Many pet owners want "natural" solutions to heartworm prevention and treatment in their pets. The American Heartworm Society provides the facts.

1. Are There “Natural” Ways to
Prevent Heartworms?
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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.