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Originally Posted by weetie33  Thank you all for your input and experience. Right now, I have some time to do further research. I would really like to read studies that have been conducted. While I have found two legitimate studies, they were conflicting and contradictory...and I remain ambivalent.
Two questions bother me considerably...I was raised in Texas, in the country. Back in the day.. there was no heart worm medication. Yet my childhood outdoor dog lived until he was twelve, when we had to put him to sleep because he had cancer. He had no heart problems, he was very active until the last six months or so. If, as we are lead to believe, heart worm is inevitable and deadly..how did dogs survive and live long happy lives?
Is it possible that greedy pharmaceutical companies have influenced not only us, but also our veterinarians to believe that we are negligent, inept pet owners if we do not provide monthly medication to our pets? Interestingly enough, heart worm medication is NOT preventative. It kills the larvae if the dog is infected. Like taking chemo to prevent cancer. I'm skeptical. If anyone has links to valid studies I would be very interested in reading them. |
I find Skepvet to be very informative. Here's a link to his take on homeopathic treatment for heart worm prevention. There are several sited sources within the article.
There is no “Natural” or “Holistic” Heartworm Prevention or Treatment Proven to be Safe and Effective | The SkeptVet
I'm a member of Yorkie Haven Rescue and there have been plenty of HW positive dogs taken into the rescue for HW treatment. My believe and practice is that all 3 of mine are given preventative monthly. I've also vaccinated all of my children and animals. I'd much rather be safe than sorry later.