It's almost time to start the dog's on their heartworm preventive for the summer. I've grown more concerned about giving my animals drugs and exposing them to chemicals. After much research I've decided it's best to give my dogs the preventive - but on my terms not just what the vet suggests.
The chemicals used to prevent heartworm are extremely effective and can save dogs from difficult, unpleasant and potentially dangerous treatment. However, many veterinarians recommend treatment schedules year round or for many months longer than nessary or even advised by the American Heartworm Society (AHS).
The Heartworm Season Varies By Climate
The transmissibility season for heartworm is determined by temperature. In order for the larvae of the heartworm, carried by mosquitoes, to be transmitted to a dog, the temperature must be at least 60 degrees for a month. (I don't think we will have a month of above 60 degrees here this year!)
When I lived in Texas, the heartworm season was quite long so I did give my dogs preventive year round.
In Minnesota, the temperature necessary for transmission of heartworm is not usually reached at night until June or later. The beginning of the season is not likely to be earlier than June 1 in most years, and perhaps later, even though mosquitoes may be present. Temperatures begin to drop at night by September. And, the season will certainly be over the next month, although you may still see mosquitoes.
Preventatives Kill Heartworm Larvae
The chemicals used to control heartworm are called preventatives, but when we use them, we are actually treating larvae. Think of it this way: The chemicals kill the larvae your dog may have picked up in the period since the last dosage.
The monthly drugs you can use include Ivermectin (Heartgard or Iverheart), Milbemycin (Interceptor) or and Selamectin (Revolution).
I keep the monthly preventive as simple as possible. I buy products that specifically prevents heartworm, rather than a silver bullet that treats everything. Some manufacturers formulate products that combine heartworm prevention with worming medication, flea, tick and mange medication, just in case your dog may encounter these parasites.
That just-in-case scenario is not good enough to put a multitude of toxic chemicals into your dog's body. Plain Ivermectin (Heartguard) is the simplest choice, and the safest for most dogs, though certain breeds have shown some sensitivity to it. We recommend you discuss the least toxic options for your pet with your holistic veterinarian.
My dogs eat anything and are not picky about their "treats." It's still best to keep an eye on your dog for a while afterward to make sure he doesn't spit the heartworm preventive out.
When to Start and End Medication
To determine the best time to test for heartworm, read the guidelines posted on the AHS Web site. Each geographic area is different.
So, you've had your dog tested this spring, and she's clear of heartworms. How do you know when to start the preventative?
Heartworm is not transmissible from mosquitoes to dogs until the weather is quite settled and warm, and the medications work on larvae acquired after the season starts. The time to start recommended by the AHS is a month after the transmissibility season begins.
The chemicals used for monthly prophylaxis are effective for at least six weeks.
Only give the amount your dog needs by taking a minute to mark the due dates on your calendar to save your dogs unnecessary chemical exposure.
Holistic veterinarians often recommend the first dose be given a month after the season begins (dealing with any larva which may have been acquired and allowing for a little overlap) and every six weeks after that, until the end of the season. The AHS recommends the last dose be given within a month after the season ends.
How many doses will your dog need?
I give at most four doses to my dogs (July 1 Aug. 15, Oct. 1 and Nov. 15). If I started May 15, the last dose would be Oct. 1. Close attention to the weather, particularly night temperatures, will give you excellent information about when to start.
Protecting The Liver
Some dog owners prefer more holistic, natural options, like herbal or homeopathic remedies. If you want to stay away from traditional heartworm preventives, it's imperative your animals be under the care and supervision of a veterinarian with expertise in this area. Don't take chances.
Holistic veterinarians often recommend herbal support for the liver following preventive such as a daily dose of milk thistle for the week following each treatment. Milk thistle supports the liver as it metabolizes the medication and aids in the body's detox processes.
Having the perfect balance with the smallest amount of preventive for the shortest amount of time is key for your dog's health and well being. This balance provides the best solution to a major health threat, with the minimum amount of medication, followed by appropriate detoxification.
Balance with natural diet, exercise and health check-ups make your dog's health and well-being better!
The chemicals used to prevent heartworm are extremely effective and can save dogs from difficult, unpleasant and potentially dangerous treatment. However, many veterinarians recommend treatment schedules year round or for many months longer than nessary or even advised by the American Heartworm Society (AHS).
The Heartworm Season Varies By Climate
The transmissibility season for heartworm is determined by temperature. In order for the larvae of the heartworm, carried by mosquitoes, to be transmitted to a dog, the temperature must be at least 60 degrees for a month. (I don't think we will have a month of above 60 degrees here this year!)
When I lived in Texas, the heartworm season was quite long so I did give my dogs preventive year round.
In Minnesota, the temperature necessary for transmission of heartworm is not usually reached at night until June or later. The beginning of the season is not likely to be earlier than June 1 in most years, and perhaps later, even though mosquitoes may be present. Temperatures begin to drop at night by September. And, the season will certainly be over the next month, although you may still see mosquitoes.
Preventatives Kill Heartworm Larvae
The chemicals used to control heartworm are called preventatives, but when we use them, we are actually treating larvae. Think of it this way: The chemicals kill the larvae your dog may have picked up in the period since the last dosage.
The monthly drugs you can use include Ivermectin (Heartgard or Iverheart), Milbemycin (Interceptor) or and Selamectin (Revolution).
I keep the monthly preventive as simple as possible. I buy products that specifically prevents heartworm, rather than a silver bullet that treats everything. Some manufacturers formulate products that combine heartworm prevention with worming medication, flea, tick and mange medication, just in case your dog may encounter these parasites.
That just-in-case scenario is not good enough to put a multitude of toxic chemicals into your dog's body. Plain Ivermectin (Heartguard) is the simplest choice, and the safest for most dogs, though certain breeds have shown some sensitivity to it. We recommend you discuss the least toxic options for your pet with your holistic veterinarian.
My dogs eat anything and are not picky about their "treats." It's still best to keep an eye on your dog for a while afterward to make sure he doesn't spit the heartworm preventive out.
When to Start and End Medication
To determine the best time to test for heartworm, read the guidelines posted on the AHS Web site. Each geographic area is different.
So, you've had your dog tested this spring, and she's clear of heartworms. How do you know when to start the preventative?
Heartworm is not transmissible from mosquitoes to dogs until the weather is quite settled and warm, and the medications work on larvae acquired after the season starts. The time to start recommended by the AHS is a month after the transmissibility season begins.
The chemicals used for monthly prophylaxis are effective for at least six weeks.
Only give the amount your dog needs by taking a minute to mark the due dates on your calendar to save your dogs unnecessary chemical exposure.
Holistic veterinarians often recommend the first dose be given a month after the season begins (dealing with any larva which may have been acquired and allowing for a little overlap) and every six weeks after that, until the end of the season. The AHS recommends the last dose be given within a month after the season ends.
How many doses will your dog need?
I give at most four doses to my dogs (July 1 Aug. 15, Oct. 1 and Nov. 15). If I started May 15, the last dose would be Oct. 1. Close attention to the weather, particularly night temperatures, will give you excellent information about when to start.
Protecting The Liver
Some dog owners prefer more holistic, natural options, like herbal or homeopathic remedies. If you want to stay away from traditional heartworm preventives, it's imperative your animals be under the care and supervision of a veterinarian with expertise in this area. Don't take chances.
Holistic veterinarians often recommend herbal support for the liver following preventive such as a daily dose of milk thistle for the week following each treatment. Milk thistle supports the liver as it metabolizes the medication and aids in the body's detox processes.
Having the perfect balance with the smallest amount of preventive for the shortest amount of time is key for your dog's health and well being. This balance provides the best solution to a major health threat, with the minimum amount of medication, followed by appropriate detoxification.
Balance with natural diet, exercise and health check-ups make your dog's health and well-being better!
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