Heartworm Medicine for Dogs

Heartworm Medicine and Prevention for Dogs

Heartworm disease in dogs is fatal if left untreated. Pets get the illness when a mosquito bites them and infects them with larvae. Since these insects are everywhere, veterinarian's recommend having a year-round prevention plan. By doing this you can protect your dog from heart failure, lung disease, and organ damage. Learn how the parasite life cycle works and the heartworm medicine for dogs that is available.

FAQs about Prescription Heartworm Medicine

What are the best dog prescription heartworm brands?

The best selling dog prescription heartworm brands are:

What kind of heartworm preventative is best for dogs?

Finding the best heartworm preventative medication for your dog is a decision that is best made in partnership with your veterinarian. The right heartworm preventive medication for your dog depends on a lot of factors you can discuss with your veterinarian. The great news is there are a lot of options, which include injectable long-lasting preventative, chewable, topical application – and combinations that also prevent against internal parasites like roundworms and external parasites like fleas and ticks. Depending on the lifestyle and needs of you and your pet, you can select from many options. Breed is also taken into consideration when choosing the best heartworm therapy for your pet. Some breeds such as collies, may have an increased sensitivity to the active ingredient Ivermectin.

Do you need a prescription for dog heartworm medicine?

Yes, you need a prescription for heartworm preventative in the United States. Most Veterinarians require a recent negative heartworm test be on file before prescribing heartworm preventatives. Heartworm testing is performed annually to ensure your pet continues to be free from heartworms and it’s safe to continue to administer the heartworm medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

Do dogs really need heartworm preventative medicine year-round?

Yes, it's recommended that you keep your pet on year-round heartworm prevention treatment, because carriers of the disease never truly go away. Many heartworm preventative medications include preventatives for other worms your dog may contract. Indoor dogs also benefit from year-round protection, due to the variety of worms and diseases that your dog may encounter throughout the year.

How often should you give heartworm medicine to dogs?

It depends on the preventative you and your veterinarian have selected is best for your pet. Most oral or topical preventatives are given monthly and should be used year-round. The current injectable heartworm preventatives are administered by a veterinarian either every 6 or 12 months. Proper dosing and administration should be discussed with your veterinarian.