Warm weather means time to guard your pets against pests such as mosquitoes. These kinds of pests can be a nuisance, but they can also lead to real danger, like heartworms. While regular treatment with preventive heartworm medication can help protect your pets, some pet owners worry about the long-term effects of such drugs and have turned to herbal remedies instead.
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Repel Mosquitoes
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Heartworms are the result of larva that is transmitted from an infected pet to another pet through mosquito bites. Thus, keeping mosquitoes out of your yard with mosquito-repelling plants can lower your dog or cat's risk of heartworm infestation. Plants such as citronella grass, rosemary, marigold and catnip repel mosquitoes with their scent. Additionally, crushing the leaves of these plants and rubbing them over your pet's fur makes a natural bug repellent. For dogs, but not cats, you can also make up a spray of essential oil mixed with water. Some essential oils that contain mosquito-repelling properties are geranium, lemongrass, grapefruit and peppermint.
Boost Your Pet's Circulation
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Heartworms are parasites that affect the circulatory system. By strengthening your pet's circulatory system, you increase his natural defense against heartworms. A "circulation tonic," which can be mixed with your pet's food, is one way to boost the circulatory system; this is a homeopathic liquid that is taken to improve the circulation (see Resources below). Herbs that are known to increase circulation include hawthorn, wolfsbane or small doses of natural salt (Kalium phosphate).
Prevent Larvae from Maturing
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According to the American Heartworm Society, many dogs and cats already have the larvae that develop into heartworms. Larvae can live in a dog or cat for up to six months before growing into adult heartworms. That is why preventative chemical heartworm medications focus on killing the parasitic larvae before they can develop further. You can achieve the same results by using antiparasitic herbs. One good way to do this is to administer the herbs in your pet's drinking water. Antiparasitic herbs have a side benefit in that they also repel fleas and ticks. Some good antiparasitic herbs include mugwort, black walnut, garlic, clove flower buds, spearmint, turmeric root and wormwood; herbal heartworm formulas often contain mixtures of these herbs.
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