The Treatment Process of Heartworm in Dogs

Posted on September 25th, 2007 in Treatment by heartgard

Heartworm in dogs can kills our beloved pets. Once the heartworm in dogs is in its advanced stage, the parasite can migrate to the dog’s heart to cause congestive heart failure. Heartworm in dogs do not only cause damage to the dog’s heart. This parasite can also damage the dog’s other organs including the lungs, the eyes, the liver, the kidney, the arteries and even the dog’s brain.

Preventive measures should be taken to combat heartworm in dogs. To prevent this, you have to make sure that your dog is not exposed or vulnerable to mosquitoes. Also, as part of eliminating mosquitoes at home, clean the possible breeding grounds of mosquitoes especially during the local mosquito season.

In case you suspect infection of heartworm in dogs, you have to bring your dog immediately to a veterinarian. The veterinarian will then prescribe preventative or therapeutic medications against heartworm in dogs.

One of the preventative and therapeutic medications for heartworm in dogs is Ivermectin. You may not have heard of Ivermectin yet because it is more popularly known by its brand name, Heartgard.

Heartgard is effective against the larval forms of heartworm in dogs. If the heartworm in dogs is already in its adult stage, the adult forms should be eradicated before the larval forms are killed. An arsenic based compound usually kills the adult forms of heartworm in dogs.

Before the heartworm in dogs is treated, the veterinarian must first make sure that the dog is healthy. He has to especially check the dog’s vital organs since treating heartworm in dogs can cause an unusual stress to the dog’s organs. If the dog is unhealthy, this issue should be addressed first before proceeding to the treatment of heartworm in dogs.

If the dog is unhealthy during the treatment of heartworm in dogs, the treatment may cause organ failure in the dog and can then lead to the dog’s death. After the treatment of heartworm in dogs, the dog has to rest in order to help its body eliminate the dead worms. Otherwise, the dead heartworm in dogs may still go to the lungs and cause respiratory failure and death to the dog.

Treatment of heartworm in dogs is a long and delicate process. The dog must be prepared for the treatment to ensure maximum effect of the treatment.

But before your dog will even need treatment for heartworm in dogs, take precautionary measures to prevent this parasite from infecting your dog.

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Heartworm Treatment for Your Dogs Health

Posted on September 17th, 2007 in Treatment by heartgard

Parasites are the number one problem that our pets have to deal with. Health should be prioritized, animals are vulnerable to diseases especially parasites. These tiny creatures live to the expense of others. They feed on the blood of their host and could transfer infections.

Fleas and ticks are categorized as external parasites while intestinal worms and heartworms are internal parasites. Pet owners should keep an eye on these parasites particularly on heartworms. These parasites could danger the dog health and life if left untreated.

Mosquitoes are the carrier of heartworms. They transfer the parasites to the other dogs or animals by biting on these animals. Heartworms live inside the body of their infected dogs. An adult heartworm can be found in the heart and vessels. They easily reproduce and grow. Young heartworms are called microfilaria. They live and circulate in the blood of the infected dog.

Heartworms are easily transferred to other dogs and animals by a mosquito bite. These parasites can be easily treated. Heartworm treatment is given for dogs that have been already infected and can be given to puppies for prevention.

Heartworm treatment is normally given to puppies at the first visit to a veterinarian. Adult dogs are also required to have heartworm treatment even though they have already taken medication. It is given to dogs annually or biannual to make sure that dogs are in healthy condition and free from heartworm.

To treat heartworms, veterinarian prescribed medication in the form of tablet to take by dogs by mouth to kill this parasite.

Heartworm treatment may differ every year due to the age and weight of the dogs but it will remain in the formed of tablet. The first thing you would notice is the color of the tablet. Most tablets used for heartworm treatment comes in different colors that is appropriate in your dogs status.

It is better to start giving your dog heartworm treatment in young age even your dog is not infected. Do not wait for your dog to be infected with heartworm; prevention is better than medication.

So at least try to bring your dog in a veterinarian to have proper treatment. Heartworm treatment should be given by a professional and have knowledge to administer the treatment. You should not give your dog heartworm treatment without the prescription of the veterinarian. It is not a do it yourself. You might give your dog wrong dosed of medicine. It will do no good for your dog and could be fatal if not immediately treated.

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