PROTECTING PETS FROM MOSQUITOES AND HEARTWORM
Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, they can cause major health problems for people and their pets. While dogs and cats are not susceptible to Zika or West Nile from mosquitoes, they are at risk for Heartworm, which is spread from an infected animal to another animal via a mosquito bite. Dogs are especially vulnerable because of the great amount of time spent outdoors, but cats -- even indoor ones -- are at risk as well.
According to Patra De Silva, President of NHV Natural Pet Products, makers of veterinarian-approved and formulated plant-based natural supplements, “Heartworm is a serious disease that can cause lasting damage to the heart, lungs and other organs. It’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your pets.”
Patra De Silva offers these tips for keeping dogs and cats healthy:
Prevention is key. Talk to your veterinarian about heartworm prevention medication and get your pet tested yearly. Try to limit exposure to mosquitoes. Keep your pets inside at dawn and dusk, which are the most active times for mosquitoes. In addition, natural insect repellents can help keep mosquitoes off of your pets. NHV Target Spray contains a proprietary blend of herbal ingredients including lavender, neem, sweet scented marigold, Ceylon citronella oil, aloe vera and milk thistle, to repel insects and soothe skin, without the use of chemicals.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Be sure to empty water from any toys, car washing buckets, and other receptacles. Keep gutters clean and maintain pools with the proper chemicals. Change bird bath water at least once a week. Check around the base of potted plants for water that has collected. Keep trash cans covered, repair dripping outdoor faucets or air conditioner units.
Stagnant water also presents other dangers for pets, including Leptospirosis, another serious disease, so keeping your property free of standing water is doubly crucial. It’s also important to make sure your pets don’t drink from puddles, ponds or lakes when they are outside.
Heartworm is a life-threatening disease and must be treated with medication from a veterinarian.
In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms in dogs may include a persistent cough, fatigue or decreased appetite. Sometimes they have a swollen stomach. Emergency signs to look for include dark colored urine or labored breathing.
In cats, symptoms include a cough, trouble breathing, vomiting and weight loss.
If your pet exhibits any of these signs, take them to the veterinarian right away.
In tandem with medication, to help ease the symptoms, NHV Heartworms Kit provides natural support for pets. It includes Hearty Heart to help boost blood flow, Inulin PK to help repair damage from parasites, and Milk Thistle to improve liver function.
NHV NATURAL PET PRODUCTS provides veterinarian-formulated supplements derived from natural botanicals to support the health and well-being of pets including dogs, cats and small animals. In addition to the safe and effective manufacture of a full-line of Veterinarian-approved pet supplements that contain organically grown and ethically wild crafted herbs and botanicals, NHV also offers vet consultations to provide professional support and guidance for disease prevention and treatment for over 100 pet health conditions. For more information, visit www.nhvnaturalpetproducts.com.
