By: Maral Heggemeier

I will get straight to the point of treating heartworm. We will discuss prevention and treatment. You are smart enough to know that prevention is better than treating heartworm.  Imagine being able to prevent heartworms and saving your pet from the harmful side effects experienced from standard treatment medications.

HEARTWORM MEDICATIONS | TREATING HEARTWORM

Revolution – This is a broad spectrum medication that has been reported to be the top of the list for dogs. This medication also protects your dog from flea infestations. Interceptor – This medication is reported to prevent heartworms, hookworms, whipworm, and roundworms. Heartgard – This medication is widely available that prevents heartworms, hookworms and roundworms. Very few side effects have been reported with this medication. Iverhart Max – This medication is used for heartworms and tapeworms. There do not seem to be many reported side effects with this medication.

Active ingredient in Heartgard and Iverhart  is ivermectin. The active ingredient in Interceptor is milbemycin and the active ingredient in Revolution is selamectin oxime. These medications work as a preventative in the sense they are actually using chemicals to kill off heartworms in their early stages. So while some say they are preventative they are also treatment. For our feline friends Heartgard for Cats is now the approved treatment medication.

SIDE EFFECTS FROM HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE MEDICATIONS USED FOR TREATING HEARTWORM

Side effects from use of heartworm preventative medications include diarrhea, convulsions, vomiting and general tiredness or weakness. Your pet’s body recognizes the chemicals in the heartworm pills as poison and uses their immune systems to try and fight off what they see as foreign bodies. Therefore, when on these medications your pets will have weakened immune systems which allow your pet to get sick easier.

FORMS OF CONVENTIONAL HEARTWORM TREATMENT FOR TREATING HEARTWORM

A slow kill method using a ivermectin based medicine such as  Heartgard or Ivermax A fast kill method using Immiticide which contains an arsenic compound Surgical removal of the heartworms from the heart and arteries leading to the heart

ALTERNATIVE PREVENTION FOR HEARTWORMS INSTEAD OF TREATING HEARTWORM

Because many veterinarians now recognize that long term use of preventative medications can cause side effects in our pets many people are turning to alternative methods to prevent heartworms. The methods will help overall but you should discuss using them with your vet. Did you know that garlic is now being used for treating heartworm? When our pets eat garlic is causes their skin to put off a pungent odor that repels insects such as fleas and mosquitoes.

Provide a healthy diet. Many people are now avoiding commercial pet food and feeding their pets natural vegetables, fruits, and raw meat Boost your pet’s immune system Strengthen your pet’s heart and circulatory system In areas where heartworms are prevalent think about regular de-worming Black walnut extract and garlic are also being used as preventatives Prevention is much cheaper than treatment at the vet’s office

For other great information on pet illnesses and home remedies read on thru the last paragraph and click on the links. Great secrets await that will help with caring for your pets and saving mega bucks on vet bills.

Are you making any of the classic pet treatment mistakes about treating heartworm? I hate to admit it but I have made most if not all of them myself. Find out what they are and how to avoid them by visiting http://www.natural-and-herbal-dog-remedies.com right now before you do any serious harm to your pet. They are a member of the family also.

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By: Samantha Markham

All dog owners will be aware that there is no way of completely preventing shedding. It is a natural, healthy process. However, excessive shedding can cause problems for owners who suffer from allergies. Moreover, excessive shedding can be a sign that your dog is suffering from a medical issue. Therefore, it is advisable for owners to keep an eye on the usual shedding patterns of their dog and note and significant changes.

The main reasons for excessive shedding are:

Lack of nutrients in the diet. Parasites and/or fungal infections. Stress Lack of regular brushing and bathing.

Often, owners will find that the cause of shedding can be a combination of the things listed. The good news is that theses issues can usually be remedied quite quickly and simply.

Lack of Nutrients in the Diet

Like any animal, a dog needs to be fed well in order to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Therefore, if your dog’s coat is dull and patchy, this may be caused by poor diet. Generally, it is advisable to purchase one of the slightly more expensive, high quality brands of dog food to ensure that your dog is getting the correct balance of vitamins and minerals. If in any doubt over what to feed your dog, consult a veterinarian.

Many owners attempt a home-remedy to reduce shedding, which is the simple increase in fatty acids. To ensure that your dog is getting enough fatty acids you can simply place a couple of spoonfuls of olive oil into his, or her, meal.

Parasites and/or Fungal Infections

If your dog is itching profusely and has patchy fur or sore patches of skin, he, or she, almost certainly has a skin infection or parasite problem. In either instance, it is wise to visit a veterinarian, predominantly because a vet will be able to rule out dermatitis or allergies as the cause. If the issue is caused by fleas, ticks or other parasites it can be easily solved at home, but it is always advisable to discount more serious possibilities.

Stress

Dogs, like humans, can experience stress for a number of reasons, including moving home, the loss of a loved-one or a new addition to the family. Dogs can exhibit many symptoms of stress and one of them is excessive shedding. If the stress is caused by something temporary, such as a trip to the vet, you should find that the shedding subsides within a few days. However, if the shedding persists, it is wise to seek assistance from a vet. He, or she, may be able to offer medication. Alternatively, an animal behaviorist or professional trainer may be advised to help establish the root cause.

Lack of Regular Brushing and Bathing

All dogs, regardless of hair length, should be groomed daily. Not only will this reduce the number of hairs shed on furniture and carpets, but also it will dramatically increase the general condition of your dog’s coat. Regular brushing is particularly important if you or someone in your family suffers from an allergy to pet hair, because brushing will minimize the spread of loose hairs throughout the house.

Bathing is similarly important, as it is good for a dog’s fur and skin. Obviously, because many dogs dislike baths, it can be a taxing chore, but it should really be done once a fortnight. If your dog has problems with dry, itchy skin, you may need to bathe him, or her, more regularly.

Remember, shedding is natural and unavoidable. Therefore, you will never be able to eliminate shedding in any breed of dog. However, if you feel that your dog is shedding excessively there are measures that should be taken.

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By: Ondrej Enek

We all know that moles can be such pests with those enormous mole hills they leave behind and the flowers they kill by eating their roots. Even one mole is enough to seriously devastate a garden but we have to remember that they are only acting as nature intended by finding themselves food and building a home.

Various anti mole home remedies have been suggested including: buying a cat, shoving garlic cloves down the mole tunnels, stamping down the mole hills to try to suffocate the mole as well as many often laughable ways to try to kill the mole. If you go down the route of buying a cat to take care of your mole problem you will end up with a nice pet but I have yet to come across a cat owner who has successfully had their cat eradicate their mole. Garlic cloves down mole tunnels will only encourage your moles by providing them with a tasty snack and methods to kill the mole usually end in the hunter hurting themselves instead of the mole.

The problem with these methods is that they do not work. The only methods that do work are poison, traps or solar mole repellers. The problem is the first two methods kill the mole and certainly not in a humane way. The only remaining method that works is to buy a mole repeller.

Solar Mole Repellers work by sending sound and vibrations through the ground which to the mole both sound annoying and sound like an intruder has entered their territory. The moles natural instinct is to run away from an intruder thereby vacating their tunnels. As long as the repeller keeps working the mole will not return from their fear of this intruder and instead will create a new home elsewhere. The repeller which looks like a stake with a flat top where a solar panel sits is driven into the ground of your lawn and draws all the power it needs from the sun. There is no maintenance needed so you simply can turn it on and forget about it while the repeller chases the mole away for good.

Most repellers are designed to only chase away moles and similar dwelling rodents so it will not negatively affect pets or humans. Additional rodents that can be chased away with such a repeller include: gophers, rats, mice, voles and shrews.

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By: Nicki Goff

Healing or (as they are sometimes called) medicinal herbs may provide a safe, healthy  alternative to alleviate various aliments and physical problems, or to improve the quality of life. However, keep in mind that herbal medicinal plants, like pharmaceuticals,  should be treated with respect. Although herbal practitioners claim herbs have an important role when used correctly, remember that they still share a lot of the ingredients of over the counter medications, so use them with knowledge and caution.

Healing herbs such as thyme, arnica, calendula and chamomile, are easily grown at home, easy to care for, and can be used to prepare home remedies. Some medicinal herbs, for example, sage and rosemary, can be used for home herbal remedies as well as for cooking. Knowing which herbs are both medicinal herbs and culinary herbs will transform your garden into a multipurpose plot, so you to get the most use from the plants you grow.

For thousands of years, herbs and the minerals they contain have been used successfully to enhance wellness and prevent illness. Being rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, medicinal herbs help rejuvenate and heal the body. Disease occurs by imbalances in the body, mind or spirit as well as influences such as diet, environment, pollution, and smoking. Herbal remedies are natural and effective ways to detoxify and cleanse the body, strengthen the immune system and contribute to vibrant wellness.

Some ailments that herbal medicine plants can help treat or alleviate are the common cold, sleep disorders, fatigue, and pregnancy symptoms such as nausea. Medicinal herbs can help improve your quality of life by relieving aching muscles and joints, insect bites, congestion, bruises and upset stomachs. They can also be used to promote healthier weight, or help your system to digest food and eliminate waste.

You can prepare medicinal herbs for use in several ways: as infusions or decoctions (referred to as tisanes or teas), as syrups, in compresses and plasters, or as oils, ointments or tinctures. Familiarize yourself with each type of preparation, and its safe use.

As you grow your herbal healing plants, and harvest them for use, keep these points in mind:

1. Always label each plant, or make a map your herb garden, so avoiding others using the wrong herb.

2. Clearly label any plants with poisonous components, and keep these safely away from children and pets.

3. Keep detailed notes on how to process and use your medicinal herbs.

4. Never mix herbal preparations with medical prescriptions.

If you have any concerns over the use of herbal medicine plants, please consult your pharmacist or local herbalist.

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By: Anita Watson

Puppies are fragile little things, and can be at risk of injuries and diseases because they don’t yet know the world round them, but also becauase their immune system is not yet strong.

Because it is helpless during these critical months, preventing these ailments is largely your responsibility. Therefore, if you want to keep your puppy healthy and happy, familiarizing yourself with the most common ailments in advance can be the best thing you can do for him.

To help you get acquainted with what it takes to keep your puppy in good shape – I’ve compiled a list of the most common FAQs and answers about puppy health.

1. Distemper – The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) calls this disease the “greatest single threat to the world’s dog population”. Unvaccinated dogs from four months to four years old are at the greatest risk.

It is caused by a viral infection spread through saliva, urine, feces, even through inhalation of droplets from sneezes and coughs.

Symptoms include vomiting, red eyes, shivering, fever, weight loss, nose discharge, loss of appetite and energy, thickened footpads, and seizures.

There is no specific treatment for this, and many dogs don’t survive infection. This is why prevention is a much better option. Make sure your puppy gets vaccinated, and keep its surroundings as clean as possible to prevent infection.

2. Diarrhea – This is extremely common among puppies that are just starting to eat solid foods. Be aware, though, that it may also be a symptom of a more serious problem, such as a viral infection.

Make it a habit to check your dog’s feces regularly, and bring your pet to the vet at the first sign of an abnormality, such as bloody stools, or if diarrhea persists for longer than 3 days.

3. Constipation – Another very common problem for puppies. You can prevent this by ensuring your puppy always has fresh drinking water and enough physical activity.

Feed him a natural diet; if you wish, you can also add some fiber to his diet, in the form of a teaspoon of ground flaxseed.

However, if you notice that your puppy has particular difficulty doing a poo, or if doing so seems painful, have a vet check him immediately for a possible intestinal blockage. If you leave constipation untreated, your puppy may suffer intoxication because of waste back-up.

4. Vomiting – This is a normal occurrence when a puppy has eaten too much or too quickly. And that can happen often, as puppies don’t have an internal trigger system that alerts them when they are full. Prevent over-eating by feeding him the right amount. And make sure you always have fresh water for him to drink.

If your puppy shows distress or pain after vomiting, however, bring it to the vet right away. It might be a symptom of poisoning. Chronic vomiting and loss of appetite (for more than 24 hours), on the other hand, may arise from worm infestation or infectious illnesses.

5. Ear mites – If your puppy is always scratching its ears or shaking its head, check the inside of its ears. If it smells or contains brown wax, this may be due to ear mites. This condition is very contagious and may lead to outer ear infection and even hearing loss. Give your puppy some Vitamin C to combat the infection, clean its ears, and consult with a vet for proper treatment.

6. Parvo – This virus is another extremely contagious condition which typically affects puppies that are being weaned. It can cause serious cardiac and intestinal problems. Symptoms usually include extreme lethargy, agitation, loss of appetite, restlessness, and fever. Parvo often leads to death if not treated, so take your puppy to the vet immediately if you see these symptoms.

7. Scabies – Also known as sarcoptic mange, this skin condition results in hair loss and brown lesions and can make your puppy extremely irritated and agitated. Scabies are highly contagious and can even infect people, so be careful when handling your puppy if you think it has this condition. Bring it to the vet for appropriate treatment.

8. Cough – Hacking cough or kennel cough is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. This can be treated with commercial medicines or herbal home remedies. If coughing is chronic, however, it may be a sign of a more serious disease, such as heartworm. If your puppy continues coughing for more than a week, consult with your vet.

9. Fleas and ticks – These parasites feed on your puppy’s blood, causing itching and extreme discomfort, and potentially spreading illnesses such as Lyme Disease.

Fortunately, there are many sprays, topical medications and shampoos that can help remove these pests from your dog. Make sure your puppy is over the minimum age (usually 8 to 10 weeks) before using these products. Once you’ve eliminated all parasites, put your pet on flea and tick prevention medication to avoid this problem in the future.

10. Heartworm – These parasites live in your dog’s bloodstream and are transmitted through mosquito bites. They can cause severe damage to the heart, lungs and liver, typically causing death due to heart failure.

Worse, they are usually undetectable until your dog is already ill with the disease. Treating this illness usually involves costly and powerful medicines, and sometimes actual heart surgery. Prevention is far more desirable. Make sure your dog is on a heartworm preventive medication by 8 weeks of age.

It should be given once a month during peak mosquito season, without fail. Consult with your vet for the brand that will suit your puppy best.

As you can see, these common problems are best addressed by early detection, preparation and prevention. Keep your pet’s vaccinations updated and always be on the lookout for any possible symptoms. Learn to understand your puppy’s predisposition, and that way you’ll be able to notice any difference in his condition – to ensure early detection. This way, you’ll ensure a long, happy and healthy life for your puppy.

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