Dog Gone Doggies

Pet owners have a lot of questions about heartworms, probably the most asked question with regards to heartworms is. Does it affect more than pet dogs? Yes it does, although you don't hear much about it foxes, wolves, ferrets and cats can get heartworms, there is no cure for cats at the moment. Here are more questions.

Are heartworms curable?

Yes, they are and close to 100% percent preventable.

What are the signs that my doggie may have heartworms?

A few active dogs show early signs and symptoms by coughing particularly following exercise, and the dog tires out easily, other pet dogs demonstrate no signs in any way. After the heartworms grow to adults and spread towards the cardiovascular system this is when you could possibly notice more severe symptoms.


What medication is prescribed for heartworms?

The drug Ivermectin or Milbemycon oxime is oftentimes used to prevent heartworms.

How do dogs get heartworms?

Your dog can only acquire heartworms through a mosquito carrying the parasite. Heartworms are not transmittable from one dog to another one, so if you have one pet dog that is infected the other dog is not going to contract heartworms unless of course bitten by another infected mosquito. Once bitten it takes about six to seven months to work its way through your dog system, and testing for heartworms during this period will not help, the heartworms won't show up until later on.

Is the medication for heartworms for other types of worms too?

Yes, and no this will depend on the medication some can be used to treat other parasites.

Heartguard (Ivermectin) is for heartworms only, Heartguard plus is made for heartworms, hookworms and roundworms.

Interceptor (milbemycin oxime) a second brand for taking care of heartworms is also for hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms in dogs and puppies.

Last but not least there is the brand Sentinel with the active ingredient in Interceptor plus they add lufenuron which sterilizes those horrible fleas.

Is there one region that heartworms are more widespread?

As a matter of fact the southern part of the United States was where heartworms showed up the most, where mosquitos are more rampant. Now virtually all states are reporting heartworms, some cases have been noted as far away as Japan. Where there are mosquito's you will find heartworms too.

What is the best way to guard against heartworms?

Honestly the easiest way to steer clear of heartworms is to start your puppy or doggie on prophylactic treatment. The average cost to treat your pet is generally about 50 - 90 bucks yearly, the bigger the dog the more costly. Heartworm medication is in the form of monthly pills, a 6 month shot twice a year or those liquid spot treatments you apply on your dogs’ neck like flea meds. Remember if you start adding treatment for the additional parasite preventatives (hookworms, roundworms, fleas) the cost can go up.

Once your pet has a confirmed case of heartworms then it becomes real expensive to help remedy. And not just that, when your pet dog is in treatment you need to do your best to keep your pet dog from physical exercise and overexerting themselves as it can cause death.


Since mosquito's are more common in summer can I stop treatment in the winter?

While it sounds like a sensible way to save cash if you are giving your dog year round treatment and fail to remember in the month of let's say in December your pet ought to be fine. But if you continue to fail to remember then your dog has a much greater opportunity to contract heartworms.

I really hope that clarified the questions you had about heartworms, you should for your dog's sake go to your vet get them examined then start right away on heartworm medication.

Dachshund Training is one of the first things you should research before you bring one of these little pups home. This can be a challenging process or a successful one, so doing your research will definitely help you reach success when it comes to Dachshund Training. Here are some helpful tools to follow when training your new dachshund.

Crate Training: Dachshund Training can be a little easier by using a crate. Although you may not want to put your puppy in a crate, they actually like the crate. It acts as their den, their place of comfort. Crate training is great because it helps cut down or even prevent potty accidents.

Potty Training: Potty training is the first type of training a new little puppy will encounter. This part of Dachshund Training should start right when you bring your new dog home. Making sure to take your puppy outside to potty every 45 minutes to an hour is very important. Be sure to try to go out the same door and take your puppy to the same potty spot each time, as this will make it easier for your puppy to catch on.

Obedience Training: One of the most basic parts of Dachshund Training is teaching them obedience. Be sure to start this training very early on. Obedience training is very essential to your dog, as a disobeying dog can be very hard to live with. Be sure to teach your pup the basics, like 'sit, stay, down, and come.'
These four commands are very important and will do a lot for you and your dog. Knowing these basic commands can help keep your dachshund safe. You will definitely need patience when training dachshunds because they are known to be very independent dogs. They love treats and a lot of praise, so be sure to use these helpful tools when your dog listens to your commands. Puppies get bored too, so try to keep the training enjoyable for the both of you, and try not to make it too long to where you and your dog get frustrated and tired.

Prevention Training: Dachshund Training is very important because it can take the route of prevention. You will want to work on breaking bad habits such as jumping on people, running through doors as soon as they are open, digging his way out of your yard, and excessive barking. Breaking these habits will help keep your dachshund safer. Puppy proofing your house is very important for the safety and well being of your dachshund.

Fun Training: Dachshund Training doesn't always have to be just about boundaries and rules. It can consist of fun training as well! Fun training is where you teach your dachshund how to do tricks and play games. Be sure to teach your puppy the basic obedience commands first though. That's how they will be able to learn these new and fun tricks. What tricks you want to teach your pup is up to you. A few are teaching them to sit up, wave goodbye, and shake.

Dachshund Training is very important and should start as soon as you bring your new pup home. Although training your dog can be a bit of a challenging process due to their strong will and independence, these great dogs are very intelligent and want to please their owner. Remember that healthy treats and a lot of praise go a long way in Dachshund Training. Being patient, calm, assertive, and consistent is the key to successful Dachshund Training.

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Enjoy the new puppy and be sure to get more tips, tools and training at http://www.PuppiesDachshunds.com
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