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Parasites
are found everywhere from the water, to the air, from the ground, to the food.
They come in the form of fleas, ticks, worms, and protozoa. There is much fear
and misinformation about parasites and their dangers. We live in an environment
where our pets can pick up parasites anytime no matter their species, shape or
size or how careful we are about preventative measures and medications.
Heartworm
and Heartworm Medication
Heartworm
is a worm that is transferred to your pet by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes must first
have sucked the blood from an infected host and transfer their microfilaria to
the new host dog. Then, the worms eventually reside in the heart of the dog.
The
very idea of heartworm usually instills terror in a loving pet owner and their Veterinarian alike. It is likely this fear that is the motivation for vets to fill
millions of prescriptions for heartworm medications every year.
Aside
from these meds being costly, the medications do not come without harmful side
effects. Heartworm preventatives are responsible for 65% of all adverse drug
reactions and 50% of all drug related deaths in pets according to the American
Veterinary Medical Association (Puotinin, CJ pg. 405). And, despite the huge
increase in the usage of these drugs, the numbers of heartworm cases in
high-risk areas are the same today as they were in 1982. (Puotinin, CJ pg. 405)
So,
is the risk worth it? Should you be administering heartworm preventatives to
your pet?
In
areas where heartworm is considered epidemic, most vets feel that the risk is
worth it. However, holistic vets are quick to point out that when wild dogs get
heartworm they experience a "mild infestation and then they become immune" (Puotinin,
CJ pg. 405) to it. Healthy pets do not die and seldom become infected with
parasites. A dead host is not in a parasite's best interest!
What's
also worth considering is that the instances of immune related disorders like
cancer and allergies have grown at an alarming rate. Could this be due in part
to the extensive use of these drugs and over vaccinations that deplete the
immune system? Could this be the reason why some dogs are so immune compromised
that they do die of heartworm even though they should not be?
If that doesn't help you make a decision consider
this: The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association website (http://www.avma.ab.ca/animal_health/comphealth8.htm)
states that although we do have heartworm in Canada, it is almost non-existent
in Alberta. Heartworms seem to be unable to survive the Alberta and
Saskatchewan climates. There have been very few cases found in either province
and those that have - have all been found in dogs that travelled to higher risk
areas like Southern Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and BC (Okanagan).
Alternative
Preventatives
The
best parasite preventatives you can take with your pet is to ensure that their
immune system is functioning at its best. Do this by feeding a healthy diet,
and following a reduced vaccination protocol (ask for Titers instead!). Try and
reduce or eliminate the medications that can be replaced by a natural
alternative under the supervision of your holistic vet.
For
heartworm, during mosquito season keep your pet enclosed in screened in
porches, use a natural, pet friendly mosquito repellant when outdoors, and keep
your yard as free from mosquitoes as possible by eliminating areas of "still"
water.
Supplements
A
pest-repelling supplement like grapefruit seed extract kills and repels
parasites and is great for dogs that drink river water. Immune boosting
supplements and natural wormers that contain wormwood are great if you are
travelling to high-risk areas. If you are still worried about your pet
contracting heartworm ask your vet to test for heartworm twice a year with a
simple blood test.
Parasites
and Raw Food
Any
food can potentially contain parasites and from time to time we have concerns
from pet owners that their pet's raw food may contain parasites. The truth is
that when food is properly handled, and consumed in a timely manner, there is
very little chance of anything affecting your pet. Commercial raw foods are
always sold frozen, and the freezing process kills any parasites that may be
present in the food.
In
a ten-year study conducted by Francis Pottenger it was discovered that cats fed
a healthy raw diet contracted fewer parasites than cats that were fed a cooked
diet. Others since have confirmed these studies and concluded that if cats and
dogs are fed a species appropriate, evolutionary raw diet, and given lots of
fresh air, sunshine, clean water, and exercise, it is highly unlikely that they
will become infested by, or harbor harmful parasites because they have a
healthy immune system.
References:
Puotinin,
CJ. The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care. Keats Publishing, Los Angeles,
2000
*The information in this article should not replace regular care from a qualified Veterinarian.
