Friday, May 13, 2016

Heart Worm Free Lucky Dog Day

Me and V of Dog Pawsitive Tidbits
Happy heart news received on this Friday the 13th is proof positive that my Valentino is one lucky dog. And that makes me one of the luckiest dog lovers on the face of this good earth!

For those who do not already know our history, you can read and learn more about my dog Valentino and I through previous articles published here at Dog Pawsitive Tidbits. You will read about how we met shortly after the death of my dog Tidbit and how Valentino waited for me to "find" him, then to foster him, and ultimately for me and V (as I refer to us) to adopt one another one year ago.

As you read of our journey together you will learn that my dog Valentino was heartworm positive when I met him. You will read about my alternative approach to that horrid disease and other dog-related ailments. And today I will disclose how I arrived at my final decision on how to treat my dog for heart worms, as well as the outcome of this choice.

First let me say that I am in no way a dog doctor nor am I advocating that you choose to treat a heartworm positive dog in the same way that I have chosen. I strongly recommend that you do your research and consult with your veterinarian before making any medical decisions for your dogs.

During Valentino's eight-month stay at the shelter from whence he came, his heart worms were treated in a "slow kill" method, meaning he was given a monthly dose of ivermectin. This method of treatment is generally easier on the dog but takes a much longer time to kill off the worms. There is a chance of worms doing more damage to heart and lungs as time goes by during this year or two of medication until all die a natural death.

Preferred treatment for heart worms in dogs by veterinarians is with melarsomine, a medicine containing arsenic, injected into the back muscles of the infected dog under direct medical supervision due to possible complications. The infected dog must remain caged for a month or more during initial treatment with activity kept at a minimum for several months afterwards. If the dog survives this initial treatment but has a severe case of heart worms it may be necessary to repeat the treatment after several months.

In my case, I felt it advantageous to consult with an holistic veterinarian for a more natural solution to heart worms as opposed to what I considered the "poison" treatment most often recommended by veterinarians. Further, I am so grateful that the shelter from which he came chose the method of treatment they did. I continued this treatment until I moved to another state where vets I contacted refused to go along with my decision and would not see my dog!

Thus, I did more research and elected to believe solely in a natural remedy. I followed my gut feeling and acted upon my belief that this would be the right choice for Valentino.

In July of last year I made the decision to treat my dog for heart worms with Diatomaceous Earth (DE) only. Using food grade DE, I added a heaping teaspoon to his evening meal in the beginning, then increased this to his morning feeding also.


Valentino and Ruth So Happy Together and Heart Worm Free
That said, the big news Me and V share with you today sets all Friday the 13th superstitions aside...

My V is now heart worm free!

And that makes us both so happy ...  Together!

Yes, both our hearts have healed from our past and we have hope for a good future as we enjoy the present of each new day together. Our life journey thus far has proven that our God is a gracious god and for that - and all of you who make it so - Me and V give thanks.

The good news we got from our vet today made for a perfect celebration of our dog adoption day! It has been a good year and I look forward to many more with my dog Valentino.

Diatomaceous Earth
I have no way of knowing for sure whether the year of medicinal treatment or the year of treating my dog my way was the cure for the health of my dog. Maybe it was a combination of the two. My gut feeling is that DE and a whole lot of love and prayer was the key for Me and V.

I will say this... No doubt about it, Valentino will continue to have Diatomaceous Earth added to his meals and I will be including a spoonful of it in my daily diet too. Yes! Food grade DE is also good for me!