Natural Heartworm Prevention

Natural Heartworm Prevention and Protection
© by Bree Weasner, PreciousPets.org LLC

The beginning of Spring is when veterinarians inspect dogs & cats for heartworm organisms and put pets on heartworm prevention medicines. Most vets suggest giving your pet a monthly or day-to-day pill for heartworm prevention, but this can be dangerous as the drug for heartworm is a chemical. The ingredients in this medicine include a chemical pesticide, which can cause illness when administered via heartworm pill every day or month. The side effects of treatment are dangerous and can cause harm to your pet. Some of these side effects are seizure, diarrhea, vomiting and fatigue. In addition, chemical heartworm medication makes the kidneys and liver work harder as they need to eliminate toxins from the body. This causes the body’s immune system to weaken, which makes your pet more susceptible to disease.

The good news is that holistic and alternative veterinarians recommend natural and effective methods that are safe, free of harmful side effects and don’t contribute to illness like arthritis, liver/kidney disease, allergies and others.

Heartworm Explained and Causes

Heartworm is a parasite that mostly infects dogs, but cats can be infected as well. Heartworm is extremely dangerous to your pet and an infestation can kill if left untreated. Heartworm is transmitted to animals by infected mosquitos, (not all mosquitos carry the disease) and when the mosquito bites the animal, their larvae move throughout your pet’s body to the heart and lungs. From there, adult worms grow and cause serious & potentially life threatening damage.

How do I know if my Pet is Infected?

Symptoms of heartworm disease:

• Changes in weight/loss
• Fatigue
• Breathing problems
• Coughing

It is important to note that during the beginning stages of the disease, there may not be any symptoms. Heartworm is diagnosed through a blood test.

How do you treat Heartworm?

Conventional Heartworm treatment includes medication that is both preventative and medication that rids worms from the heart & lungs if the disease is advanced. While this medication is effective, it is acknowledged by vet professionals that there are a number of health risks that come along with this treatment because the medication contains pesticides that accumulate in the body over a period of time. Heartworm is also dangerous because dead heartworms may become dislodged and block blood vessels, causing immediate death. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove these worms.

Deciding on a prevention and treatment route, whether it is conventional, homeopathic or a combination of both is a decision you should make with your veterinarian. There are many homeopathic and holistic methods to treat heartworm without the use of chemicals and many vets across North America integrate more holistic methods into treatment in order to maintain and promote the health of animals.

Alternative Heartworm Prevention & Treatment

There are a few steps you must take as a pet owner to protect your pet against heartworm, as there isn’t a magic pill. Be sure to follow the steps and tips below in conjunction with your vet’s supervision.

Healthy Diet

Holistic vets around the world agree that commercial, processed pet foods are detrimental to pet health. Raw food like fruits, vegetables, meat, bones and water are the best foods you can give your pet. Cats are meat eaters, so raw meat, bones and chicken giblets are good for your cat. You should avoid giving your pet milk and foods with sugar, artificial flavors and preservatives. Life’s Abundance is a great natural alternative to commercial pet food.

Immune System Health

Animals with a healthy immune system are less likely to be bitten by mosquitos. If your pet has a healthy immune system and is bit, their natural defense system will work better to kill off larvae. Some of the contributing factors to a weakened immune system include frequent antibiotics/vaccinations, low quality pet foods, improper diet, stress and synthetic medications.

A healthy liver is imperative to the health of your pet. It prevents illness, removes waste and toxins, so it must work properly. Immunity and Liver Support ensures that your pet’s liver stays healthy and strong, along with a robust immune system. Look for our Buy 2, Get 1 Free Special!

Heart Health and Circulation

Like humans, heart health and proper circulation is vital to your pet’s ability to fight off disease. Good circulation allows white blood cells to fight disease and red blood cells to carry oxygen. Proper diet and adequate exercise are important parts of a healthy heart and circulation system. Heart & Circulation Tonic benefits your pet in the war against heartworms and other illnesses. Look for our Buy 2, Get 1 FREE Special!

De-Worming

If you live in an area with a high risk for heartworm, prevention is key. Consulting with a holistic veterinarian on your options for a homeopathic heartworm prevention and treatment plan will help to fight off heartworm before it occurs.

We recommend the use of PetAlive Parasite Dr. to prevent infestations and improve overall health. Parasite Dr. contains “bitter” ingredients that make the animal unattractive to ticks, fleas and mosquitos. Parasite Dr. also contains natural anti-parasitic properties that kill and rid the body of worms. Consult with your vet before beginning at home treatment if your pet appears to be ill.

Benefits of PetAlive Parasite Dr:

• Rid and protect your pet against parasites like heartworm, roundworm and tapeworm
• Balance digestive health, soothe digestive system
• Cleanse the digestive system to improve function
• Reduce yeast and protect against bacterial infection
• Reduce nausea, bloating and flatulence in your pet
• Improve energy levels

Look for our Buy 2 & Get 1 Free Special on Parasite Dr.

Lastly, keep mosquitos away from pets! Everyday use of Flea Free will keep fleas, ticks, mosquitos and other pests away from pets in a natural and chemical-free manner. An all-natural formula, Flea Free is so safe that it is effective for human consumption!

The Natural Heartworm Prevention Program (NSP) is also effective and consists of three products. These products include Artemisia Combination (Monthly De-Wormer), HSII (Heart Health), Black Walnut (nutrition booster and keeps parasites away from animals).

Heartworm Prevention requires a well-rounded approach and while holistic health works for many, it may not work for all, especially outdoor animals. Depending on the region that you live in, heartworm prevention requirements will differ. Consulting with your veterinarian about what you can do about heartworm along with informing yourself will ensure that you have a healthy pet that is around for years to come!

Learn more about the Natural Heartworm Prevention Program here.