HEARTWORM TREATMENT AND PREGNANT DOG | CAN IT BE DONE

The term heartworm treatment and pregnant dog implies that the question is being asked as to whether a pregnant dog can be given heartworm treatment. The simple answer is that yes you can treat with certain medications.

You are smart enough to know that heartworms are serious but you wonder about the safety for pregnant dogs and probably will finally wonder about whether you can treat the puppies after they are borne. First let抯 look at the treatments offered and then at some alternatives .

HEARTWORM MEDICATIONS | PREVENTION

Revolution ?This is a broad spectrum medication that has been reported to be the top of the list for dogs. This medication also protects your dog from flea infestations.

Interceptor ?This medication is reported to prevent heartworms, hookworms, whipworm, and roundworms.

Heartgard ?This medication is widely available that prevents heartworms, hookworms and roundworms. Very few side effects have been reported with this medication.

Iverhart Max ?This medication is used for heartworms and tapeworms. There do not seem to be many reported side effects with this medication.

Active ingredient in Heartgard and Iverhart is ivermectin. The active ingredient in Interceptor is milbemycin and the active ingredient in Revolution is selamectin oxime. These medications work as a preventative in the sense they are actually using chemicals to kill off heartworms in their early stages. So while some say they are preventative they are also treatment.

Heartworm treatment and pregnant dog can be answered by giving the dog Heartgard. Puppies should not be treated until they are least 6 weeks old and weigh 2 pounds or more.

SIDE EFFECTS FROM HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE MEDICATIONS

Side effects from use of heartworm preventative medications include diarrhea, convulsions, vomiting and general tiredness or weakness. Your pet抯 body recognizes the chemicals in the heartworm pills as poison and uses their immune systems to try and fight off what they see as foreign bodies. Therefore, when on these medications your pets will have weakened immune systems which allow your pet to get sick easier.

ALTERNATIVE PREVENTION FOR HEARTWORMS

Because many veterinarians now recognize that long term use of preventative medications can cause side effects in our pets many people are turning to alternative methods to prevent heartworms. The methods will help overall but you should discuss using them with your vet.

Provide a healthy diet. Many people are now avoiding commercial pet food and feeding their pets natural vegetables, fruits, and raw meat

Boost your pet抯 immune system

Strengthen your pet抯 heart and circulatory system

In areas where heartworms are prevalent think about regular de-worming

Black walnut extract and garlic are also being used as preventatives

Prevention is much cheaper than treatment at the vet抯 office

For other great information on pet illnesses and home remedies read on thru the last paragraph and click on the links. Great secrets await that will help with caring for your pets and saving mega bucks on vet bills.