SYMPTOMS OF HEARTWORM IN DOGS | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

I will get straight to the point of the symptoms of heartworms in dogs and then we will discuss preventative options for our dogs that do not produce harsh side effects and that can save you some money.

SYMPTOMS OF HEARTWORM IN DOGS

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

STAGES OF HEARTWORM DISEASE IN DOGS

Stage One ?mild symptoms or no symptoms and only small changes shown on x-rays

Stage Two ?moderate symptoms including coughing but x-rays now show the disease

Stage Three ?severe symptoms including weight loss, coughing, respiratory difficulty. Th this stage there can be kidney and liver damage

Stage Four and Five ?critical symptoms including collapsing in shock

Test run by your veterinarian will determine the stage of heartworm disease and recommend treatment accordingly. These tests can include blood tests, fecal matter tests, and x-rays.

FORMS OF CONVENTIONAL HEARTWORM TREATMENT

A slow kill method using a ivermectin based medicine such as Heartgard or Ivermax

A fast kill method using Immiticide which contains an arsenic compound

Surgical removal of the heartworms from the heart and arteries leading to the heart

VETERINARY ADVICE ON HEARTWORM MEDICATION

Because heartworms are such a serious issue you should not administer heartworm medication without consulting your veterinarian. It is just that simple. While you can also use home remedies to fend off heartworms infesting your pets these should be used at the advice of your veterinarian.

Because even the slow kill method medications contain insecticides many pet owners to turning to alternative prevention techniques. What follows is alternatives for prevention of the symptoms of heartworm in dogs.

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

Natural home remedies are safe, easy to use and cost a lot less money than conventional medicines. Many of these will be in your home already. Click on the links below and find out the secrets you need to treat your pet and save money.