Heartworm disease is a serious condition that can affect dogs. If left untreated, it can cause severe illness or even death. When mosquitoes transmit heartworm larvae through their saliva during a bite, heartworm infection occurs. The infected dog will then develop adult worms over several months.
These worms live in the lungs’ pulmonary arteries and blood vessels and sometimes elsewhere in the body, such as the eyes, liver, or kidneys. Fortunately, there are drugs out there that work well to prevent heartworm infections:
Heartgard Plus
Heartgard Plus is a chewable tablet that comes in three sizes that are small, medium, and large. It’s the most popular heartworm preventative available today. In addition, it’s the only product veterinarians can give out at no cost during their practice visits.
The big advantage of Heartgard Plus Dogs chewable tablets over other brands is the convenience factor for you and your pet. It’s easy to administer once a month with no fussing around with liquids or gels that need measuring out each dose individually. Another perk is that dogs of all ages can use the product.
However, puppies under seven weeks old should not have access to this medication until they reach the appropriate age range indicated on the package label. It is best recommended to wait until 8 or 10 weeks.
Interceptor Plus
Interceptor Plus is a monthly prescription chewable tablet you give your dog once every month to protect against heartworm disease and intestinal parasites. Interceptor Plus is given at the same time each month, so it’s easy to remember and ensures that your pet gets an even dose of the medication each time.
The main ingredient in Interceptor Plus is milbemycin oxime, which prevents heartworm disease. In addition, it kills intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms in their parasite stages before they can develop into adults. This medicine kills them by attacking their nervous system. Also, Interceptor Plus works its magic on fleas by attacking their nervous system.
Trifexis
Trifexis is an oral medication that can be used to prevent heartworm disease and fleas in dogs. It’s a combination of ivermectin, milbemycin oxime, and praziquantel. These three medications work together to prevent heartworm infection and treat worms in your dog’s system.
Trifexis can be given once a month for protection from both these parasites. You can give the pet food within 30 minutes of eating to reduce the risk of vomiting or diarrhea in your pet. The first dose should be given at six weeks old for puppies, but it can also be safely given to older dogs who aren’t pregnant or nursing puppies.
Revolution Plus
Revolution Plus is a monthly topical flea and tick treatment. It’s available as a spot-on liquid, which you should apply to your dog’s skin between the shoulder blades. It kills fleas and ticks, treats mites and ear mites, treats sarcoptic mange, prevents heartworm disease, and repels mosquitoes.
According to the ProfShare report, by 2027, the global pet medication market is anticipated to reach USD 42837.85 million, expanding at a 7.2% CAGR. Revolution Plus’ active ingredients include selamectin, an insecticide that kills adult fleas by interfering with their nervous systems.
It paralyzes them so they can’t bite you or spread diseases like Lyme disease to humans. Selamectin also kills ticks by making it difficult for them to breathe properly or digest food. It causes them to die within 48 hours after they’ve ingested it.
Advantage Multi
Advantage Multi is a topical treatment that applies to the skin. It kills fleas and ticks on your pet, reducing the risk of infection with heartworm disease. This product is safe for dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens older than eight weeks old.
A report from Statista states that about 53% of the entire volume of the worldwide market for animal health was generated by pet-related healthcare products in 2021. Contributing to it, this medication comes in four different dose sizes for a small dog, a medium dog weighing 16-30 pounds, and a large dog weighing 31-55 pounds.
In addition, some packages include an applicator so you can administer the medicine yourself if needed.
Advantage Multi should be administered once per month for prevention when there’s an ongoing risk of exposure to ticks or fleas in your area. However, it will kill any parasites already on your pet at the time of application, so you don’t need to wait 30 days before giving it again.
Bravecto Plus
Bravecto Plus is a chewable tablet that prevents heartworm disease and kills fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. It’s available in 6 doses, which means you can give your dog all and spread them out over the year.
Safe for dogs over six months of age. The drug maker recommends waiting until your dog is at least six months old before giving this medication to him or her. However, some veterinarians recommend starting it as early as four months old if there are already signs of fleas or ticks on your pet’s body.
Not safe for pregnant and nursing dogs. Suppose you have an expecting or lactating female canine who will take this medication, ask your veterinarian about ways to prevent harm to the mother and pup. Check for caution when administering it orally so that none accidentally enters her bloodstream. It could affect development inside her womb.
These Medications Have Been Proven to Be Effective in Preventing Heartworm Disease
Morgan Stanley projects that the pet industry will rise by 8% annually by 2030, with the number of pets in the U.S. has increased by 5 million since the pandemic started. However, with the increased ownership, it is not easy for owners to get through heartworm and other diseases that may affect their pets. Furthermore, several medications are available, but some are more effective than others.
To ensure your pet’s protection against heartworm disease, you should use one of the following medications: Heartgard Plus, Interceptor Plus, Trifexis, and Revolution Plus. These medications have been proven effective in preventing heartworm disease in dogs.
