Receiving a heartworm positive diagnosis for your beloved canine companion can be a worrying time, filled with concerns about treatment, recovery, and overall well-being. Beyond the necessary medical interventions, one crucial aspect of supporting your dog’s health during this challenging period is providing the symptoms of heartworm disease in a dog appropriate nutrition. Understanding the Best Dog Food For Heartworm Positive Dogs is vital, as a tailored diet can help manage inflammation, support organ function, and aid in a smoother recovery process. This guide will delve into dietary considerations, treatment protocols, and essential care to help your dog thrive.
Nutritional Considerations for Heartworm Positive Dogs
When your dog is diagnosed with heartworm disease, their body is under significant stress. Inflammation is common, and the heart and lungs are working harder. Therefore, their diet should focus on providing easily digestible nutrients, supporting the immune system, and potentially reducing inflammation. While there isn’t one “magic” dog food, certain characteristics are beneficial.
Easily Digestible Protein Sources
Dogs with heartworm disease may have a reduced appetite or difficulty digesting complex meals. Opt for high-quality, easily digestible protein sources such as lean chicken, turkey, or fish. Protein is essential for tissue repair and immune function, but it’s important to choose sources that won’t overtax their system. Avoid overly rich or fatty protein sources which could lead to digestive upset.
Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
Inflammation is a hallmark of heartworm disease. Incorporating foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil (EPA and DHA), are well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects and can support cardiovascular health. Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and certain berries also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, though these should be introduced under veterinary guidance.
Controlled Sodium and Phosphorus
Depending on the severity of the heartworm disease and any pre-existing conditions affecting the heart or kidneys, your veterinarian might recommend a diet with controlled levels of sodium and phosphorus. Excessive sodium can contribute to fluid retention and strain the heart, while phosphorus restriction might be necessary for dogs with compromised kidney function, which can sometimes be exacerbated by heartworm infection. Always consult your vet for specific recommendations regarding these nutrients.
Adequate Caloric Intake
Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial. Some dogs may lose weight due to the illness, while others might gain if exercise is severely restricted during treatment. The goal is to provide adequate calories to support recovery without causing excessive weight gain, which would put additional strain on the heart. Your veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate caloric intake based on your dog’s specific condition and activity level during treatment.
Medical Treatment for Heartworm Positive Dogs
Every dog and every case of heartworm disease is different. Your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan specifically for your heartworm-positive dog and advise you on aftercare. There is more than one approach to treatment, but injectable medication is the mainstay of successful treatment. This often involves specific medications to eliminate the adult worms and microfilariae, along with supportive care.
Approved Medication
Only one active ingredient (melarsomine dihydrochloride) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of heartworm disease in dogs. This is a reliable and safe treatment of adult heartworms in dogs. Along with this medication, your veterinarian may also prescribe a heartworm preventative and an antibiotic to help eradicate the heartworms, and other medications to minimize complications arising from the death of these worms. While there are claims of over the counter heartworm medication for dogs, always prioritize FDA-approved treatments prescribed by your vet.
Veterinarian explaining treatment options to a dog owner
Special Care During Heartworm Disease Treatment
After heartworm disease treatment (or until your dog tests negative for heartworm disease), the most important thing is keeping your heartworm-positive dog calm and restricting exercise during this time. Successful heartworm disease treatment relies on temporarily avoiding any activity that could cause your dog’s blood pressure or heart rate to increase significantly. When a dog isn’t properly restricted from physical activity following treatment, dead heartworms can collect within vital organs and cause fatal damage or obstruction. It’s also important to monitor for signs like worms in dog poop after heartworm medicine, which should be reported to your vet.
Tips to help your dog stay calm:
- Replace Activity with Affection: You can replace activity time with cuddles while you’re online, watching TV, or reading. Keep a leash or harness on your dog while cuddling, so they can’t bolt away when you’re not looking.
- Keep Them Away from Visitors: Both human and animal visitors can excite your dog. Keep your dog away from windows if they bark at people passing by.
- Stay Indoors: Keep your dog inside or in a kennel most of the time to restrict their activity. Kennel time doesn’t have to be a negative thing for your pup — take time to sit next to them and pet them with the kennel door open.
- Keep Them on a Leash: When it’s time for a bathroom break, keep your dog on a leash to ensure that if they see something enticing (like a squirrel), they can’t take chase and their heart rate and blood pressure stays low. Avoid retractable leashes, as they offer far less reliable control and too much freedom.
- Give Them Something to Chew: A bored dog can be destructive. Durable chew toys give your dog a healthy and calm way to keep boredom away.
- Stretch out Meal Times: Feed your dog with an interactive feeder or feed a portion of their daily food in a puzzle toy to help keep them entertained for hours while they try to get their food out.
Being treated for heartworm disease doesn’t give your dog immunity from getting infected again. Your veterinarian will prescribe a heartworm preventative during treatment. It is important that you continue on a year-round heartworm disease preventative to protect them from having to endure the disease and its effects again. Understanding the symptoms of heart worm in a dog helps in early detection. There are convenient injectable heartworm disease preventatives that last for 6 and 12 months, making it simple and easy to keep your dog protected from potentially fatal heartworm disease.
Consulting Your Veterinarian on Diet and Care
It cannot be stressed enough that any dietary changes or supplementation should be discussed thoroughly with your veterinarian. They can assess your dog’s specific stage of heartworm disease, overall health, and any concurrent conditions to recommend the most appropriate diet. This might include a prescription diet formulated for cardiac health, or specific supplements to support their recovery. Your vet is your best resource for tailored advice to ensure your dog receives the best possible care. Remember, integrated care, including diet and preventative measures like 2 in 1 flea and worm treatment for dogs, offers the best protection.
Conclusion
Navigating a heartworm positive diagnosis requires a multi-faceted approach, with specialized medical treatment, strict exercise restriction, and a carefully considered diet. By focusing on easily digestible, nutrient-rich foods that support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation, you can significantly contribute to your dog’s recovery and well-being. Always consult with your veterinarian to create a comprehensive plan that includes the best dog food for heartworm positive dogs, ensuring they receive the individualized care they need to overcome this disease and live a long, healthy life.
