Heartworm, scientifically known as dirofilaria immitis, is a parasitic infection that affects canines (including domesticated dogs) and to a lesser extent cats. According to TheHerbsPlace.com, the disease occurs in cats at about 10 percent the rate at which it occurs in canines. Mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting the parasite in its larval stage. After biting cats or canines, mosquitoes release the larvae, which then borrow into the skin and travel to the heart, causing serious health problems. Luckily, there are herbs available with anti-parasitic properties that can help destroy heartworm.
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Herbal Treatment Options
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There are a number of different herbs that can be administered to pets suffering from heartworm. According to UnchainYourDog.org, some of the most common herbs that you can use include thyme, rosemary, sage, mint, garlic, milk thistle, clove, hawthorne berry, wormwood, and black walnut hull. According to TheHerbsPlace.com, mugwort and turmeric can also be given to suffering pets. A crucial part of successful herbal treatment for heartworm is deciding when to feed your pet herbs and in what amounts. TheHerbsPlace.com recommends mixing in herbal supplements (which can be found at pet supply stores) with morning and evening meals, and administering yucca -- an herbal cortisone equivalent -- if your pet is coughing. Another option, according to UnchainYourDog.org, is to simply add black walnut hull and cloves of garlic to your pet's food a few times each week, and continue doing so for a few months at a time. However, black walnut hull can be toxic if too much is consumed by pets. Give no more than 125 mg dosage of the herb to a pet weighing between five and 25 pounds. Herbal treatments can take six months or more to be entirely effective and destroy all adult worms. To determine if the worms are gone, you can go to a veterinarian and have tests conducted.
According to the TheHerbsPlace.com, it is wise to keep your pet from performing strenuous activities while it is suffering from heartworm and undergoing treatment. While pets are typically good at moderating themselves, you should not induce any extra excitement.
Advantages Over Other Treatments
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Herbal treatments for pets with heartworm are generally safer than other treatment methods. TheHerbsPlace.com states that veterinarians have traditionally used chemical-based treatments to destroy heartworm. However, these treatments can produce harmful side effects and even death, especially with older pets. According to DogPro.com, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recalled one such medication in 2004 for causing liver problems, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, and death in pets taking the heartworm product. Herbal heartworm treatments have never produced side effects as severe, and they also aid in protecting pets against future infections.
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