When it comes to this particularly nasty parasite, heartworm prevention is definitely better than the cure!
Most dogs will have worms/parasites of one kind or another during their lifetime, and puppies are especially prone to infestation.
Parasites such as fleas, roundworms etc. can create problems, but they're generally not severe and are easy to treat.
Heartworms are quite different! Heartworm symptoms usually don't appear until your pup is very ill, and a heartworm infestation often results in death.
Heartworm prevention is the key to protecting your little Fido, from these horrible parasites.
What exactly are heartworms anyway?
These nasty parasites are worms that can live, breed and grow in your pups' bloodstream. If left unchecked they're very likely to cause damage to the lungs, kidneys, liver and, of course, the heart. Death due to heart failure is the most common result of a heartworm infestation.
Heartworm larvae are transmitted to your pup by mosquitoes. They aren't detectable in the bloodstream until they become mature adults, approximately 6 months after transmission. During these six months, your pup is unlikely to show any heartworm signs or appear ill in any way.
The areas most affected by heartworm problems in the US are the warmer, central, southern states, where mosquitoes are most prevalent.
If you live in a region where mosquitoes abound, heartworm prevention is a must during the warm weather/mosquito season. This can be 6 - 9 months of the year, or even all year round.
Heartworm Signs
Because the heartworm has such a long life-cycle, and due to the fact that early heartworm symptoms are pretty much non-existent, heartworm prevention is absolutely critical to your pups' health and well-being.
You should start your puppy on a heartworm preventative medication, such as Heartgard for dogs , Interceptor or Revolution, once he's reached 8 weeks of age.
These heartworm medicines need to be given once a month (without fail), during mosquito season... preferably starting one month before mosquitoes appear and ending one month after the season ends.
If your pup is 6 - 7 months of age or older, and hasn't been on regular, monthly heartworm medicines, do not give him any heartworm preventative without first having your veterinarian test him for the presence of heartworms.
This is because if he already has a heartworm infestation, the effect of the heartworm medication could cause him severe problems, or even his death.
If you've even missed one dose of Heartgard (or whatever medicine you've chosen), during mosquito season, have your pup tested for heartworms before re-starting the medication.
Heartworm Medicines
The most popular and commonly used medications for heartworm prevention are very safe. Bad reactions are rare when the heartworm medicines are given in the recommended, prescribed dosages.
However, some breeds are extra-sensitive to Ivomectin (the active ingredient in Heartgard) and Heartgard adverse reactions are more likely in dogs that belong to the 'Collie' family.
This category includes breeds such as:
Border Collies
Shetland Sheepdogs
Old English Sheepdogs
Australian Shepherds
Bearded Collies
Collie mixes and other Collie or Shepherd breeds
These dogs are more likely to suffer a heartgard adverse reaction than most due to a breed-specific sensitivity to Ivomectin.
If your pup is a collie, sheepdog or a mix that includes either of these, you'd probably be better to use one of the other heartworm prevention medicines such as Interceptor, Revolution or Sentinel.
But do check with your own veterinarian before you make any decision, and follow his advice, that's very important!
Symptoms of a bad reaction to Ivomectin may include dilated pupils, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of co-ordination, collapse.
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary attention immediately.
Treatment of Heartworm Infestation
Heartworm prevention is much preferable to the cure, because treatment for a heartworm infestation is long, difficult, dangerous (to your dog) and expensive.
A dog with heartworm disease needs to be examined by a veterinarian to make sure his organs are healthy enough to withstand the treatment/drugs.
As well as the administration of powerful drugs to kill the heartworms, a sick dog will also need complete rest and IV fluids, which obviously means an extended stay at the animal hospital.
This quiet and rest is needed for several weeks after the actual treatment too.
In severe cases, heart surgery may be needed. This involves the veterinarian surgically removing the worms from a dogs' heart. Of course, this is as dangerous and costly as it sounds!
Heartgard Plus is an oral medication used in dogs and puppies as a combination: heartworm preventative and intestinal wormer.
Available as soft, beef-flavored chewable tablets. Heartgard Plus is given by mouth monthly on the same day each month.
For dogs and puppies 6 weeks of age and over. Safe to use in pregnant and nursing dogs.
...and so
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, heartworm symptoms are unlikely to be seen until your pup/dog is already very sick. To eliminate the possibility of your dog being infected by heartworms, heartworm prevention is the way to go!
So start your puppy on heartworm medicine just as soon as it's necessary - and be vigilant about maintaining the program throughout his lifetime. That way, your precious furbaby will be lucky enough to live a heartworm-free life!
Please share this important information with all the dog lovers and puppy parents you know!
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