We’ve gathered a range of canine heartworm resources to support your research, including both traditional veterinary perspectives and alternative health approaches. While we do not advocate for conventional heartworm treatments, we recognize that understanding all available options is key to making informed decisions for your dog’s health.
We firmly believe that nature provides the tools we need to prevent and manage disease. Our experience—and that of many others—supports the power and effectiveness of holistic healthcare. We encourage you to review the information thoroughly to make the best choice for your dog. With knowledge, you and your furry companions can achieve lasting wellness and vitality.
Pre-Prevention
There are several products and techniques available to significantly reduce the threat of mosquitoes—the first line of defense against heartworm.
Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds with these simple steps:
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Fix leaking irrigation systems
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Reduce watering times to avoid excess water accumulation
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Drain stagnant water (like in old fountains or birdbaths)
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Keep gutters clear to prevent water buildup
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Cover water storage containers
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Maintain your yard—regular lawn mowing and shrub trimming remove mosquito resting areas
Beneficial organisms, such as nematodes (available at many local nurseries), can be introduced into your lawn and garden to disrupt mosquito reproduction—sometimes even eliminating them entirely. Many mosquito species can reproduce in very small amounts of water, including moist areas of your lawn.
Avoiding peak mosquito hours—typically around dawn and dusk—can also help reduce exposure. Simply adjusting your pet’s outdoor schedule can go a long way in preventing infection.
Prevention
While many products don’t directly target heartworm or microfilariae, they can make your pet less attractive to mosquitoes and other biting pests.
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Flea Free Food Supplement (by Natural Pet Products)
This supplement is highly recommended for natural flea prevention but also supports your pet’s ability to produce skin enzymes that deter all biting pests, including mosquitoes. It’s not a pesticide or poison, so it doesn’t kill pests on contact—meaning it’s safe and gentle for long-term use. -
Hiker’s Friend (by Woodstock Herbal)
A topical spray designed to repel a variety of pests—including mosquitoes—by discouraging them from landing or biting. Ideal for walks, dog parks, or backyard use. As a spray, it needs reapplication more frequently than an internal supplement. -
HWF – Clean Heart (by Amber NaturalZ)
A cardiovascular cleansing tincture that supports healthy circulation and detoxification. In use for over 16 years, many pet owners have seen positive results using HWF to support heart health.
Other common natural approaches include brewer’s yeast and garlic, topical sprays made with cedarcide, citronella, or lemongrass, and time-honored remedies such as black walnut, wormwood, and other eastern herbal solutions aimed at keeping the cardiovascular system free of contaminants.
While the effectiveness of these methods may vary, we’ve found the products listed above to be safe and beneficial for most pets.
As always, diligent use and veterinary guidance are key. All pets respond differently to supplements and medications, so what works well for one may not work for another. Regular checkups and heartworm testing are critical, as heartworm infections often show no early outward symptoms—home observation alone is not enough.
Active Treatment
Yes, we do have a proven natural heartworm treatment regimen that has helped countless dogs. However, because these products are not FDA-approved, we are not allowed to publish the specifics on our website. Good news is we can definitely help. Contact us directly, and we’ll walk you through the full protocol. It involves several steps and products, so a phone call is often the most effective way to guide you through it.
Below is a condensed overview of heartworm from our library page. You can find the full version on the Heartworm Library section of our site.
Understanding Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic roundworms (Dirofilaria immitis) that live in the heart and lung arteries of dogs, cats, and other mammals—including foxes, ferrets, and even humans. Dogs are the primary hosts, where adult worms reproduce and circulate offspring (microfilariae) in the blood.
Mosquitoes spread the disease by biting an infected animal and transferring the larvae to a new host. Inside the mosquito, the microfilariae mature into an infective stage within 14 days. When the mosquito bites again, it injects the larvae into a new host. In dogs, it takes about six to seven months for the larvae to mature into adult worms. These adult worms settle in the heart and lungs, causing inflammation, organ damage, and eventually life-threatening complications if left untreated.
In cats, the life cycle is less complete; adult worms are less likely to form, and the main health impacts are seen in the lungs rather than the heart.
Severe heartworm infestations can result in lung and heart swelling, kidney and liver damage, anemia, and eventually death. Some worms can grow up to three feet in length.
Please use this information to explore all your options carefully and choose a path that supports your pet’s long-term health.
Heartworm Symptoms in Dogs
Heartworm disease can be difficult to detect in its early stages. Symptoms often begin mildly or not at all, but without treatment, the condition can become fatal. Be alert to subtle changes like fatigue, coughing, or reluctance to exercise—especially in warmer months when mosquitoes are active.
Common Symptoms:
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Persistent cough
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Fatigue or exercise intolerance
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Lethargy
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Loss of appetite
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Weight loss
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Breathing difficulty (dyspnea)
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Fever
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Weakness
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Dry, dull coat
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In severe cases, coughing up blood or signs of organ damage
Heartworm Disease Progression:
Stage 1:
No symptoms or only a mild cough. Dogs typically appear healthy. Blood tests may not detect infection yet.
Stage 2:
Moderate symptoms like a lingering cough and fatigue after exercise. Disease becomes more detectable with testing.
Stage 3:
Severe symptoms include persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and visible fatigue. Dogs may cough up blood, and damage may appear on X-rays.
Stage 4:
Critical stage with life-threatening symptoms—abnormal lung sounds, heart enlargement, and liver issues. Without treatment, this stage can be fatal.