Heartworms have been found in animals worldwide, and in all 50 US States, posing a risk to all of our beloved pets. Because heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, it is important to consider the climate, the length and severity of  "mosquito season," and the rate of heartworm incidence in your area when planning the best heartworm prevention plan for your pet. A good holistic veterinarian can help you determine what an appropriate heartworm prevention plan should include for your pet, and what role a natural herbal preventative like our HW Protect can play in helping to prevent heartworm disease in your companion.

Only Natural Pet HW Protect Herbal Formula offers an herbal alternative to the chemical heartworm prevention methods available, without the degree of side effects that have been documented with their use. Chemical heartworm preventatives work by continual administration of a low dose of insecticide to kill any developing microfilariae (microscopic sized baby worms) in the animal’s bloodstream. Herbal preventatives work in a similar fashion, using herbs instead of pesticides. NEITHER method kills adult heartworms, so regular testing for heartworm, at least every 6 months, is absolutely necessary regardless of what method you choose for prevention.

HW Protect Herbal Formula is intended for use as a preventative to be used during mosquito season as part of a comprehensive heartworm control program. The formula was designed with two objectives, using herbs that work together to reduce the likelihood of mosquito bites to lower your pet's risk of becoming infected, and to help eliminate existing larvae-stage parasites in the bloodstream. This tincture was developed to help prevent heartworm infestation using extracts of herbs well known for their mosquito repelling properties, and others well known for their anti-parasitic properties.

Heartworm disease (adult heartworm infestation in the heart and lungs) is a very serious health concern and treatment for heartworm disease should ALWAYS be guided by a veterinarian. If your pet already has heartworms, then we would suggest the Para-Gone Herbal Formula. If your pet has heartworm disease, then you should consult a veterinarian and follow a traditional heartworm disease treatment program, as elimination of heartworm can be complicated and carries additional risks to an animal's health.

Using an insect repellent like Only Natural Pet Herbal Defense Spray may also help prevent heartworms by keeping mosquitoes away from pets when they are outside.

As with all herbal remedies and treatments, the healthier the animal is overall, the more effective the treatment will be. Providing your companion with the best diet along with proper health-supportive products for optimal health will go a long way to preventing disease and making them less appealing and susceptible to parasites. Please see our articles, What You Need to Know About Your Pet’s Food, and The Importance of Daily Supplements for Your Companion for more information.

For additional information on heartworm and parasite infections, you will find our articles, Intestinal Worms and Heartworm, and Natural Worm Control, available in our Holistic Healthcare Library, or consult a holistic pet care reference book, such as Herbs for Pets, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, or The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care.

Following is a list of the herbs in this formula and the properties for which they were selected.

• Wormwood Herb (Artemisia absinthium) - May help eliminate microfilaria and developmental stage heartworm parasites and in the bloodstream, and may help create an unfavorable environment for parasites.
• Papaya Leaf (Carica papaya) - Contains enzymes (papain) that may digest parasite worms in the intestines.
• Wormseed Herb (Chenopodium anthelminticum) - Well known as an anti-parasite herb.
• Male Fern Root (Aspidium filix mas) - May be effective in helping to control blood parasites.
• Black Walnut Leaves (Juglans nigra) - May help support the body's defenses against parasites and help eliminate larvae stage parasites.  It is also popular for its cleansing properties.
• Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis) - May work against blood flukes and may help relieve inflammation.
• Oat Tops (Avena sativa) - A source of vegetable fiber.
• Parsley Root (Petroselium crispum) - May help to remove waste materials and act as an insect repellent.

This product was made in a FDA-approved facility using human-grade ingredients.

Only Natural Pet brand products are 100% Guaranteed!

Ingredients: Black Walnut (leaf), Ginger (root), Male Fern (root), Oat Tops (seed), Papaya (leaf), Parsley (root), Wormseed (aerial parts), Wormwood (aerial parts), Glycerin, Agave (nectar), Purified Water

Dosage: For Dogs and Cats - 3 times per day, give 1 drop for every 2 pounds of body weight up to 50 pounds, plus 1 drop for every 4 pounds of body weight over 50 pounds.* This tincture may be mixed with food, applied with dropper or syringe directly into mouth, or mixed with up to 1/2 cup of warm water.

*For example, a 70 lb. dog would be given 25 drops + 5 drops = 30 drops, three times each day (total 90 drops).

Each 2 oz. bottle contains approximately 1,050 drops, and each 4 oz. bottle contains approximately 2,100 drops of the formula.

Please Note:
An herbal approach to heartworm prevention is not like a traditional heartworm pharmaceutical preventative, which chemically kills all heartworm larvae, but it may be an effective and more natural method to prevent heartworm infection. Consistent dosing is essential for proper protection along with heartworm testing at least every 6 months.

Please keep in mind that response to natural health products varies by individual. If your pet's condition changes in any way that concerns you, discontinue use of any  products you have been giving your pet and contact your veterinarian.

Cautions: This formula is not for use in pregnant or nursing mothers, animals with kidney or liver disease, or those with seizure disorders.

About Only Natural Pet Herbal Remedies

Our Only Natural Pet Herbal Remedies have evolved from the work of holistic veterinarians and experienced herbalists to bring you a wide selection of natural health care products for your animal companion. Herbal formulas are easy to administer and easy for your pet to assimilate, making these treatments both simple and effective. Herbs are also great natural sources of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, enzymes, and many other nourishing substances.

Only the finest herbs are used in our formulas, and the careful selection and blending of these herbs helps them interact synergistically for stronger, more beneficial effects. Nothing is more natural than harnessing the healing powers of the herbs and flowers around us. When ill or injured, animals in the wild have an uncanny ability to seek out and eat plants with properties that will help them heal.

Natural therapies like our herbal formulas do not just attack the symptoms of a disorder. Instead they rebuild your companion’s total health and facilitate their body’s innate ability to heal itself. When natural remedies are used in conjunction with a nutritious diet, your pet can enjoy a healthier life.

The effectiveness of HW Protect Herbal Formula, as with ANY herbal or natural remedy, varies with the health of the animal. An animal being fed a high quality diet with adequate vitamins and enzymes will respond better than an animal on a poor quality diet. Each animal’s system needs support in healing from within. Please see our article, "What You Need to Know About Your Pet’s Food," for information about feeding the best quality diet.

Tips on Using Herbal Remedies

• Begin only one remedy or health product of any kind at a time. Do not add another product until you have clearly established your pet’s response to the first one, including signs of intolerance or interaction with any other product being used (unless you are working with a holistic veterinarian familiar with the substances being administered).
• More frequent dosage – say 3 times per day, is typically more effective than a large dose once per day, as spacing out the doses allows the herbs to remain in the animal’s system and provide optimal, consistent benefits.
• Response to herbal remedies varies by individual, so suggested dosages may need to be adjusted depending on your pet’s response. When introducing any new health product, it is wise to start with a lower than recommended dose and build up over the course of several days to a week. If vomiting, diarrhea or other signs of intolerance occur, a remedy should be stopped for two days, and then ½ the original dose can be administered to see if the lower dose can be tolerated. 
• Herbs take time to build in the system, so do not expect immediate results. It can take from several days up to a week or more to know if the herbal remedy is effective depending upon the severity of the issue being treated and the overall vitality of the animal.
• Herbs and other natural remedies work best for an animal whose system is given the best possible conditions for health and healing. This includes having the healthiest and freshest diet possible, along with proper health-supportive products and digestive aids such as digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids, and adequate levels of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Check with a knowledgeable veterinarian if your companion is on any conventional medications that herbal remedies could interact with. If your pet's condition changes in any way that concerns you, discontinue use of any remedies or health products and contact your veterinarian.

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