Heartgard

Most worm infections come from the soil. These worm infections are transmitted from the soil to the host because of improper hygiene. Canine heartworm is different from these worm infections because it is not transmitted from the soil to the host through ingestion. Canine heartworm is transmitted from an infected dog to a healthy dog through a mosquito bite.

Not only humans can be infected with diseases if bitten by mosquitoes. This can also happen with dogs. Which is why, we should also take precautions so that canine heartworms or any type of worms will not infect dogs. Here are some things that you can do to prevent canine heartworm infection in your dog.

Know when the local mosquito season is. Give your dog extra attention during the mosquito season to prevent and detect infection with canine heartworm.

Don’t let your dog sleep outside the house without sufficient protection from mosquito bites. Almost anything in the dark attracts mosquitoes. In order to prevent canine heartworm, never let your dog sleep in the dark. Also, provide proper shelter for your dog when he stays outside the house to prevent canine heartworm infection.

Remove possible breeding grounds of mosquitoes from your home or your yard. Your dog probably likes to run around the yard. Make sure that mosquitoes don’t dwell in stagnant waters or near the plants where your dog likes to play. Staying near mosquito breeding grounds makes your dog more prone to canine heartworm parasites.

If you suspected that your dog was bitten by mosquitoes or you are aware that it is the local mosquito season, consult your dog’s veterinarian so that he can determine if your dog is already a host of canine heartworm. If your dog is already a host, the veterinarian can recommend the necessary treatment for the infection.

On the other hand, if your dog doesn’t have canine heartworm, the veterinarian can prescribe preventative drugs in order to protect your dog from canine heartworm infection.

One of these preventative or prophylactic drugs is Ivermectin. It is known by its brand name Heartgard. Ivermectin is available in a chewable tablet form, which will make it easier for your dog to take the medication. When your dog is under Ivermectin medication to prevent canine heartworm, you have to administer the correct dose and administer it on time.

Ivermectin has to be administered every thirty days for one year in order to completely eradicate or prevent canine heartworm infection.

Tags: Pet Health, Heartworms, Heartworm, K9, Pet Meds