Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the pulmonary arteries and right side of the hearts of dogs and other mammals. Heartworms are a type of nematode, or roundworm. The offspring circulate in the bloodstream and are picked up by mosquitoes, which transfer the larvae to other mammals through bites. Heartworm disease damages both the lungs and heart. Dogs tend to suffer more damage from infection than cats.
-
Vinegar and Garlic
-
Mosquitoes serve as an intermediate host during the heartworm's larval stage. Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to a dog's diet may make it less appetizing to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted to exhaled CO2, and vinegar on the breath may cancel out the attraction. Topical application of vinegar may also work as a repellent. Small amounts of raw garlic--either in the diet or topically--are recommended by holistic animal health advocates for the same reason.
Diatomaceous Earth
-
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is made from the fossils of microscopic plankton or diatoms. It feels like a fine powder to us, but to small parasites, it is full of razor-sharp edges. When insects scrape against the substance, they lose moisture through the cuts it inflicts and dry up. Several zoos now incorporate 2 percent diatomaceous earth into animal diets to kill off internal parasites. Be sure to use food-grade, not pool-grade DE. Pool-grade DE is heat-treated and therefore contains silica that has become crystalline, making it dangerous to inhale.
Since diatomaceous earth mainly travels through the digestive tract, it is not very helpful for heartworms in the vascular system. But since it kills other parasites that might be taking a toll on the animal, it can leave the immune system stronger for fighting heartworms.
Walking Hours
-
Keep your dogs indoors during dawn and dusk, the times when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Mosquitoes tend to be less active after 11pm, so walking before dusk and after 11pm are good times for avoiding transmission.
See a Vet
-
If prevention fails and your dog tests positive for heartworms, the matter has become more urgent. The quicker you act, the less damage the dog will suffer. See a vet immediately and follow the required regimen of treatment. Delay could lead to the death of your pet.
-