We adopted a new playmate for Kairi about a month ago named Kaya. She is about 2 and super playful and a perfect match for Kairi. We were told that she has heartworm negative and up to date on all shots and given all of the paperwork so we thought we were in the clear. We took Kaya to the vet yesterday to get six months of heartworm prevention and to get her checked out as she had a dry cough after playing rough with Kairi. Because we wanted to switch her heartworm from Trifexis to Advantage multi our vet did the necessary bloodwork to test for heartworms while we were at the office. She surprisingly came back very heartworm positive which was a shock to us. We are assuming the test she had in January with previous owners was a false negative.

We have decided to do the Immiticide treatment and we have just started the 4 week pretreatment with Doxycycline. Not only were we blindsided by her heartworm positive test, however, but we also learn that for the next 3-4 months she will be on severe exercise restriction. Both of our female huskies are very active, playful huskies with a never ending supply of playful husky energy. Does anyone know any good ways to restrict her exercise without going stir crazy. How can we restrict one without the other suffering or becoming a total ball of husky frustrated energy? Kaya does fine in her crate but if we leave her in there all day and Kairi roams free many fussing sessions will occur. We have been wracking our brains but can think of no good way to do this. Before we got this news both of our girls required at least two 1.5 mile walks/jogs per day as well as dog park runs at least three times per week for a happy husky home. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Y'all always give the best advice.

I really don't have any suggestions for you or restrict exercise just want to wish the best of luck with her treatment. There is a person here who comes to the meetups his second adopted husky just finish her heart worm treatment. He would bring them both to the dog park and keep Rain on a leash while Sky could play I am sure is create some stress in Rain. It would be hard I am sure when one is healthy and can be active the other one is restricted do to treatment and condition.

When I got my husky neutered he was a ball of energy at 6months old. The vet suggested we give him something to make him less hyper, so he didn't rip out his stitches. I am not sure if that is something you would be willing to do or if it could be used long term or in combination with her other medication? I would call your vet and ask if she could be put on some type of energy suppressant. Otherwise whenever she starts getting to the point in her kennel where she gets bored maybe try a kong or some other type toy that has a puzzle to get the treat? Hope this helps!

Mental stimulation is a great form of exercise. It tires them out super quickly! Get her a few puzzle toys, and learn a few new tricks

Thanks for the tips so far. Luckily now we are in decreased activity stage and not no activity. We are trying a few things out so we have a guess about what will work next month when the Immiticide starts. So far as long as they have equal treats or puzzle toys and Kairi stats calm Kaya stays in her crate quiet with no problems.

Kaya's treatment is over and she is finally heartworm free!  She got cleared for physical activity Friday and we have been to the dog park by our house twice over the weekend.  It was a long road and we hope to never have to go through that again.  She was so excited to be able to play, go on walks, and go to the park this weekend.  It's amazing how worn out they both were last night but were both full of renewed energy this morning!

Congrats!! Im glad she is healthy now!!!!

I'm glad she has finished her treatment ok. Happy exercising

Great to hear!  My foster just finished up her last Doxy pill.  I have to get her tested to make sure she's HW-, but congrats to you!

I hope you said something to the rescue you got her from. I had the same thing happen to me when I adopted my German Shepherd from a rescue when he was 10 months old. Glad she's doing good now!

We did let them know what happened because we were not too pleased.  We really would have never known if we weren't paranoid husky parents that wanted to get our vet to test her for everything.  It was a long road but we are so glad it's over.  They are both much happier now that they can play and wrestle all day!

I am so glad to hear she is doing good and is HW - now.. I am sure it is fun for the two of them to get to play all day.

I'm so happy she's better! That is really all that counts.