SYMPTOMS OF HEARTWORM IN CANINES

Heartworms are serious in dogs so I will get right to the point of symptoms of heartworm in canines.

SYMPTOMS OF HEARTWORM IN CANINES

Breathing difficulties

Coughing

Vomiting

Weight loss

Collapse

Convulsions

Sudden death

Tiredness

Decreased appetite

Heart failure

Difficulty exercising

Bloody sputum

Loss of consciousness

Abnormal lung sounds

May take years after initial infection to show up

HEARTWORM DIAGNOSIS

Vets will normally perform the test

Usually diagnosed with a blood test

You are obviously smart enough to know that if your dog is showing symptoms of heartworm in canines you need to treat the problem. I am going to list the most common medications used and then we will discuss 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.

If your pet has shown the symptoms of heartworm in canines then here is what happens.

TREATMENT ONCE YOUR PET HAS HEARTWORMS

Several drugs were given by veterinarians in the past but not so much today. Today the treatment usually involves injecting a drug containing arsenic. The injection is given in the lower back. Two injections a day for two days is the normal treatment. After the injections your pet will be prescribed rest in order to absorb the dead heartworms.

As promised here are some alternatives to consider.

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

Some people are even using garlic as a preventative

Want to lower your vet bills and learn how to treat minor illnesses at home instead of spending so much on vet bills? If so read on through the last paragraph and click on the links to find other home remedies that will save you a ton of money.