Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes and infects the right side of the heart, initially. To prevent this disease, it is recommended that pet owners give a monthly preventive medication to their pets (unless a medical conditions warrants otherwise). Because some preventives can cause severe problems if given to animals
with a current adult heartworm infestation, it is important to get a blood test for heartworm
before administering preventives. Dogs should be periodically re-tested, so please discuss an appropriate re-test schedule with your vet (i.e. every 1-3 years). Depending on the medication, heartworm preventives can be given starting between 4-8 weeks of age (some vets start pups later) and/or when the puppy reaches the minimum weight guidelines, as required for some heartworm medications.
Comprehensive article about Heartworm Disease LONG list of Heartworm FAQs What is Heartworm? (including incidence map from 2005)
The following preventives are available and are listed in the following format - Brand Name/How to Give/Ingredients/Action:
Heartguard - Unflavored Pill (Ivermectin)
Protects from heartworm
Heartgard Plus - Chewable Pill (Ivermectin and Pyrantel)
Protects from heartworm, roundworm, hookworm
Interceptor - Chewable Pill (Milbemycin Oxime)
Protects from heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm
Sentinel - Chewable Pill (Milbemycin Oxime and Lufeneron)
Protects from heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, fleas (prevents egg hatching; does not kill adult fleas)
Revolution - Topical (Selamectin)
Protects from heartworm, ear mites, ticks, and sarcoptic mange, fleas (kills adult fleas & prevents egg hatching)
Advantage Multi - Topicial (Moxidectin and Imidacloprid)
Protects from heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, fleas (kills adult fleas)
Iverheart Plus - Chewable Pill (Ivermectin, Pyrantel)
(considered "generic" for Heartguard + and is cheaper)
Protects from heartworm, roundworm, hookworm
Iverheart Max - Chewable Pill (Ivermectin, Pyrantel, Praziquantel)
(more affordable than other brands)
Protects from heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm
Tri-Heart Plus - Chewable Piill (Ivermectin and Pyrantel)
(same as Heartguard +, but often less expensive)
Protects from heartworm, roundworm, hookworm
ProHeart 6 - Injection (Moxidectin) *use caution, see FDA recalls
Protects from heartworm, hookworm
Things to consider when choosing the right preventive for your pet:
-Size of pet and dosage appropriateness
-Safety and efficacy of the medication
-Ingredients (what do you want/need to treat for in your region?)
-Treating year-round or only in warmer months
-Your pet's health (are some heartworm meds safer for
your particular pet because of existing issues?)
-Breed sensitivity (i.e., some collies
may have difficulties with Ivermectin)
-Cost
Need help remembering to give the monthly Heartworm pill? REGISTER HERE at RemindMyPet