When your dog is diagnosed with heartworms, it is important to take certain precautions and avoid certain activities to ensure a smooth recovery process. Here are some things you should not do when your dog has heartworms:
1. Avoid physical exertion: Physical activity can put additional strain on your dog’s heart and lungs, which are already compromised by the presence of heartworms. It has been proven that increased activity can lead to more severe disease and complications during heartworm treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to restrict your dog’s activity level during this time.
2. Do not engage in strenuous exercise: Strenuous exercise, such as running, playing fetch, or intense play sessions, should be avoided. These activities can elevate your dog’s heart rate and increase the risk of complications. Even short bursts of intense activity can be harmful, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
3. Limit walks and leash activities: While it is important to provide some exercise for your dog, it should be done in a controlled manner. Avoid long walks or allowing your dog to roam freely, as this can lead to excessive exertion. Instead, opt for short, leisurely walks on a leash to allow your dog to relieve themselves without overexertion.
4. Avoid activities that cause excitement: Excitement can elevate your dog’s heart rate and increase the risk of complications. Avoid activities that may cause excessive excitement, such as intense play sessions, roughhousing with other dogs, or exposure to stimuli that your dog finds highly stimulating.
5. Do not expose your dog to extreme temperatures: Heat and humidity can put additional strain on your dog’s cardiovascular system. Avoid taking your dog out during the hottest parts of the day or in extreme weather conditions. Additionally, make sure your dog has access to shade and fresh water at all times to prevent overheating.
6. Restrict access to stairs and elevated surfaces: Climbing stairs or jumping onto elevated surfaces can put strain on your dog’s heart and lungs. To minimize this risk, restrict access to areas with stairs or elevated surfaces. If necessary, use baby gates or other barriers to prevent your dog from accessing these areas.
7. Avoid stressful situations: Stress can have a negative impact on your dog’s overall health and immune system. During heartworm treatment, it is important to reduce stress levels as much as possible. Avoid situations that may cause anxiety or distress to your dog, such as loud noises, crowded environments, or interactions with aggressive or overly energetic dogs.
8. Do not administer heartworm preventives without consulting your veterinarian: While heartworm preventives are essential for preventing heartworm infection, it is important to consult your veterinarian before administering any medications during the treatment process. Some heartworm preventives can interact with the medications used for heartworm treatment, and your veterinarian will be able to provide guidance on the appropriate timing and type of preventive to use.
Remember, the period of rest and recovery should start at the time of diagnosis and continue until 6 to 8 weeks following your dog’s last melarsomine injection. Following these guidelines will help ensure a successful and complication-free recovery for your furry friend.