Nature's Sunshine frequently asked questions on our herbal products and program

Bandit's Heartworm Program FAQ's

	Question: How Do I Order? Answer: The products used in Bandit's Program are: Anti-parasitic herbs: Artemisia Combination (100) Stock #787-6 Black Walnut Capsules (100) Stock #90-8 Herbs to Support the heart, lungs and circulatory system: COQ10-50mg (30) Stock # 4109-8 HS II (100) Stock #930-9 Yucca Capsules (100) Stock #770-3 Click Here to Order Auto-shipment Discounts Bulk Ordering
	Question: How much of the herbs in Bandit's Program do I give to my dog who has tested positive with heartworms? Answer: Just like humans, dogs are different depending on age, breed, overall health, severity of infestation and activity level. If you are not sure what is the best recipe for your dog, please email me and include: age, weight and breed of your dog, when diagnosed and how severe of a case your dog has, list all symptoms, tell me about your pet's health in general and list all vitamins/medications/herbs your dog is taking and what brand of food you are feeding. This site is not meant to diagnose or prescribe, information provided is a general guideline - for a dog with a mild to moderate case, who is in good health, is not of advanced age and is displaying little or no symptoms is... Weight 10-30 lbs 2 Artemisia capsules given at night before bed and upon waking in the morning on an empty stomach 1/2 COQ10 softgel capsule mixed with food at the a.m. meal (it's easy to pierce the softgel capsule and dispense half the amount) 1-2 HSII capsules mixed with food at a.m. and p.m. meals * (adjust accordingly depending on if your dog is at the lower end of the scale or higher end) 1/4 capsule Black Walnut capsules mixed with food once per day 5 days per week Weight 31-75 lbs 3 Artemisia capsules given at night before bed and upon waking in the morning on an empty stomach 1 COQ10 softgel capsule mixed with food at the a.m. meal 2 HSII capsules mixed with food at a.m. and p.m. meals 1/2 capsule Black Walnut capsules mixed with food once per day 5 days per week Click here for ordering information, or for Bulk Ordering
	Question: How much of the herbs should I use for PREVENTION? Answer: A general guideline to follow is: Under 5 lbs - 1/4 capsule Artemisia and a sprinkle of Black Walnut capsule [equivalent to an eighth of the capsule] 5-10 lbs - 1/2 to one capsule Artemisia and a 1/4 of Black Walnut capsule 11-25 lbs - 2 capsules Artemisia and 1/4 capsule Black Walnut 26-50 lbs - 2-3 capsules Artemisia and 1/2 capsule Black Walnut 51 lbs and over - 3 capsules Artemisia and 1/2 capsule Black Walnut Artemisia is given the first week of every month once a day, preferably at night. The Black Walnut is given 5 days a week all month long mixed with food at a meal. Click here for ordering information
	Question: My dog is coughing, how do I know if my dog has heartworms? Answer: The only way you can know is to have your dog tested, the average cost is around $20 dollars.
	Question: Do I need to keep my dog caged up and quiet the whole time s/he is on Bandit's Program? Answer: My suggestion is that you keep your dog on a leash when s/he goes outside and that you do not encourage your pet to run and play hard.
	Question: Is my dog going to feel better or worse while taking the herbs on Bandit's Program? Answer: Your dog will have good days and bad days as the worms die off. Dogs naturally rest when they don't feel well. Most dogs start feeling better within a few days.
	Question: How long should I have my dog on Bandit's Heartworm Program? Answer: All dogs are different, just like humans and respond differently, but I recommend 4 months for mild cases and a minimum of 6 months for moderate to severe cases. Bandit was on a program for a full year.
	Question: Where can I buy the herbs used in Bandit's Program? Answer: If you become a member of Nature's Sunshine, you can purchase the herbs at cost, which is a 35-40% savings. You can get membership info and place your order by clicking here.
	Question: Can I just buy something "like" the herbs used in Bandit's Program at a health food store? Answer: I cannot make suggestions or guide you on the program if you use brands other than Nature's Sunshine because there is no way of knowing about quality control or formulations in other products. I've only seen Nature's Sunshine work, so that's all I can work with.
	Question: How do I give the pills to my dog? Answer: You can open the capsules and mix them into the food or you can hide the capsule in a treat that your dog will swallow whole. Use only as much food as the dog will definitely finish. Make it a small serving and make sure your dog is hungry. After s/he has finished that serving, you can follow-up with more food. Baby foods are also an option. You can mix the herbs with peanut butter (I suggest a natural peanut butter that does not contain sugar). Mix the herbs and peanut butter together and then stick it to the roof of the dog's mouth. As the dog licks the peanut butter off the roof of the mouth, it will melt and he'll swallow the herbs with it. To pill a dog: have the dog sit down and tilt the dog's head back. Lift the lips away from the teeth, hold the upper jaw by the gums directly behind the canine teeth, and gently push down on the lower jaw with your other hand to open the mouth. Place the pill in the very back of the throat, close the mouth and keep it shut. Stroke your dog's throat softly until the pill is swallowed.
	Question: "I have three dachshunds I put on the Heartline injections a year ago. All three have now tested positive for heartworms. Any help you can give would be appreciated." -Ric Moser Answer: Believe it or not, Ric, this question has been asked to me several times this past year. Sometimes the test gives a false positive, but many times the dogs do have a heartworm infestation, so it is my suggestion that you have your dog re-tested in a week or so to confirm the diagnosis and then go from there.
	Question: Ivermectin seems to be gaining popularity for heartworm treatment, is it safe? Answer: Side effects of toxicosis (a diseased condition resulting from poisoning) include: depression, coma, tremors, ataxia, stupor, drooling and death. If you own a Collie, Australian Shepherd or a Sheepdog, you may want to take a look at this site that discusses the risks of Ivermectin in this breed of dog. Click Here For information from the Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine Click here. Additional Info from Washington State Click Here. For more information on genetic senstivity to Ivermectin, Click here. Ivermectin Study for HW Positive Dogs, Click here.
	Question: Revolution is a new flea/tick/heartworm drug, what do you know about it? Answer: "The most common is hair loss at the site of application with or without inflammation (redness, flaking) in cats. Other side effects reported in cats and dogs include vomiting, diarrhea with or without blood, anorexia (decreased appetite), lethargy (sluggishness), salivation, rapid breathing, pruritus (itching), urticaria (welts, hives), erythema (skin redness), ataxia (incoordination), fever and rare instances of death."
	Question: I hear conflicting information on Black Walnut, what is your take on it? Answer: I have used Black Walnut for my pets for several years and use it for myself. The holistic vets recommend it and compared to the tragic stories from side effects of the chemicals (see the links above) used for prevention and treatment of heartworms, well, there really is no comparison. Black Walnut is one of the herbs where "a little goes a long way" and is recommended by holistic vets to be taken 5 days on and 2 days off. Black Walnut is also recommended in many natural pet care books such as:The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care, by C.J. Puotinen and Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. Check this link for additional info on the use of Black Walnut in heartworm treatment..
	Question: What do the vets have to say about COQ10? Answer: Allen Schoen, DVM recommends a normal dose for healthy dogs to be 10mg per 15 pounds of body weight per day. Click here.