Heartworm
Disclaimer: None of the members of Midwest Border Collie Rescue are veterinarians, but we are experienced dog owners. The information below has been collected out of need when our dogs have been sick or injured. You should do your own research and make an informed decision about the health and wellness of your pet(s). You should also consider seeking the assistance of a qualified vet before making a change in diet or changing your pet(s) vaccination protocol.
Testing and Prevention
A simple blood test can tell you if your dog has heartworm disease. Please get your dog tested!
Heartworm Facts
The transmissibility season for heartworm varies by climate, and is determined by temperature. In order for the larvae of the heartworm, carried by mosquitoes, to be transmitted to a dog, the temperature must be at least 60 degrees for a month.
This means, for example, that in Florida, the heartworm season will be quite long. In Florida, it might make sense to give prevention year round.
In Chicago, the temperature necessary for transmission is not reached until late Spring. Temperatures will being to drop in October/November.
Preventatives kill heartworm larvae
The chemicals used to control heartworm are called preventatives, but when we use them we are actually treating larvae. The chemicals kill the larvae your dog may have picked up in the period since the last dose. These preventatives are NOT vaccines. Typically, your vet will recommend a monthly pill. They are flavored so most dogs just consider it a treat and happily eat it.
When to start and end medication?
To determine the best time to test your animal, see the guidelines at www.heartwormsociety.org Each graphic area is different.
Heartworm is not transmissible from mosquitoes to dogs until the weather is quite warm. Medications work on larvae acquired after the season starts. The time to start recommended by the American Heartworm Society is a month after the transmissibility season begins.
Support the liver after treatment!
Chicago area holisitic veterinarian, Dr. Karen Becker, suggests a daily dose of milk thistle for the week following treatment. Milk thistle supports the liver as it metabolizes the medication and aids in the body's detoxification process.
For more information on Heartworm to to www.heartwormsociety.org