Are there any “natural “heartworm preventions that really work?
I live in the south where "skeeters" are bad. I am trying to switch my dogs over to all holistic treatments. I am very weary of them getting heartworms. Any information would be helpful.
The following reply is by : Mouse :
I don't think I would even begin to take that chance. A dog with heart worms has to go through some difficult treatments. You live in a bad area for hearworm, buy the meds and then you won't have to worry. Holistic is good in a lot of areas, you just have to be sure you are in the right area, don't risk it.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
If you live in a heartworm endemic area, and it sounds like you do–I would not take the risk of a home remedy. I'd stick with the regular heartworm preventatives like Heartgard, Interceptor or Revolution.
(Revolution is a somewhat newer product. I'm not sure how it measures up as far as effective protection against heartworm compared to the other two.)
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June 25th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Garlic. Works like a charm.
You can get the garlic pills, which are way easier to get the dogs to eat. (dogs aren't big on bold flavors….unless it's steak.)
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June 25th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I don't think I would even begin to take that chance. A dog with heart worms has to go through some difficult treatments. You live in a bad area for hearworm, buy the meds and then you won't have to worry. Holistic is good in a lot of areas, you just have to be sure you are in the right area, don't risk it.
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June 25th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
No, my 3 are on interceptor all year, it takes care of most other worms and some parasites , saves me in the long run.
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June 25th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Since I live in the south(Florida) I know how you feel. But I would not risk heartworms to be more healthy. In the long run, you are being less healthy. I make sure I use advantix(since it repels mosquitos) and heartgard just to be safe. It's the one place I don't try to be as healthy as I can with him.
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June 25th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Heartworm disease is now endemic in every state. Monthly preventative is the only way to prevent infection.
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http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=610
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=595