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Are There Natural Ways to Prevent Heartworms?
- 1. Are There “Natural” Ways to Prevent Heartworms? photo
- 2. Non-pharmaceutical health remedies go by many names, from alternative to holistic to natural. And their appeal is understandable.
- 3. Pet owners value both the safety and the health of their pets, and often see “natural” health-care products as delivering on both.
- 4. There are more than a few myths floating around about natural approaches to heartworm prevention. So it’s important to understand exactly how heartworms are spread.
- 5. Heartworm disease is spread by infected mosquitoes. So mosquito control is an important aspect of reducing heartworm transmission.
- 6. Common-sense steps like keeping pets indoors during hours when mosquitoes are active and removing sources of standing water where mosquitoes breed can help reduce transmission.
- 7. Using natural mosquito repellents can also play a role in heartworm management.
- 8. However, these “natural” approaches to mosquito control by themselves cannot ensure pets are protected from heartworms.
- 9. Ensuring that a pet is never bitten by a mosquito is virtually impossible. Dogs need exercise, and most go outdoors for walks and bathroom breaks.
- 10. Meanwhile, indoor cats aren’t completely shielded either, since 1 in 4 cats infected are known to be indoor cats.
- 11. That’s why the American Heartworm Society recommends year-round use of FDA- approved heartworm preventives in dogs, cats and ferrets.
- 12. These preventives are actually formulated with naturally occurring compounds generated by fermenting a type of bacteria found in soil.
- 13. Pet owners can choose from chewable pills, spot-on preventives and—for dogs— injections administered in the veterinary office.
- 14. Meanwhile, dogs that require treatment for heartworms must be treated by a veterinarian with a veterinary- approved medication.
- 15. There are many natural ways to protect your pet’s health—feeding a healthy diet, providing daily exercise and ensuring regular veterinary check-ups.
- 16. It’s natural to to want what’s best for your pet’s health. Just remember: there’s no substitute for year-round heartworm prevention.
- 17. Think 12! • Protect your pets from heartworm 12 months a year. • Test your pet for heartworm every 12 months.