By: Roberta Wilson
Submitted: 2012-02-22 01:06:18 | Word Count: 549
Heartworms, contrary to their name, are a devastating parasite that live in the arteries in your dog's lungs. It is spread by mosquito after having bitten an infected animal. Some dogs may have heartworm without showing any symptoms; however in more severe cases they will likely have a cough, fatigue after moderate exercise, weight loss and reduced appetite. Fortunately, getting rid of heartworms and other parasites is easy thanks to Heartgard for dogs.
Treat More than Just Heartworms
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One of the main benefits of today's more advanced heartworm medicine for dogs is that it treats many parasites beyond just heartworm. The best medicines also treat worms and roundworms using specialized medication that is deadly to these creatures, but harmless to you and your dog. In the case of Heartgard for Dogs, the medicine is safe to use on puppies six weeks and older. There are only a few treatments that rid dogs of heartworm once an infection has become potentially life-threatening. Generally, a shot known as an adulticide is injected into the dog's muscle over a period of several treatments and it's recommended that the dog be hospitalized during this time. As you can imagine, these treatments are long and expensive. Therefore, it is best to use a preventative medicine like Heartgard for Dogs to avoid heartworm infestation in the first place.
How Heartworm Preventatives Work
Heartworm prevention medicine works by disabling the nervous system of the parasite that causes the heartworm infection. It kills heartworm larva and prevents re-infestation if used on a regular basis. Some veterinarians recommend that Heartgard for Dogs to be used only during the mosquito season, however heartworms can be spread year round, particularly if you live in a warm more humid climate.
How to Give Your Dog Heartworm Medicine
Thankfully, it is easy to give your dog their heartworm medicine. You don't have to struggle to get them to take a pill, a shot, or even a trip to the vet. While a prescription is required to buy heartworm medicine, you don't have to purchase it directly from your veterinarian. Many dog owners choose to buy heartworm preventatives in bulk over the Internet which allows them to save money and enjoy free shipping. This particular medicine is available as a beef flavored chewable tablet which, to your dog, will seem more like a treat than treatment.
How Much Heartworm Medicine Should My Dog Take?
The dosage amount will depend on the size of your dog, so it's a good idea to consult with your veterinarian about the recommended amount to give them. A good heartworm preventative should be given to your dog within 30 days after their first exposure to mosquitoes, and the last dosage should be given within a month after mosquito season has ended. This will ensure that the medicine forms a protective barrier against heartworms and other parasites. By following these tips and using Heartgard for dogs as recommended, you can be certain that your dog will enjoy a happy, healthy, heartworm-free life.
Author Resource:-
A former pet shop manager and life-long dog lover, Robbie Wilson has extensive experience in helping people with their dogs, cats and other pets. She keeps her pets healthy using Heartgard for dogs. For information on heartworm treatments, she recommends http://www.petcarerx.com/catalog/productdetails.aspx?pid=10765.
