Each year when spring approaches, many veterinarians start talking about heartworm testing and/or prevention for family pets.
Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm-Dirofilaria Immitis-that is spread via mosquito bites. Heartworms are small, thread-like worms, and are most commonly found in canines but can also affect cats, wolves, coyotes, foxes, ferrets, and even humans. This particular worm was given the name "heartworm" because it lives primarily in the pulmonary artery of the host and can stay there for many years.
The parasites enter the blood stream when a mosquito bites the animal. It takes about six months for them to migrate to the heart, at which point the larvae turn into adults. They eventually fill the heart cavity and block the flow of blood to the lungs and heart.
The most common symptoms of heartworm include: coughing, weight loss, lack of energy, and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, by the time you see these symptoms, irreversible damage to the body is already well on its way.
The most common medication used in the prevention of heartworm is Heartgard. Although the doses are small, the cumulative effects of this monthly medication can have a negative effect on an animals’ immune system. Some of the more noticeable side effects of heartworm medication are vomiting, convulsions, and diarrhea. Over a longer period of use, many veterinarians are convinced this medication can cause kidney and liver damage and compromise the immune system, leaving our pets vulnerable to many other diseases.
Preventing Heartworm
The good news is that there are many natural ways to protect your animals from heartworm and other parasites, like fleas and ticks. One suggestion is to feed your animals a raw, well-balanced diet. This is an excellent way to improve their immune systems on the whole. Another option is to feed your dog a small amount of garlic in his/her food, as it is a great deterrent to parasites of any kind. Dogs weighing more than 50 pounds can have up to two teaspoons of garlic daily, and smaller dogs can have up to one-half teaspoon daily, but since garlic can be toxic to dogs, so be sure to follow the recommended dosages carefully and consider consulting your veterinarian before you begin adding garlic to foods. Do not feed your cat garlic, as cats can be very sensitive to it.
Herbs are another way to help in the prevention of these parasites. Mugwort, Cloveflower Buds, Spearmint Herb, Turmeric Root, Black Walnut, and Wormwood are all great herbs to help prevent heartworm. These herbs can be used orally in pill form or tinctures to make the blood less attractive to these parasites.
If you are worried your pet has heartworm, you can have your veterinarian test your pet in the spring to determine if the blood is infected. Before making any decision on treatment, always do your own research and choose whatever option you think is in the best interest of your furry friend. Whatever method you choose, natural or not, your pet will love you for loving him and his heart!
