This is only one expert’s opinion but research show we may be over-reacting to the threat of heartworms. If an alternate prevention is in the cards for Fido why not give it some serious consideration?
My Recommendations for Heartworm Prevention
If you live in an area of the U.S. where mosquitoes are common and you know your dog's risk of exposure to heartworm disease is significant, here are my recommendations for protecting your furry family member:
• With guidance from a holistic or integrative veterinarian, try using natural preventives like heartworm nosodes rather than chemicals. Make sure to do heartworm testing every three to four months (not annually), as natural heartworm preventives can't guarantee your pet will never acquire the disease.
Remember, heartworms live in your pet's bloodstream, so natural GI (gastrointestinal) dewormers, such as diatomaceous earth, and anti-parasitic herbs (such as wormwood, pumpkin seed and black walnut tinctures) are not effective at killing larvae in the bloodstream.
• If your dog's kidneys and liver are healthy, try using a chemical preventive at the lowest effective dosage. This could mean having the drug (Ivermectin) compounded if necessary for dogs weighing in at the low end of dosing instructions. Give the treatment at six-week intervals rather than every four weeks, for the minimum number of months required during mosquito season.
• Avoid all-in-one chemical products claiming to get rid of every possible GI worm and external parasites as well. The goal is to use the least amount of chemical necessary that successfully treats heartworm. Adding other chemicals to the mix adds to the toxic load your dog's body must contend with. Also avoid giving your pet a chemical flea/tick preventive during the same week.
• Follow up all heartworm medications given with natural liver detox agents like milk thistle and SAMe, in consultation with your veterinarian.
• Always insist on a heartworm test before beginning any preventive treatment. I like to run a SNAP 4Dx blood test every six months on dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors during warmer weather. The 4Dx tests for heartworm, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and E. canis.
The reason I do tests every six months is because parasites are becoming resistant to heartworm, flea and tick chemicals. The sooner we identify an infection in your pet, the sooner a protocol can be instituted to safely treat it with fewer long-term side effects.
The above comes from Dr. Becker from Healthy Pets.
While a number of things have to happen under a specific set of circumstances, many pet owners do not realize how serious heart worm can be for their furry family member. It should be addressed, one way or the other, just like your pup’s yearly immunizations. Again, check with your pet’s veterinarian if you have any questions. He or she can give you all the advice required.
