The Causes, Symptoms and Effective Natural Treatment of Heartworms in Dogs

Heartworm is a name given to a roundworm parasite that officially is named Dirofilaria Immitis. Generally a disease found in dogs, heartworms may also be seen in cats. Most often the disease affects the blood vessels as well as chambers of the infested pet's heart, and may be fatal if left untreated.

It is important to note that mosquitoes can be carriers of heartworm larvae, and may infect an animal when it bites it to feed. Once inside the body, the larvae will find their way into the heart and then mature into adult worms. A female heartworm produces many microscopic worms that will circulate in the blood of the dog.

There are no "disease unique" symptoms of heartworm disease. The signs and symptoms vary widely, and generally become more and more severe as the disease progresses. Slight cases show no to very small signs. Symptoms of a moderate case may be seen as a chronic cough, loss of stamina and the dog having less energy. Moreover, a severe infestation may present as severe coughing, noted weight loss, difficulty breathing, and exhaustion to the point of collapsing, and the animal may begin retaining fluid in his legs or abdominal region. In order to help prevent extensive damage to the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys or blood vessels, timely treatment is required. If not treated, a severe case of heartworms may lead to death.

There are completely natural worm remedies that work as well as commercial medications. These effective natural treatment and prevention remedies are safe for your pet, as they are all natural.

An herbal remedy is available, under the name Parasite Doctor that will effectively rid the animal of intestinal parasites such as round worms, tape worms, and heartworms. It is prepared from special herbs that show antiseptic, anti-parasitic, and bacteria killing properties. These herbal remedies have no side effects, and are sometimes associated with the treatment of synthetic parasites.

Your licensed veterinarian may recommend some different treatments for your dog based on the severity of the heartworm infestation. If the infection is severe and may result in heart failure, your vet may recommend a sodium restricted diet. Exercise is also important in this case, and giving your pet the prescribed medications as directed will help to kill off the mature heartworms. Medium or light cases of heartworms are often easy to treat, but regular testing for heartworms is recommended.