Best Heartworm Prevention Medicines for Dogs

As a dedicated dog owner, ensuring the health and well-being of your furry friend is likely one of your top priorities. Among the various health concerns dogs may face, heartworm disease is one of the most serious. This potentially fatal condition is transmitted by mosquitoes, putting virtually all dogs at risk. But the good news is that heartworm disease is preventable, and several effective medicines are available to safeguard your dog from this threat.

In this blog post, we will dive deep into the world of heartworm prevention medicines for dogs. We’ll discuss what they are and how they work and share some of the best options available today. So, whether you’re a new dog owner or a seasoned pet parent, stay with us as we navigate the essentials of safeguarding your pup against heartworms.

The Importance of Year-Round Heartworm Preventative Medicines

Year-round heartworm prevention plays a critical role in safeguarding your dog’s health. The disease, spread by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic worm, has been reported in all 50 U.S. states, reflecting its wide geographic spread and underscoring the need for consistent preventative measures. The unpredictability of mosquito season, the carriers of heartworm, adds another layer of complexity to the issue.

Traditionally, heartworm transmission has been associated with the warmer months when mosquitoes thrive. However, with shifting weather patterns and the presence of indoor mosquitoes, there’s no longer a clearly defined ‘safe’ season. This makes year-round prevention not just a recommendation but a necessity.

Furthermore, prevention is undeniably more straightforward and cost-effective than treatment. Treating heartworm disease is complex and expensive, often involving long-term medication, potential surgery, and a restrictive recovery period. Some dogs might not fully recover, living with the after-effects of the disease. Conversely, year-round preventative measures are affordable and easy to administer. A lapse in prevention, even briefly, leaves your dog vulnerable to infection and subsequent ccc. 

Additionally, many heartworm preventatives protect against common parasites like ticks, fleas, and roundworms, providing an all-in-one solution for your pet’s parasitic defenses. Consistent, year-round heartworm prevention is the best way to keep your pet safe, healthy, and heartworm-free.

Best Heartworm Preventatives for Dogs

 There are three main types of heartworm preventatives: oral medications, topical medications, and injectable medications. Choosing the best heartworm prevention medicine for your dog depends on age, lifestyle, and your vet’s recommendations.

Oral Heartworm Preventatives

Oral preventatives come in chewable tablets or soft chews that your dog ingests. Oral heartworm preventatives are generally easier to administer because they are designed to be palatable to dogs. They work by introducing a small dose of medication that circulates in the dog’s system and kills off heartworm larvae that may have been ingested through the bite of an infected mosquito.

1. Simparica Trio
2. Nexgard Plus
3. Heartgard Plus
4. Interceptor Plus
5. Sentinel Spectrum
6. Tri-Heart Plus
7. Trifexis

Topical Heartworm Preventatives

Topical heartworm preventatives are applied directly on the skin, usually on the back of the neck or between the shoulder blades, where the dog can’t lick it off. They are easy to apply and do not require the pet to ingest anything, making them a good choice for dogs with difficulty taking oral medications. Many also offer protection against internal parasites (like heartworms and intestinal worms) and external parasites (like fleas and ticks).

1. Revolution
2. Advantage Multi

Injectable Heartworm Preventatives

Injectable heartworm preventatives provide long-term protection with a single dose, reducing the chance of missed doses. They also take the responsibility of remembering to administer monthly preventatives off the pet owner’s shoulders. As a vet administers these medications, it also ensures the full dose is given every time.

1. ProHeart 6
2. ProHeart 12

Injectable heartworm preventatives (containing moxidectin) offer an alternative to oral and topical treatments. ProHeart 6, for example, can be used in puppies as young as six months of age, while ProHeart 12 is suitable for dogs over one year. These injections protect for six or 12 months, depending on the chosen product. These injections also protect against hookworm intestinal parasites.

Choosing the Right Heartworm Preventative for Your Dog 

Please consult your veterinarian to find the best possible heartworm prevention method for your dog’s lifestyle and budget. If heartworm disease is prevalent in your area, using a product specifically targeting heartworms is vital. A monthly chewable tablet might be a more convenient option over topical applications, as it doesn’t require a messy application.

Common Side Effects of Heartworm Preventatives

Oral, topical, and injectable heartworm preventatives may have different side effects based on their mode of administration and active ingredients. Let’s discuss each one:

Oral Preventatives: Oral heartworm preventatives are typically well-tolerated by most dogs, but they may occasionally cause gastrointestinal upset, including

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite

In some instances, dogs might experience lethargy or hypersalivation.

Topical Preventatives: Topical heartworm preventatives are applied to the dog’s skin. The most common side effect is skin irritation at the application site, which can include

• redness
• itching
• hair loss.

Rarely, some dogs might experience vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, or nervous system disorders.

Injectable Preventatives: The injectable heartworm preventative ProHeart 6/12 is administered by a vet every six or twelve months. Potential side effects include

• swelling or tenderness at the injection site
• lethargy
• decreased appetite or hyperactivity. Rare side effects may include seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.

Conclusion 

To keep your dog healthy, ensure they are on a heartworm preventive recommended by your vet. Year-round heartworm prevention is crucial, so follow the recommended treatment schedule to protect your pet from this dangerous disease.

Frequently Asked Questions