When to start heartworm medication for puppies?

It’s an inevitable fact of life that puppies will catch something. Among the regular health checks ups, vaccinations and fleas treatments comes heartworm medication. But when is it appropriate to begin these procedures? This article will be your guide on how and when heartworm medication should become a part of your puppy parenting.

What are Heartworms?

Before we get into anything else, let’s talk about what exactly is this pesky parasite we’re trying to prevent; Heartworm disease occurs in dogs (and cats) after mosquitos carrying immature larvae bites them, which then grows into mature worms that inhabit the dog’s pulmonary arteries within six months. If left untreated they can lead to severe damage and potentially death from cardiovascular collapse or respiratory insufficiency.
Typical symptoms include coughing, excess panting even while at rest or lethargy.

At What Age Should You Give Your Puppy Preventative Meds?

There are some conflicting opinions among vets on this matter but generally speaking most experts agree:

6 weeks old

At only 6 weeks pups still require immediate healthcare. Unfortunately there isn’t really any present solution here other than trying to limit their exposure with mosquito nets etc.

Starting between 8-12 weeks

This middle period is called a “window” by some professionals as pregnant dogs may have passed protective antibodies onto their pups – this offers temporary protection so administering those meds aren’t needed straight away without confirmation from the vet.

12 weeks onwards+

After twelve weeks, all bets are off – bring out the big guns, you want those monthly preventative medications administered ASAP!

PRO TIP: It takes about five months for microfilariae (baby heartworms) testing positive with grown up females living inside dogs causing further complications particularly through blocking blood vessels – treatments supplied by pros immediately need applying..

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is all well and good, but heartworm prevention requires more medication than what you can find in your herb garden. Not to mention extreme caution needs applying as these might have cross-reactions or may be unable to kill certain strains of the worm depending on their concentration.

Professional Treatment

Regardless of which preventative measures chosen -take especially good care! Heart worms are easily treatable with careful monitoring by professional vets at every level under clinical conditions.

The Importance of Consistency

Just like vaccinations, it’s important to stay consistent once you begin a course of heartworm meds. It’s tough already having to administer such medications so don’t skip months regardless if they’ve been playing indoors or not because Heartworms can take up residence inside any dog exposed!

Conclusion: Vaccines vs Preventives

Dogs generally do best prevention-wise when tested annually, this allows early detection and early treatment (rather than treating much later from age two where Microfilaria Test (testing baby heartworm) starts taking place).

While vaccines for immunization against debilitating diseases still should hold priority status within puppy parenting – flea/tick preventions and heartworm treatments are considerations in keeping an active lifestyle enjoyment manageable too(Including proper exercise)! Don’t underestimate importance understanding best practices that work for everyone; dogs deserve only finest care possible!

Upshot? Early sustainable precautions always proves effective over long-run potential risks… protecting furry friends throughout elongated enjoyable excursions aiding their/owner wellness..

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