diets?
  
  According to Dr. Klein, “At this time, there is no proof that these ingredients are the cause of DCM in a broader range of dogs, but dog owners should be aware of this alert from the FDA. The FDA continues to work with veterinary cardiologists and veterinary nutritionists to better understand the effect, if any, of grain-free diets on dogs.”
  
  In the Dec. 1 2018 version of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Lisa M. Freeman, DVM, PhD, DACVN, provided an update to the research on DCM and emphasized the issue is not just grain-free diets. She calls the suspected diets “BEG” diets (boutique companies, exotic ingredients, or grain-free diets).
  
  “The apparent link between BEG diets and DCM may be due to ingredients used to replace grains in grain-free diets, such as lentils or chickpeas, but also may be due to other common ingredients commonly found in BEG diets, such as exotic meats, vegetables, and fruits,” Freeman wrote.