Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
Heartworm dilemma –Drugs or no drugs – Natural treatment protocol

Heartworm dilemma –Drugs or no drugs – Natural treatment protocol

How black walnut hulls can help 

Someone just asked me what I would do about heartworm in the Eastern United States. It is a tough question because I’ve never practiced or lived there and don’t have the practical experience of seeing many dogs with heartworm. However, I treated one dog from New Orleans a few years back using black walnut hulls. His tests have been repeatedly negative for the presence of heartworm since that time. At the time my client and I knew that black walnut hulls were toxic, however we saw no signs of toxicity and all blood work parameters were fine as well.

Here is the treatment protocol:

Black Walnut tincture – ¼ – 1 dropper once a day for 4 days days, stop treatment for three days and repeat the cycle for one more week, then stop for two weeks and repeat the whole cycle of treatment one more time.

Perform the heartworm DNA test four months from the beginning of the treatment or as an alternative perform the microfilaria or antigen test.

I actually learned about this protocol from a student who came to my practice from South Carolina. I’m very grateful to her for this insight because without it I would not have had the guts to use black walnut hulls.

What to do about preventive drugs

While I can’t recommend what your decision should be, I can tell you what I did with Skai and what I now do with Pax when I go to Hawaii.  Pax is not on any heartworm preventive and I test him for heartworm twice yearly. My friend  who lives in Hawaii full-time does the same and so far so good.

It seems to me that drug companies exaggerate the need for heartworm treatment in areas with low heartworm incidence. A good example is the Pacific Northwest. It took me years to realize that they just want us to be afraid of being liable and sell more drugs to our clients and patients.

Map of the USA showing heartworm cases by state

At the same time, some areas of North America present true danger of heartworm infection. In order to make the right decision it may be easier after looking at the maps above and below.  

Heartworm case map Canada

 

What is the conclusion?

You have to go with your heart (speaking of heartworm) and decide for yourself. If you live in an area with low heartworm incidence of one to five cases on the map, you should be fine with doing nothing and have your dog tested once a year if you want to  be very thorough. If you live in places like Hawaii or similar,  I recommend testing your dog twice a year.  This gives you a better chance of detecting any possible infection early and it could be treated without any serious consequences.

In areas with high incidence  of heartworm cases I would be more inclined to use heartworm prevention. I do not recommend major combo drugs treating heartworm, fleas, intestinal parasites and  ticks. The  more chemicals we introduce to our pets’ system the more likely it is to cause potentially serious problems. No matter what drug companies say about their safety, I will never believe that giving drugs creates a better state of health and contributes to longevity. The less you use the better.

You may already know that parasites thrive in weak individuals and that’s why good diet, exercise, supplements and a low stress life is the best parasite prevention. The key is to keep your dog healthy. Ultimately, you have to make your own decision when it comes to heartworm prevention and treatment.

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

[[advertisement product="tickhex-ad" /]] 

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close