It’s that time of the year again when we start thinking about all the bugs our babies can pick up. In this series, I’ll discuss all the various kinds that can pester your pet. Some are just a nuisance and some can be deadly. I’ll explain each one what it is, where they come from, how to protect your baby, and how to treat if it’s too late to prevent.

Heartworms:

Heartworms can be deadly! Any dog can get them, even posh little Chihuahuas. But, the good news is that they are also 100% preventable.

Sadly, many dogs die from the disease without showing any signs. Wow! That’s scary. But, don’t worry, as long as you do your part to prevent them your precious pooch will never have to worry about them.

What causes heartworms?

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquito bites. As the worms mature (about 6 months) they travel to the lungs and then to the heart. They get so big that it takes only two to kill a Chihuahua! But, I didn’t write this to scare the pants off you. As I said it is preventable!

Depending on where you got your dog, most have been and are being treated already. Of course, you would want to be extra cautious if you suspect that your dog came from a puppy mill. A blood sample must be tested to make sure the dog is not already infected. This simple test can be done at your veterinarian’s office while you wait. A heartworm test isn’t necessary for a puppy under three months of age.

How often should they be treated?

Since heartworms are caused by mosquito bites, it depends on where you live. In northern areas, where temperatures reach freezing, dogs need to take a preventive only during the spring, summer, and fall. In the southern United States, because mosquitoes are present year-round, dogs need to take a preventive year-round

Treatment:

If you suspect that your dog may have heartworms, get them to a veterinarian immediately! Don’t wait. As mentioned above, it only takes two heartworms to kill a Chihuahua.

Available medications:

Several excellent products are available for preventing heartworm infection, most of them monthly chew tabs that are so tasty you can just drop them in your dog’s food bowl and he’ll gobble them up (my three absolutely love theirs). A heartworm preventive can be given to a puppy with his first set of vaccinations.

A natural or holistic preventative may be better for a Chihuahua because of their size. Most preventatives are one-size-fits-all. The one below is an excellent alternative to conventional products and it works very well. Keep your Chihuahua chemical free.