My 4 y.o. Eskimo Spitz has heartworms. She has had the 1st of 3 injections and is scheduled for the next one in 2 days. I have heard that treatment with walnut hull and woodworm can effectively kill heartworms without having to keep my dog calm and with much less risk. Is this true? Also would you advise that I try this natural treatment even though she has started the chemical treatment from her vet 1 month ago?
Thank You
What on earth makes you think that the chemicals in “Natural” things are safe? Arsenic is natural. Ever heard of it?
Please do you dog a favor and discuss your email with your vet. The reason dogs need to be kept calm after treatment is because of the dead worms, not how they were killed.
Phillip McHugh, DVM
Park Veterinary Hospital
Durham, NC
See a veterinary allergist.
T. L. Medinger, DVM, MS, DACVIM
VCA Aurora Animal Hospital
Aurora, IL
After 28 years of practice as a companion animal veterinarian I had thought I heard it all. I am still laughing at this one. Where do people get these nonsensical ideas from??
Mike Keem, DVM
Aurora Pet Hospital
East Aurora, NY
The answer to your question is a resounding NO! Stay with what your veterinarian is doing. The treatment is quite effective. The quiet period and the risk factors involved therein are related to the time that the worms are dying and decomposing, which must happen with anything that kills them. If the dog is allowed normal activity during this time, the resultant increase in blood pressure and heart rate could cause dead worms to break free into circulation risking a blockage of smaller blood vessels. The resultant danger would depend on where they lodge. Follow your veterinarian’s advice. He/she is well-informed!
Kristan K. Hodges, DVM