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 supplements 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.

New Improved Formula! In our new formulas, the herbs are distilled in alcohol instead of glycerin, a process that is generally considered to preserve more of the beneficial properties of the herbs. Because alcohol is not sweet like glycerin, we've added both glycerin and agave nectar (a natural sweetener) to the formula to make it more palatable for dogs and cats.

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:
Individual animals respond to herbal remedies differently, and effectiveness is influenced by the overall health of the animal, their diet, and environmental and other factors. 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. If your pet's condition changes in any way that concerns you, discontinue use of any supplements and contact your veterinarian.

Contraindications:
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 important nutrients.

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.

If you have any questions about the supplements or products we carry, please call our toll-free number or email us at service@onlynaturalpet.com and mention the product name or number in the subject line.