heartworm

[Shanti]

Sorry, this isn't on RAW TOPIC but members here share the same, I believe, interest in natural health for their animals.....

so, could someone tell me or provide a link regarding the necessity of HeartWorm pills every year???

[SharonC]

This is a difficult decision for me - much more so than vaccinations. There are many in the natural rearing world who do not give heartworm pills no matter where they live - even Florida. They are also feeding raw, not vaccinating, not using chemicals, drugs, etc. My homeopathic vet who has clients all of the U.S. says that half of his clients do and half do not.

I personally know someone whose dog did get heartworms (in Texas), and she cured it on her own with a product called Heartworm Free. I have heard that the company who makes this product http://www.ambertech.com/index.php is currently testing a natural heartworm preventative.

I am hoping for a reliable natural product one day because this is the one thing that my husband will not budge on! So, for now, I give Interceptor every 6 to 8 weeks (only do every 6 weeks during the worst mosquito months), and I do not give it year round.

'They' tell you to give it every month because they suspect that people will forget, and there will be a protective buffer. I don't need a buffer!

It works by killing any 'babies' that 'might' be in the system before they mature - it is actually a just in case treatment. Mosquitoes start appearing here sometime in mid February, so depending on when they actually appear, I usually give the first dose early to mid April (within the 8 week time frame). And then give the last dose around mid December (our first freeze here is usually mid to late November). So, about 5 or 6 doses a year here in North Texas. In colder climates, it would be even less.

Also, give a liver detox supplement for a few days before and several days after I give the heartworm pill.

Sharon

[Shanti]

Thanks for sharing, Sharon. I'm also in a tough place, trying to decide weather to stop my dog insurance. She cost SO much in the beginning, that now they won't even cover these allergy injections taht I have her on (and barely see any difference from before); of cOURSE not once did any vet (and I've had a couple) suggest any natural alternatives......push only their food....and that's it. Arent these people supposed to love animals!! in any case, I'll probably check to see whether homeopathic care is covered...... and go from there. It's more insurance for the future for when she really gets old or in case something extraordinary happens.

[SharonC]

I totally understand your frustration! The current system is so very sad - both human and animal. It took me many years to fully understand that the health care system is not even about health - many reasons for this. I eventually came to the realization that if I wanted myself, my family, and my pets to be healthy, it was up to ME to find out how to achieve that and just do it. Sometimes lonely road (although I am meeting more and more people who are doing it!), but very worth it.

The standard practicing vet or doctor does not know about natural alternatives and has no clue about health and nutrition, so I would not rely on them for information or help. They are great for acute trauma and diagnosis and can be helpful in certain situations, if needed.

Staying as much out of the system as I can works for me. But, you have to research to know what to do instead (and gain the confidence to do it). Of course, as close to the ideal diet as possible is the foundation of health. Many health issues are resolved with diet alone. Then beyond that, there are many natural alternatives. For instance, my 16 year little Yorkie has a back issue (long story - accidentally run over by big dog years ago). She woke up one morning in severe pain and could not walk. Took her to my vet who diagnosed her with spine degeneration (something like that!), and I immediately rushed her to my chiropractor vet who had her walking and out of pain in 10 minutes. This was a few years ago, and she has to get chiropractic adjustments every 2 or 3 months to keep her going, along with natural joint supplements. But, other than that, she has not needed any medical interventions. So, I saved a lot of money on vet bills in all the years that she did not need anything. (Keep in mind that this is the dog who had health issues at a very early age. I am sure I would have been in the vicious disease/drug cycle if I had not taken a different path.) I do not even do regular exams anymore (including myself). I rely on true prevention now that I know what to do.

If following conventional mindset, I would have given her a drug that did nothing to make her healthy and actually caused more health issues - many of the drugs that are given in this situation cause liver and kidney failure. That is an example of the vicious cycle of the disease care system and that is why insurance is so expensive and why the disease care industry is booming. Not taking part in this is what I have chosen to do, and it is really paying off.

Regarding pet insurance, I have heard that they do not reliably pay, and even when they do, it would be all conventional medicine (standard practice) - nothing natural. If you put that money towards a better diet and supplements, it would be so much better in the long run, in my opinion!

Sharon

[raw4liz]

http://web.archive.org/web/20040605095457/bullovedbulldogs.com/heartworm.htm

hope that helps,
liz

[portiz]

http://web.archive.org/web/20040605095457/bullovedbulldogs.com/heartworm.htm

hope that helps,
liz

thanx for the link...there's a recipe in there for a natural mosquito repellant spray.

I live in Houston, which is mosquito heaven--there's been several cases of west nile virus in this area since scientists caught on to it (this has to do more with horses and people, I think). But my two boxers aren't on any HW medication, "preventative" or otherwise. Zeus just turned 6 and Cleo's a year old today. I do have them checked twice a year for heartworm though.

They are indoor dogs, but they are left to run in and out during the day when I'm not home. So if you have yours indoor 24/7, you shouldn't really worry about HW medicine.