Keeping Your Pet Calm During Heartworm Treatment

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Image Source: Flickr/hebdromadaires

Is your pet undergoing treatment for heartworm?  As restless as your pet may get, exercise and activities that would elevate your dog’s heart rate are off limits.  Here are a few tips to help your dog stay quiet and calm during treatment.

• Stay Indoors – It is a good idea to keep your pet indoors or in a kennel through most of the treatment.  When your pet needs to go outside, keep the leash on so that a sudden encounter doesn’t send him running.
• Companionship – Make sure that you replace activity with affection.  Keep your pet close by at home and give them extra attention.
• Quiet Playtime – Making mealtimes last longer with feeding toys or puzzle feeders can let your dog quietly play for hour without increasing his or her blood pressure.  You can also try safe chew toys to help keep them from getting bored.
• Training – Learning new tricks is a great way to eliminate boredom and keep the body rested.  Try a game of stationary catch or train your pet to follow quiet commands.

Keeping your pet calm is essential to killing the heartworms and restoring your dog’s health.  Visit the American Heartworm Society to learn more about how to battle boredom.  If you have any questions about heartworm treatment, contact Bregman Vet Group.  We are happy to answer any questions you have regarding your pet’s health.