Top 7 Natural Cures For Heartworm

Heartworm is a parasite which affects animals like dog, cat and affects humans under rare circumstances. It causes an infectious disease in which heart and arteries of the animals get affected. This occurs when a mosquito bite transfers the larvae of a parasitic roundworm into the dog or cat. Human heartworm spreads via mosquitoes. It takes about six months for the roundworms to be matured and may lie even longer time. Heartworms are thin and long worms having an adult lifecycle of five to seven years in case of dogs. In case of cats, these heartworms have an adult lifecycle between two to three years.

Symptoms of the disease include general lethargy, swollen abdomen, bulging chest, anemia, swollen abdomen, prominent ribs and persistent cough. It is very important for keeping prevention from this disease. Millions of larvae are produced during the time but they only get matured after living on the mosquito.

Natural treatments are cheaper and effective for treating heartworms as compared to the traditional treatment methods. Though these are safe, these may be slow as compared to the conventional treatment methods. Since it is a serious disease, one should consult the veterinarian before using any of the natural cures.

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Top Natural Cure for Heartworm

Black Walnut

Black walnut is beneficial for the treatment of heartworm. Extract prepared from black walnuts has been found to be effective. It offers a natural alternative as compared to other commercial heartworm treatments.

Dried form of black walnut hull has been found to be extremely potent and effective. It contains tannin as an active ingredient that has parasitic effects. It is also available in the form of capsules.

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Combination of Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal herbs are effective in curing heartworms. These include mint, rosemary, garlic, thyme, sage, hawthorn berry, dried cranberry fruit, wormwood, mugwort, spearmint, neem and milk thistle extract are beneficial for treating heartworms. These herbs have anti-parasitic properties and can act as internal cleansers.

Using a combination of all the medicinal herbs would also help in the treatment of heartworm. Heartworm free is such a remedy which is widely used for curing heartworms and contains a number of herbal ingredients beneficial for the animals. The combination of herbs helps in strengthening the heart and the circulatory system.

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Garlic

Garlic is beneficial for the treatment of heartworms. This remedy helps in killing the adult heartworms. It can be used for few times in a week.

Continue using this remedy for a few months at a time. Garlic is helpful in repelling the parasites and lowering the blood pressure. It has anti-microbial properties and also acts as an antioxidant. It is helpful for the stimulation of immune system.

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Mosquito Control

Controlling the mosquitoes that cause heartworms is beneficial as they are responsible for the disease. One should make sure there are no such mosquitoes in the environment. To ensure this, one can use natural sprays that are easily available in the market.

These natural sprays do include citronella and can be sprayed in and around the home. Standing water and breeding grounds are some of the areas where mosquitoes can grow and should be eliminated as soon as possible.

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Foods To Eat

Consumption of raw food is beneficial for the affected patients. They should not be given foods that contain preservatives or fillers. Healthy food would naturally help in treating the disease that the animals are affected with.

Natural food would help in fighting against the disease. A good diet helps in boosting up the immune system. The diet should consist of 75 percent raw meat and 25 percent fruits and vegetables beneficial for health. This method helps in maintaining a healthy heart.

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Geranium Oil

Essential Oils are beneficial for curing heartworms. Geranium oil is one of the essential oils which is useful for the treatment of affected patients. This herbal treatment has been found to be very effective on dogs. This remedy is effective in repelling fleas, mosquitoes and ticks.

The oil can be used externally and is beneficial for treating the disease. It can be used in the form of spray. To prepare this spray, take geranium oil and mix four drops of it in half cup of water in a spraying bottle.

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Lavender Oil & Tea Tree Oil

Similar to geranium oil, lavender oil and tea tree oil are also useful for treating heartworm. These oils can also be applied externally for repelling the parasites. The oils can be combined to prepare a spray. For this, take four drops of lavender oil in pure form and four drops of tea tree oil. Add this mixture of oils in one cup of water in a spraying bottle. 

The best methodology to use the essential oils is to use them as sprays. Add the pure form of these essential oils in spraying bottle and mix them with water. Using this liquid mixture at least two times per day is beneficial. Continuing using this remedy several times per day is recommended.

Photo Credit: http://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2010/03/articles/animals/dogs/heartworm-in-people/