HEARTWORM
By Sasha (as posted to the Wellpet list)

Hi Barb,

...The potential side effects of Ivermectin (the active ingredient in Heartgard) include liver problems, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, lethargy, skin eruptions, seizures, tremors, paralysis, autoimmune disorders, thyroid problems, fever, weakness, dizziness, coughing, nose bleeds, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, irritability, sudden aggressive behavior, nerve damage, fertility problems, and sudden death. The drug poses a particular risk to Collies and related breeds. Other chemical heartworm preventatives have many of the same side effects.

In his new book "The Nature of Animal Healing," Dr. Martin Goldstein states that he believes that much of the cancer and liver disease we see in dogs today is the result of years of treatment with heartworm preventatives. 98% of the dogs in his NY practice (including of course his own dogs) aren't on any heartworm preventative.

If you must give a chemical heartworm preventative, keep in mind that both Interceptor and Heartgard are effective when given every 6 weeks instead of monthly. Unless you live in a state where mosquito season literally lasts all year (e.g. Florida), it is also very important for the health of your dog to spend at least a few months each year without the drug. Just because you see a mosquito in January does not mean that your dogs are at risk. In order for microfilariae to develop into infective L3s, it needs to be sufficiently warm (above 57 degrees for a period of time). Always give milk thistle or an herbal liver detox blend following the heartworm drug.

Regards,
Sasha & The Wirehaired Pointers

This information comes from a number of books:
"Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats" by Dr.
Richard H. Pitcairn & Susan Hubble Pitcairn
"Natural Dog Care" by Celeste Yarnall, Ph.D
"It's For The Animals!" by Helen McKinnon
"The Nature of Animal Healing: The Path to Your Pet's Health, Happiness, and
Longevity" by Dr. Martin Goldstein