(Note: this is the “recipe” I use as a preventative of the heartworm parasite)

For Bandit, heartworm parasite prevention requires a multi-faceted approach which includes a good diet and not exposing him to mosquitoes as much as possible. He is an inside dog and I've been successful with this program, but would not recommend this for dogs who are kept outside because they have increased exposure and are thus at higher risk.

To provide as much protection as possible from mosquitoes, we use cedar mulch in the area where Bandit does his "business." We make sure there is no standing water for the mosquitoes to breed in. Prior to leaving the house and again upon returning after play or "business," I lightly spray Bandit with an essential oil spray which I make up and keep by the door. The mist is made of 1 cup of water with 4 drops of Tea Tree Oil and 4 drops of Lavender Oil in it. Shake it right before spraying. I use this on myself as a great bug repellant. I don’t have the worries of toxic chemicals on the skin. It can be sprayed pet bedding and outdoor areas to deter mosquitoes and other insects.  Click here for more ideas

The parasite preventative program that I have Bandit is:

During the first week of each month [for 7 days], he gets 2 Artemisia every night before he goes to bed. I put Liquid Black Walnut in his water 4-5 days per week all during the month. I use 1/4 teaspoon in 2-1/2 cups of water. Both of my pets drink from that and that amount lasts two days. If I were using capsules, I would give Bandit 1/4 to 1/2 of a capsule 4-5 days per week all during the month on his food. Please Note: For the first year following Bandit's negative heartworm result, he received HSII and COQ10 Plus with his food twice a day. After the first year, he moved down to HSII once a day in his morning meal to support his heart.

This program has kept my dog parasite free for annual checkups. Please use wisdom and common sense in deciding whether a natural approach is best for you and your pet family. Since an herbal approach is less expensive than the preventatives, please be sure you make the investment to have your dog tested at the least annually. Note: Making the decision to use/not use a monthly preventative is a personal decision. The decision to use, or not to use, any parasite program, whether it be natural or a monthly preventative is the sole responsibility of the pet owner and involves serious consideration.   

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Artemisia Artemisia Combination contains two species of artemisia: wormwood and mugwort. These herbs contribute to a friendly environment for intestinal flora. Add to them elecampane root, clove flower buds, garlic bulb root, ginger root, spearmint herb and turmeric root, and you have a more powerful product. Artemisia is used for it's antiparasitic qualities and supports the body in creating an unfavorable environment for parasites.

BlackWalnut Black Walnut is an astringent because it is rich in tannin, a toning substance. Black walnut's fame in folk medicine is due to its cleansing properties. Black Walnut is famous for it's cleansing properties and has been used to support the body's defenses against parasites.

Coq10 CoQ10 is known to regulate the use of oxygen in the body. Numerous studies suggest that Co-Q10 may be beneficial in supporting the cardiovascular system.  Some studies have reported Co-Q10’s ability to support cardiovascular functions. When free radicals are present, CoQ10 destroys them and makes more oxygen available to the system for healing. Co-Q10 works as an antioxidant, protecting lipids and other cell components from oxidation. It is a particularly promising cardioprotective agent. When cells age, mitochondrial Co-Q10 levels decrease. But dietary supplementation has been shown to help maintain energy production and aid in cardiovascular function. Supplementation with this coenzyme has been shown to maintain mitochondrial and cardiac functions , and support recovery after stress and surgery. As an antioxidant, Co-Q10 scavenges free radicals, protects cardiac cells, prevents lipid oxidation and promotes the regeneration of vitamin E, another antioxidant.

HSII HS II is a combination designed for support to the circulatory system, containing: hawthorn berries, capsicum and garlic. Hawthorn berries is used to strengthen and tone the heart, feed the adrenals, cleanse arteries, and has been known to balance blood pressure. Capsicum has long been used as a way to boost circulation and cleanse the body. Recent studies have shown garlic to be of benefit to the digestive, circulatory and immune systems.

Yucca Yucca contains large amounts of the steroid saponin.  This makes it a popular remedy for inflammation. Yucca is high in vitamins A, B, and C, and contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper which make it very soothing to the intestinal tract.