How to Naturally Compliment Heartworm Treatment in Dogs

We humans find mosquitoes annoying but for dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) they can be deadly. When a mosquito bites a dog it can transmit heartworm larvae which migrate to the heart and mature. Six months after infection they can begin to block the heart and blood flow. Once infected, veterinarians recommend giving dogs medication to eliminate the heartworms. These drugs are powerful and can be dangerous. This why the medicines should be administered and monitored by a veterinarian. The following remedies can compliment the treatment and help your pet's body to heal.

Things You'll Need

• Homeopathic remedy arsenicum
• Noni juice
• Herbal supplements
• Quality dog food
• Garlic

Instructions

Treatment

1. Reduce the side effects of treatment medications with Arsenicum. his homeopathic remedy can help cleanse away arsenic, a key ingredient in some heartworm medications. Use a 6X to 30X potency for two or three times per day for up to two weeks. Dogs under 15 pounds can take one to two pellets at a time. Larger animals can take three to five pellets. If the pellets are too big, they should be crushed on a piece of paper and poured into the dog's lip of onto the toungue. Do not give with food or within 30 minutes before or after eating.

2. Use Noni juice. Noni juice is an extract from a Tihition plant with antiparasitic properties. It can help clear out the cardiovascular system while the parasites are being killed by the medicine. It can also help heal the toxic effects of the drug. Pets under 15 pounds can have one teaspoon of noni juice once a day. Larger dogs can take up to a tablespoon per day. Dogs don't like the taste so it will have to be administered into the mouth by a needleless syringe or eyedropper.

3. Protect the liver. It is critical to give the liver extra support since most medication is processed by the vital organ. Use herbal supplements containing milk thistle, dandelion or red clover. Each is known for its liver protecting properties. Dogs over 50 pounds can take the full human dose. Those 15 to 50 pounds can take one half the human dose, while smaller pets should take one quarter of the human dose. The supplement is a good precurser to starting medicinal treatment. B-vitamins will also protect the liver by breaking down the components of the medicines. Give 50 milligrams of a B-complex for every 20 pounds of weight once per day.

Prevention

1. Give your dog preventative medicine so that if it is bitten by an infected mosquitoe, the larvae will be killed in the early stages. This is the only sure way to prevent infection. These medicines are sold and distributed only by veterinarians. The most common form is a once a month pill, but a once a day formula is also available.

2. Strengthen a dog's resistance with quality food. An all natural diet is just as good for your dog as it is for you. Purchase the food at a pet store and look for a brand that is free of additives and preservatives, preferably with meat as two of the top three ingredients. Add fresh vegetables for increased nutrients.

3. Give the dog garlic. Garlic can cleanse the blood and strengthen the immune system. Dogs love the pungent smell which is known to repel mosquites. Dogs over 50 pounds can have as much as two teaspoons per day. Smaller dogs can have a quarter to a half teaspoon per day.