Heartworm, a deadly parasite that can live in your dog's heart and major arteries, is contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Should your dog be unlucky enough to contract heartworm, it will need to undergo treatment at a veterinarian's office. While no over-the-counter treatment is available for a dog with heartworm, this preventative will help keep your dog from contracting heartworm.
Things You'll Need
- Dog
- Veterinarian
- Immiticide
- Heartworm preventative
- Electronic rectal thermometer for dogs
Instructions
Have your veterinarian confirm your dog has heartworm disease. A simple blood test will determine if the dog has heartworm microfilae (larvae) in its bloodstream.
Restrict your dog's activity. This means no exercise, running or ball chasing. You need to keep your dog quiet because extra activity can cause the heartworm mass to dislodge and clog up the arteries, causing blockages and possible strokes.
Start your dog on a heartworm preventative as directed by your veterinarian. You may have to treat your dog over a two-month period.
Treat your dog with antibiotics and prednisone as directed by your veterinarian.
After two months have your veterinarian give the first shot of Immiticide. Your dog will likely stay at the veterinarian's for a couple of days.
Continue to keep your pet quiet for a month.
Take your dog's temperature daily. Contact your veterinarian if your dog's temperature is more than 102.5 degrees F.
Bring your dog back to the veterinarian for the series of two shots of Immiticide.
Keep your dog on heartworm preventative medication.
Keep your dog quiet for a month with no exercise. Then follow with limited exercise but no running or jumping for two months.