Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Preventing Heartworm The Natural Way

By Geraldine Dimarco


For people who own dogs, these precious pups are usually treated like children more than the animals that they are. As such, it is a difficult ordeal to watch them suffer sicknesses like heartworm that when left on its own for long, can result to serious complications, even death. Here are simple natural heartworm preventative measures that will help you in this matter.

First of all, what is heartworm? Heartworms are parasitic worms that are transmitted to the dogs bloodstream through mosquitoes. Although not all mosquitoes transmit heartworms, when a carrier does bite the dog its larvae will transfer into the canines bloodstream reaching his vital organs. As you can imagine, this will be terminal for the dog when the contamination reaches the heart and lungs.

The most basic natural heartworm prevention tip is to provide your pet with a healthy diet. A healthy pet will have a better immune system to fight off infections and complications in his body. Processed food generally contain chemicals that may weaken the dog, so serve raw meat, fruits and vegetables instead. Do not use milk or food that contains artificial flavorings and sugar.

Mosquitoes are less likely to be drawn to healthy animals. Therefore, strengthen the factors that will improve your pets immune system. The liver, specifically, is important because it functions to store glucose, vitamins and minerals as well as removes waste and toxins from the system. Aside from a good diet; keep your dog away from stress and synthetic medication that may introduce harmful chemicals to your dog's system.

Another vital natural heartworm prevention measure is to ensure that the animal engages in regular physical activities. Play and exercise with your pet. It is a good way to spend quality time with them while improving his heart and circulatory system. Red blood cells bring oxygen to the different organs; and white blood cells fights infection that will be hazardous to the dog's health. Adult heartworms will not be able to implant itself firmly to a healthy heart.

If you are in a place where there is a high risk of contracting heartworm, have your pet checked up regularly for sicknesses. A blood test will show if he has been infected with this parasite. Unless the vet strongly recommends a heartworm preventive medicine, do not administer synthetic drugs to your pet. This may cause damage to your dog's immune system in the long run.

It is better to have these natural heartworm preventative measures in place rather than find yourself in possession of a pet that already is infected with heartworm. Medicines that cure heartworm are actually a form of insecticide that when administered regularly, is highly toxic and will eventually lead to serious diseases to the dogs other organs as well.

Animals that are lethargic and have lost a lot of weight might already have heartworm. Other symptoms include coughing and difficulty in breathing. If you find these in your pet, visit the vet as soon as possible.




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