How to Treat Heartworm Naturally, and the Foods That Help Prevent It

Heartworm is one of those words that owners often fear. And in many ways, rightly so. It can be a very serious, potentially life-threatening disease, but it’s also extremely misunderstood. Especially when it comes to who’s really at risk, and how much you can do to prevent it naturally.

Before we get into treatment and prevention, let’s look at what actually makes a dog more likely to get heartworm.

What Increases Your Dog’s Risk of Heartworm?

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, not picked up from soil or other dogs. That means a few specific factors make a big difference in how vulnerable your dog might be:

1. Location and Climate
If you live in a warm, humid area, especially places with long mosquito seasons like the southern U.S., parts of Asia, or tropical countries, your dog’s risk is much higher. In cooler climates like the UK or northern Europe, risk drops dramatically. Even within a country, microclimates matter. Dogs near lakes, rivers or stagnant water sources are more exposed.

2. Coat Thickness and Skin Accessibility
Short-haired or thin-coated dogs are more vulnerable simply because mosquitoes can bite them more easily. Think staffies, whippets, greyhounds, and boxers. Breeds with thick double coats, like huskies or malamutes, have a bit of a built-in shield. Not total protection, but enough to affect the odds.

3. Immune System Strength
This is where diet, stress, and general health come in. A strong immune system won’t stop a mosquito from biting, but it can influence how the body responds to the early stages of infection. A dog with robust immunity is better equipped to fight off parasites at the larval stage, before they mature into adult worms.

Dogs on ultra-processed diets, dogs with gut issues, or those recovering from illness may be more susceptible. That’s why I often recommend adding antioxidant-rich foods such as berries and herbs like thyme or sage, alongside nutrient-dense extras like spirulina and reishi mushroom. You’ll find these exact ingredients in my Multi-Vitamin, which is designed to strengthen immune defences, protect the blood and organs, and help the body stay resilient when parasites attack.

A Natural Approach to Heartworm

Let’s be clear: if your dog already has heartworm, you need to act fast. Holistic support is support. It’s not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment. If you're in doubt, get your dog tested.

But there’s a lot you can do to support your dog’s body, both during and after treatment, and to reduce the risk of infection in the first place.

1. Support the Immune System

A strong immune system doesn’t prevent heartworm completely, because it’s a parasite, not a bacteria or virus. But it does help the body mount a better defence against all kinds of invaders, including worms.

Feed this:

• Sardines or mackerel (2–3x per week): Rich in omega-3s for immune support.
• Organic liver (once a week): Full of B vitamins and minerals to nourish the blood and organs.
• Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries: Packed with antioxidants that protect cells from damage and support the circulatory system.
• Raw local honey (in small amounts): Helps with allergy regulation, which reduces systemic inflammation.
• Garlic: Can help repel parasites when used in the right amount.
• Reishi mushroom: Included in my Multi-Vitamin can further balance the immune response and provide extra protection for the blood and organs.
  
  

2. Use Natural Parasite Repellents

Nature offers some clever ways to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects at bay, without the need for harsh chemicals.

Try this:

• Neem oil spray: Acts as a natural insect repellent (never let dogs ingest it).
• Apple cider vinegar (ACV): Adding a teaspoon to food or water can make your dog less appealing to parasites.
• Brewer’s yeast with garlic: A time-tested blend said to repel fleas and mosquitoes from the inside out.
  
  

3. Feed Foods That Detox and Strengthen the Blood

Heartworm affects the heart and blood vessels. Supporting blood flow and detoxification gives your dog the best chance of healing or staying resilient.

Feed this:

• Dandelion greens: Gently detoxifies the liver and supports kidney function.
• Spirulina or chlorella (in small amounts): Helps bind toxins and supports immune function.
• Reishi mushroom: A natural anti-inflammatory that supports cardiovascular health.
• Pumpkin seeds: A natural anti-parasitic, grind them up and add to food a few times a week.
  
  

Many of these ingredients - spirulina, reishi, antioxidant-rich berries - are core components of my Multi-Vitamin because they work on multiple levels: helping the body clear toxins, protecting red blood cells, and maintaining heart health under stress.

 

4. Keep the Gut Healthy

The gut is the foundation of immune health. If the gut is inflamed or unbalanced, everything else suffers — including the body’s ability to defend against parasites.

Add this:

• Probiotics: Keep the microbiome balanced and inflammation low. My Probiotic combines live beneficial bacteria with prebiotic plant fibres and immune-supporting ingredients like spirulina and sage to keep the gut and immune system in sync.
• Bone broth: Rich in amino acids like glycine that help repair the gut lining.
• Fermented veggies (like sauerkraut or kefir): Just a teaspoon now and then can work wonders.
  
  

Final Word: Prevention Is Daily, Not Monthly

The idea that one pill a month can ‘protect’ your dog overlooks the most important truth in canine health: prevention is something you do every day, with every bowl of food.

Feeding fresh, whole foods - alongside targeted extras like the Multi-Vitamin and Probiotic, antioxidant-rich berries, and functional herbs - supports your dog’s immune system, detox pathways, and overall vitality. That’s the real first line of defence.

Yes, there are cases where chemical preventatives may be needed, especially in high-risk areas. But even then, they can be used in conjunction with natural support, not in place of it.

If you’re worried about parasites, immune health, or need support post-heartworm treatment, I offer custom consultations and health plans tailored to your dog. You don’t have to go it alone.