The cause of heartworms is mosquitoes.
These are parasites that enter the bloodstream as larvae and migrate to the heart. Six months after reaching the heart, the larvae turn into adults, and that's
when problems begin. Full-grown heartworms may eventually fill the heart, blocking flow of blood to the lungs and doing damage
to the heart. Often, by the time you see symptoms, they've already done some damage to the heart.
What the average pet owner is not aware of if just how perfect the conditions have to be for a dog to get heartworms in the first place:
The heartworm
has 5 separate larval stages referred to simply as L1, L2, L3, and so on. It also has two separate cycles which combined makeup the lifecycle of the heartworm. Only one cycle takes place in a mosquito and the other inside a dog.
The mosquito becomes infested when it bites a dog which is already harboring L1 (MICROFILARIAE). *This can only happen if the dog is also harboring the L5, or adult, male and female heartworm as the Microfilariae are their offspring. These Microfilariae can live for up two years in the dogs blood but must be taken up by a mosquito in order to develop any further. If they are not they will simply die of old age.
Once the mosquito is infested, the larva must go through to stages of development or molts L2, and L3,before they can infect another dog. This, mosquito, stage takes anywhere from two weeks to several months depending on the weather. The warmer the weather the faster the development.
The importance of temperature:
While the larva are developing in the mosquito, the temperature MUST remain above 57 degrees Fahrenheit at all times, day and night. If at any time during the mosquito stage the temperature drops below 57 F, the development is halted and must start over.
It is only the L3 larva which are capable of infesting your dog.
So, now lets say that a mosquito has bitten an infested dog and the temperature has remained above 57°for a minimum of 14 days since that bite and the mosquito bites your dog. Still your dog is not infested because the L3 larva are deposited in a tiny droplet of mosquito saliva adjacent to the bite not injected into your dog as many would have us believe.
Providing the humidity and temperature are such that the droplet does not evaporate, the L3 larva must swim through the saliva and into the mosquito bite, thereby entering your dogs system. Once inside your dog the L3 larva must spend the next two weeks or so developing into the L4 larva. During this period of time the larva is living in the skin, not the blood of the newly infested dog. The L4 will continue to live and develop in the skin for the next three or four months where it develops into the L5 stage.
Once it makes this development into the L5 it then leaves the skin and enters the circulatory system. The L5 or young adult then migrates to the heart and pulmonary arteries. Once there it will mate approximately 5 to 7 months after entering the dogs body. That is of course assuming that the dog has been infested with both male and female larva. This mating produces the Microfilariae.
Prevention
is by far the most important part of medicine. As you all know by now, I am convinced that having a very strong immune system is of the utmost importance to your dog. I believe that a strong healthy dog will throw off parasites and illness all on it's own.
With that said, dogs that are not at their peak of health should be first started with a good diet, I recommend a raw, species appropriate diet first and foremost. At the very least a home cooked one or an organic, chemical free, grain free food), supplementation and general remedies for a period of time to strengthen their immune system. Then, the wonderful, natural treatment effects will kick in!
Dr Jeffery Levy, feels as I do about the importance of treating the dog, not the heartworm.(emphasis is mine)
"The objective of treating a dog with heartworm should NOT be to get rid of the heartworm. You're not treating the heartworm, you're treating the dog... It makes a lot more sense to measure the treatment by looking at the dog's quality of life. So, he is positive for heartworm. The fact is, heartworms have been around forever and dogs and heartworms have been coexisting for all eternity. It's actually a relatively recent phenomenon that dogs are dying from heartworm. Heartworm is not, by any means, the death penealy it's made out to be. The dogs that die from heartwom are the dogs that ar being vaccinated, fed commercial food and are being treated with supressive drugs for every little thing that comes along".
Dr Levy maintains that, "Allopathic medicine is based on fear - fear of disease, fear of pathogens, fear of death. It's fear-based medicine and that has been the approach that's been used to get people to use heartworm preventives. It is not to say that heartwomrs don't exist, obviously, they do. Using the same fear-based approach to the main basis of vaccinations and for a lot of things...Disease, illness and symptoms come from within. A relatively healthy individual will not be susceptible to those things. So the ultimate answer is not to prevent heartworm or distemper or parvo or whatever, by some artifical means, but rather to just work on the health. To the degree that you can imporve your level of health, these things become less threatening."
(See my articles on the immune system)Here
NOW, realize this, a dog must be essentially healthy in order to resist succumbing to heartworm (or its treatments). This statement is more than just an idle observation – it is the principle that ensures the survival of wild canines, who (think about this now...) suffer far greater exposure to heartworm-carrying mosquitoes however, succumb in far lesser numbers than domestic dogs!
Dr. William Falconer, a veterinarian with a homeopathic practice in Austin, Texas states: “The heartworm has been out there forever as far as we know, but we don’t read reports of wolves and coyotes being wiped out by heartworm, and yet domestic dogs are falling prey to it."
Interesting point, don't you think?
So why are our pets/domesticated dogs falling prey to heartworms? Surely they are more healthy then the wild canines, with all our feeding of "scientifically balanced", processed foods and vaccinating them to prevent them from getting all the nasty and sometimes fatal diseases right? ... WRONG!
We’re vaccinating our dogs way too much and too often, we’re feeding them poor nutrition to say the least, and we’re using chemical pesticides to kill their fleas and ticks. All of these things combine to weaken their immune systems, and their immunity is what’s going to save them.
On the other hand, Foxes, coyotes, and wolves go un-vaccinated, eat only raw meat, bones, and only a very few herbs and/or berries when there is no meat available. These wild canines are never exposed to the dozens of toxic chemicals we use to kill fleas, ticks and even heartworm on our dogs and in our homes. Interesting that some seem coyotes and foxes have been found through research, to be able to “fight off” heartworm infestations and some others become host to the parasite however, in small enough numbers that the heartworms don’t threaten their hosts’ lives.
Veterinarian, Dr Jeffery Levy states: "Thanks in large part to the scare tactics of many veterinarians in promoting preventive drugs, many people believe that contracting heartworms is the equivalent of a death sentence for their dogs. This is not true."
Dr Levy concluded from this that it was not the heartworms that caused disease, but the other factors that damaged the dogs' health to the point that they could no longer compensate for an otherwise tolerable parasite load. "It is not really that different from the common intestinal roundworms, in that most dogs do not show any symptoms. Only a dog whose health is compromised is unable to tolerate a few worms. Furthermore, a truly healthy dog would not be susceptible to either type of worm in the first place. It seems to me that the real problem is that allopathic attitudes have instilled in many of us a fear of disease, fear of pathogens and parasites, fear of rabies, as if these are evil and malicious entities just waiting to lay waste to a naive and unprotected public."
Whichever end of the scale holistic veterinarians and veterinary naturopaths, place themselves on, we all agree about the first step toward heartworm prevention and treatment: A dog must be essentially healthy in order to resist succumbing to heartworm (or its treatments). This is more than an idle observation – it is the principle that ensures the survival of wild canines, who suffer far greater exposure to heartworm-carrying mosquitoes but succumb from the parasites in far lesser numbers than domestic dogs.
Parasites were never intended to kill their hosts. When they do, be assured that something is very out of balance. A parasite’s whole evolutionary thrust is to continue to live/survive its life cycle; if it kills its host, there’s a dead end. The fact that our domestic dogs are dying of this disease in greater and greater numbers indicates that something is way out of whack!
Given the wild canines’ efficiency in dealing with heartworm, virtually all veterinary naturopaths and
holistic practitioners, recommend utilizing as many aspects of the wild canines’ lifestyle as is practical for domestic dogs, including, most importantly, a natural diet of raw meat, bones, minimal vaccination, and severely
curtailed exposure to flea/tick -killing pesticides. Just STOP using them! There are many alternative, healthy ways of killing pests but again, a healthy immune system is the key.
Animals with healthy, balanced immune systems are not in need of a specific preventives becuase their very lifestyle is their preventative!
Heartworm Prevention
As stated above, the best prevention is a healthy lifestyle with the elimination of over vaccinating and chemicals as well as raw meaty bone diet.
I get emails and questions from people wanting to know what they can use an alternative to heartworm pesticides in the mean time while they are working on getting their dog (and cat) on a more healthy way of life. The following is for you:
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 65% of adverse drug reactions and 48% of all reported deaths
resulting from drug reactions are caused by heartworm preventatives. The potential side effects of Ivermectin (the
active ingredient in Heartgard) include liver problems, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, lethargy,
skin eruptions, seizures, tremors, paralysis, autoimmune disorders, thyroid problems, fever, weakness, dizziness, coughing,
nose bleeds, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, irritability, sudden aggressive behavior, nerve damage, fertility problems,
and sudden death. Other chemical heartworm preventatives have many of the same side effects.
These drugs weaken your pet's immune system which recognizes the chemicals as poison. The body works hard to eliminate the
toxins and major organs, like the liver and kidneys, are taxed. For this reason, the pet's body is not able to handle
contact with the normal bacterial or viral substances in our world, so it gets sick more easily.
Part of the veterinary industry has acknowledged these dangers. These "alternative vets" are open to natural, safe
and effective alternatives. Many of these vets believe that the long-term use of heartworm prevention drugs are a link in
the chain of diseases such as arthritis, liver and kidney diseases, skin allergies, and many types of cancers.
Please, understand, when your dog is on Heartworm pills or chews (all pesticides), mosquitoes will still bite them. The key is to get the blood of your pet in a
healthy enough condition that the mosquitoes won't want it. Healthy dogs have a bitter tasting blood to parasites. Un-healthy dogs blood is more attracitve them and may taste sweet to them.
For those of you just changing your pet over to a natural lifestyle and are looking for a natural pevention in addition to nutrition and minimal vaccinating, here are some Natural Heartworm Prevention Programs
Mosquitoes are a parasite. Many herbs and essential oils have anti-parasitic properties will discourage not only mosquitoes, but fleas and ticks as well.
Herbs such as Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), Clove Flower Buds (Eugenia
caryophyllata), Garlic (Allium sativum),Spearmint Herb (Mentha spicata), Turmeric Root (Curcuma longa), Black Walnut
(Juglans nigra), and Wormwood (Artemisia annua) are examples of what can be used to formulate an effective preventative and are used by some as part of a treatment program for pets already heavily infested.
Dogs and cats have their own way of protecting themselves from mosquitoes. They
instinctively will avoid the hot, muggy places where mosquitoes congregate and spend time in the cool, dry areas. You may also notice them roll in the dust or even mud to remove moisture from the skin and change their scent,to be less attractive to mosquitoes.
I believe prevention comes from a good diet, meaning a strong immune system. It is pretty rare for worms to kill dogs. They will die eventually. However, remember if your dog has a low
immune system, the parasites they may be host to are more likely to reproduce and infest.
Learn how to boost your pet's immune system
here,as appeared in the Whole Dog Journal, January 2004 Issue.
Dr.Michelle Tilghman, D.V.M. says, "Strengthen [your pet's] resistance with whole
foods. Dogs are more likely to resist heartworms when they are given all-natural foods, which help keep the
immune system strong.
If you don't want to feed them a natural raw diet or make their foods at home, then please, use a commercial food that is
free of grains, potatoes, additives and preservatives.
Read about Rubicon, a holistic, organic, grain and potato free kibble that is layerd with freeze dried RAW meat and bones HERE.
Mona Boudreaux, D.V.M. says, "Give [your pet] garlic. This pungent herb makes the blood
bitter and is thought to repel mosquitoes, cleanse the blood, and strengthen the immune system. Dogs over 50 pounds can
have as much as two teaspoons of garlic a day, and smaller dogs can have 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon a day. Caution! Garlic can be a problem for cats, so don't give them too much if at all A safe limit is 1/8 teaspoon or less a day for up to two weeks at a time."
There are several great Natural Preventative Programs out there. I
will share a few with you here. However, PLEASE Remember, the key is to keep your dog's healthy with strong immune system not to rely on herbs or other modalities while still feeding junk food, vaccinating and using chemicals on your pets.
If you live in a region with a large mosquito population and/or your dog has been on a not so perfect, kibble diet and regularly vaccinated until now, you may want to use an herbal/botanical approach.
The first one, I personally used for a few years with my own dogs in the past. It consists of three herbal
products:
Artemisia Combination - This is used like a monthly de-wormer.
HSII -(sold by Natures Sunshine) this is to keep the heart strong. It can be given every few days or at least once a week.
Black Walnut - This is a great nutrition booster helping metabolism and keeping the animal less desireable by parasites [fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes].
Artemisia
Combo
This product combines elecampane root with two species of Artemisia,
mugwort and wormwood, to provide an exceptionally powerful herbal
formula. Artemisia has a long history of use in China, Europe, and the
U.S. for its anti-parasitic qualities. Artemisia is believed to create
an unfavorable environment for parasites.
Ingredients:
Proprietary blend 780 mg *
Elecampane Root (Inula helenium)
Mugwort Herb (Artemisia vulgaris)
Clove Flower Buds (Eugenia caryophyllata)
Garlic Bulb (Allium sativum)
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
Spearmint Herb (Mentha spicata)
Turmeric Root (Curcuma longa)
Olive Leaf (Olea europa)
Wormwood Herb (Artemisia annua)
*Daily Value not established
Other Ingredients: Cellulose (plant fiber), magnesium stearate
(vegetable), silicon dioxide (powdered silica), gelatin, and water.
|
Black
Walnut
Black Walnut is used as an astringent
because it is rich
in tannin, a toning substance. Black
Walnut is famous for
it's cleansing
properties and has
been used to treat
worms.
Ingredients:
Black Walnut Hulls (Green Hulls) (Juglans nigra) 1000 mg*
*Daily Value not established
Other Ingredients: Magnesium stearate (vegetable), silicon dioxide
(powdered silica), kosher gelatin, and water.
|
HSII
HS II is a combination designed for support to the
circulatory system, containing: hawthorn berries, capsicum and garlic.
Hawthorn berries is used to strengthen and tone the heart, feed the
adrenals, cleanse arteries, and has been known to balance blood
pressure. Capsicum has long been used as a way to boost circulation
and cleanse the body. Recent studies have shown garlic to be of
benefit to the digestive, circulatory and immune systems.
Ingredients:
Proprietary blend 920 mg*
Hawthorn Berries (Crataegus oxyacanthoides)
Capsicum Fruit (Capsicum annuum)
Garlic Bulb (Allium sativum)
*Daily Value not established
Other Ingredients: Gelatin and water.
|
A Prevention Program Using These Herbs
Guideline for weight:
*Under 5 lbs - 1/4 capsule Artemisia and 1/8 ml of Black Walnut Liquid Extract
(2 to 5 drops)
*10-25 lbs - 2 capsules Artemisia and 1/4 ml Black Walnut Liquid Extract (5
to 7 drops)
*25-50 lbs - 2-3 capsules Artemisia and 1/2 ml Black Walnut Liquid Extract (10
to 15 drops)
*50 lbs and over - 3 capsules Artemisia and 1 ml Black Walnut (20 to 25 drops)
*100 lbs and over - simply double the *50 lbs and over instruction above
During the first week of each month [for 7
days]:
Based on a 12-15 pound dog
(adjust accordingly)
One (1) Artemesia
first thing in the morning and one (1) in the evening [as close to 12 hours
apart as possible] on an empty stomach [as much as possible] so the properties
have a chance to kill parasites without having to be blended with a full meal.
Most dogs have no problems with this formula on an empty stomach. If your dog
does, you can give as much food as necessary with it, but this is a rare
necessity. This is like a monthly de-wormer.
One (1) HSII
every few days or at least once a month. This is used to keep the heart strong.
1/4 ml Black Walnut Liquid Extract (5
to 7 drops), sprinkled over
food, daily or given orally!
Given all month long:
Four to five (4-5) days each week, I put 1 to
1-1/2 ml Liquid Black Walnut
in their drinking water or 1/4 - 1/2 Capsule sprinkled on thier food.
To Order These herbal formulas, Click Here
On the average, using the recommeded Natures Sunshine Products mentioned above, this heartworm program should last approximately 2 to 3 months for a 50 lb. dog!
I've found that most pets like Black Walnut
Extract. A little bit of Black Walnut goes a long way, so be sure to adjust this
according to weight like the rest of the program.
Please use wisdom and
common sense in deciding whether the natural approach is for you and your pet
family. Since the herbal way is less expensive than the drugs, please be sure
you make the investment to have your dog tested annually.
The above herbal formulas have been used in higher dosages to treat heartworm positive dogs! Please click here
for more information
*********************
Since the best way to prevent heartworms is clearly having the dogs immune system in tip
top shape, I want to share two products that science has proven work to improve the immune system. they are :
Transfer Factors (found in Bovine Colostrum) and Humic extracts, specifically Fulvic acids.
When scientists remove every larger and identifiable component from colostrum, including milk, whey, individual cells,
etc., what remains last of all is the ultramicroscopic transfer factor. Transfer factor has been best described as tiny
fragments of molecules, possibly DNA fragments, that somehow remain functional. These fragments seem to be energized with some unknown mysterious power of self-replicating communication.
Dr. Falconer currently is doing a study and having great sucsess with a new, not yet available, highly potent
transfer factors product to treat heartworm positive dogs.
Interestingly, in many ways the scientific studies on the mysteries and mechanisms of fulvic acid parallel exactly the
studies on transfer factors. So far as we know, no other
scientists have actually put the two together. Scientists working with fulvic acid know that it also
is an ultramicroscopic substance that has a most unique messaging relay system that is activated when it comes into contact
with living organisms. Just like transfer factors, fulvic acid sensitizes cells, passing on unique information related to
immunity. It also has been shown to assist in activating protection and defense mechanisms that are able to be passed on
and remain with the organism for life, even with just one contact.
www.fulvic.com
As a preventitive, many are using the Vital HF™ which is a Humic Acid/Fulvic Acid product.
***********************
Young Living Essential Oils
Here is a program that I have had people share with me:
Young Living's essential blend, Di-Gize in conjution with Young Living's Parafree. I have two testimonies from people with dogs that had been tested "high positive" and after 21 days are now testing "mild".
Following is one of the Heartworm protocol using Young Living products.
Give Di-Gize and Parafee on the food daily for 7 days in a row each month.
Dosage:
* Tiny to small dog: I would give 1 drop of Di-gize, and an 1/8 of a dropper of the Parafree.
* Medium dog: give 2 drops of Di-gize, a ¼ of a dropper of the Parafree.
* Large dog: give 3 drops of Di-gize, a ½ of a dropper of the Parafree.
* Super sized dog: give 4 drops of Di-gize, a 1 of a dropper of the Parafree.
NOTE: Di-Gize can be given daily every day of the year if desired. It is it is good for the stomach, intestinal/digestive tract and the urinary tract.
**********************
There have been testimonies that peole have successfully used the following to rid heartworm in resuce dogs that tested positive for heartworms when they entered their care.
Young Living Heartworm Protocol
please keep in mind that this may not work for your individual pet.
Supplements and Oils needed from Young Living Essential Oils:
* Di-gize
* Parafree
* Immupower
* Essentialzyme
* HRT
* Mineral Essence
* Sulferzyme
* Vitagreen
* Either Berry Young Juice or NingXia Red Juice
The Di-gize and Parafree are the most important items to begin with; however, you will want to add the rest of the items to the diet as soon as possible because they help to rebuild the damage done by the heartworm.
Mix the above items with a wet food mixture and feed this daily. You will want to make sure you keep up this regimen as long as it takes to get the dog free of the heartworm (testing comes back negative). I have had cases clear up within a month and one case that took 4 months to fully get heartworm free. Persistence is the main key.
Now, how much of each to give the dog. Well, of course it is going to depend on the size of the dog. Here’s a basic guideline; feel free to adjust accordingly.
* Tiny to small dog: I would give 1 drop of Di-gize, a 1/8 of a dropper of the Parafree and 2 drops of the Immupower. I would give a 1/8th of a teaspoon of all the dry supplements and an ¼ dropper full of the liquid HRT and Mineral Essence. I would give ¼ oz of the BYJ or NRJ.
* Medium dog: I would give 2 drops of Di-gize, a ¼ of a dropper of the Parafree and 2 drops of the Immupower. I would give a ¼ of a teaspoon of all the dry supplements and a ½ dropper full of the liquid HRT and Mineral Essence. I would give ½ oz of the BYJ or NRJ.
* Large dog: I would give 3 drops of Di-gize, a ½ of a dropper of the Parafree and 2 drops of the Immupower. I would give a ¾ of a teaspoon of all the dry supplements and a ½ dropper full of the liquid HRT and Mineral Essence. I would give ¾ oz of the BYJ or NRJ.
* Super sized dog: I would give 4 drops of Di-gize, a 1 of a dropper of the Parafree and 2 drops of the Immupower. I would give a 1of a teaspoon of all the dry supplements and a 1 dropper full of the liquid HRT and Mineral Essence. I would give 1 oz of the BYJ or NRJ.
Leigh Ann Foster VT, CVA, Certified Animal Behavior Specialist, Professional Animal Rescue and Rehabilitator
PLEASE NOTE!Only Young Living Essential Oils should be used in these prevention and treatment programs.
To order The above Young Living products, Click HERE
************************
Heartworm prevention requires a multi-faceted approach which includes not only boosting and
keeping the immune system in top shape but, not exposing your dog to mosquitoes as much as possible.
I've been successful with a preventative program, but would not recommend this for dogs who are kept outside because they
have increased exposure and are thus at higher risk.
To provide as much protection as possible from mosquitoes, you can use cedar mulch in the
dog house, make sure there is no standing water for the mosquitoes to breed and prior to leaving the house and again upon
returning after play or "business", your dog can be misted with an essential oil spray made of distilled water and 100% pure, theraputic grade essential oils(The Whole Dog and Dr Jeannie only recommend and use Young Living Essential Oils) and make up
your own spray which you can make up and keep by the door.
The mist I personally make up and use is made of 1 cup of distilled water with 10 drops
of geranium OR 4 drops each of lemongrass, grapefruit and peppermint. Shake before spraying. I use this on myself as a great mosquito and bug repellant when I am out in the garden in the evening. Nice and safe with no worries of toxic chemicals on the skin.
Another great mosquito repellant spray made with essential oils is as follows:
20 drops of each of the following oils per 10oz of distilled water:
Purification
Peppermint
Orange
Mix them with 10 oz of distilled water, shake and spray the pet down every time it goes outside. If it stays outside all the time, then it is suggested using Purification "neat" along the spine and on the ears 2 – 3 times a day. (This will also help deter flys)
