Imagine this: your dog is happily playing fetch in the park. Suddenly, they start coughing and seem tired. You rush them to the vet, and the news isn’t good. Your dog has heartworms! This scary scenario can become a reality if you don’t protect your furry friend.
Heartworm disease is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes. It can damage your dog’s heart and lungs. Choosing a heartworm preventative can feel overwhelming. There are so many different medications, and you want to make the best choice. You might wonder which one is most effective or how often you need to give it. It’s a lot to figure out!
Don’t worry! This blog post will help you understand heartworm preventatives. You’ll learn about the different types, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your dog. We’ll also cover important things like how to give the medication and what to do if you miss a dose. Get ready to become a heartworm prevention expert!
Let’s dive in and explore the world of heartworm preventatives so you can keep your dog healthy and happy.
Our Top 5 Dog Heartworm Preventative Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Heartworm Preventative Detailed Reviews
1. HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Real-Beef Chewables for Dogs 51-100 lbs (Brown Box) 6 Month Supply of Chews (Heartworm Disease Preventive)
Rating: 8.8/10
Keep your dog safe from heartworm disease with HEARTGARD® Plus! These real-beef chewables are easy to give. They protect dogs weighing 51-100 lbs. This 6-month supply is a vet-recommended heartworm preventive. HEARTGARD® Plus also helps get rid of roundworms and hookworms. It’s a trusted brand that has been used billions of times. Plus, dogs love the tasty real-beef flavor!
What We Like:
- It stops heartworm disease.
- It gets rid of roundworms and hookworms.
- Dogs love the real-beef taste.
- It’s a brand vets trust.
- It’s easy to give to your dog once a month.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires a vet’s prescription.
HEARTGARD® Plus is a great way to protect your dog. It is an easy and tasty way to keep your dog healthy. You should talk to your vet about this product!
2. K9 Advantix II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea
Rating: 9.0/10
Keep your large dog safe from pesky pests with K9 Advantix II! This vet-recommended treatment protects dogs weighing 21-55 lbs. from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, and lice. It’s a 30-day treatment, and a 4-month supply is included. The formula kills fleas fast, often within 12 hours! It works on contact, so fleas don’t have to bite your dog to die. The treatment is easy to apply and becomes waterproof after 24 hours. Best of all, you don’t need a prescription.
What We Like:
- Kills fleas quickly.
- Repels and kills ticks and mosquitoes.
- Protects against biting flies and lice.
- Easy to apply.
- Waterproof after 24 hours.
- No prescription needed.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs may have a reaction to the treatment.
- It only protects for 30 days, so you need to reapply monthly.
K9 Advantix II is a good choice to protect your dog from annoying and dangerous pests. It is a convenient way to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
3. Interceptor Plus Prevention for Heartworm + 4 Other Worms for Dogs 8.1-25 lbs.
Rating: 8.6/10
Keep your furry friend safe from dangerous worms with Interceptor Plus! This monthly chewable protects dogs from heartworm disease and four other common worm infections. It’s designed for dogs weighing 8.1 to 25 pounds. Each box contains six tasty, chicken-flavored chews, providing six months of protection. This easy-to-administer medication helps keep your dog healthy and happy. Give your dog the best defense against worms with this easy-to-use product.
What We Like:
- Protects against heartworms and four other types of worms.
- The chews are flavored with real chicken. This makes it easy to give to your dog.
- It prevents heartworm disease.
- It treats and controls hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
- It works against worms found in dog parks, trails, and backyards.
- Each chew gives your dog 30 days of protection.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product is only for dogs between 8.1 and 25 lbs.
- It may not be ideal for dogs who are picky eaters.
Interceptor Plus is a great choice for dog owners who want to protect their pets from worms. This product offers complete protection in a tasty, easy-to-give chew.
4. PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer for Dogs
Rating: 8.8/10
Does your small dog or puppy need help with worms? PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer is here to help! This chewable medicine gets rid of seven types of worms. It works against tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. It’s for dogs 12 weeks or older and weighs between 6 and 25 pounds. The chewable tablets are easy to give your dog. They are also vet-quality.
What We Like:
- It treats and controls seven types of worms.
- The chewable tablets are easy to give.
- It’s safe for puppies and small dogs.
- The product is vet-quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to watch your dog after giving the medicine.
- You may need to talk to your vet if you need to give it again.
In conclusion, PetArmor 7 Way De-Wormer is a helpful product for small dogs and puppies with worms. It is a convenient and effective way to keep your furry friend healthy.
5. Trifexis Heartworm Prevention
Rating: 9.3/10
Keep your furry friend safe with Trifexis! This chewable tablet protects dogs from many nasty parasites. It works for dogs between 5 and 10 pounds. Trifexis fights heartworms, fleas, and three other types of worms. It’s a simple way to keep your dog healthy and happy.
What We Like:
- Trifexis gives dogs 5-in-1 protection.
- It starts killing fleas very fast!
- The medicine prevents heartworm disease.
- It also treats and controls other worms.
- Dogs love the tasty, beef-flavored tablet.
- This product has helped dogs for almost a decade.
What Could Be Improved:
- This review does not provide any cons.
Trifexis is a great choice to keep your dog healthy. It is an easy way to protect your dog from many different parasites.
Protect Your Pup: A Dog Heartworm Preventative Buying Guide
Buying heartworm preventative for your dog is a big deal. It keeps them safe from a dangerous disease. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Key Features to Look For
You want a heartworm preventative that works well. Here’s what to look for:
- Broad Spectrum Protection: Does it protect against other parasites, like hookworms and roundworms? This is helpful.
- Easy to Give: Is it a chewable tablet, a topical treatment, or an injection? You want something your dog will take easily.
- FDA Approved: Make sure the product is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means it’s been tested and is safe.
- Veterinarian Recommended: Your vet knows your dog best. They can recommend the best preventative.
Important Materials
The active ingredient is the most important part. It’s what fights the heartworms. Here are some common ingredients:
- Ivermectin: This is a common ingredient. It is often in chewable tablets.
- Milbemycin Oxime: This ingredient also works well. It is found in many preventatives.
- Selamectin: This is applied on the skin. It is a common choice.
- Moxidectin: This is also applied topically. It is effective.
Factors that Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a heartworm preventative better. Others make it worse.
- Quality: Look for trusted brands. They often use the best ingredients.
- Storage: Follow the storage instructions. Heat or cold can make the medicine less effective.
- Your Dog’s Health: Tell your vet about your dog’s health. Some preventatives might not be right for every dog.
- Regular Testing: Your vet will check your dog for heartworms. This is important to make sure the preventative is working.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the preventative.
- Chewable Tablets: Many dogs eat these like treats. It’s easy to give.
- Topical Treatments: These are easy if your dog doesn’t like pills.
- Monthly Doses: Most preventatives need to be given once a month. Set a reminder!
- Year-Round Protection: In most places, you should give heartworm preventative all year. Mosquitoes can bite anytime.
- Travel: If you travel with your dog, bring enough preventative.
Dog Heartworm Preventative: FAQ
Here are some common questions about dog heartworm preventatives:
Q: What are heartworms?
A: Heartworms are worms that live in a dog’s heart and blood vessels. They are spread by mosquitoes.
Q: How does heartworm preventative work?
A: It kills heartworm larvae before they become adults. This prevents the disease.
Q: Does my dog need heartworm preventative if they stay inside?
A: Yes. Mosquitoes can get inside. It is better to be safe.
Q: Can I stop giving my dog heartworm preventative in the winter?
A: No. You should give it year-round. Mosquitoes can live in warmer places.
Q: What happens if my dog gets heartworms?
A: Heartworm disease can be serious. It can damage your dog’s heart and lungs. Treatment is expensive.
Q: How often does my dog need to be tested for heartworms?
A: Your vet will test your dog once a year. This checks if the preventative is working.
Q: What if I miss a dose of heartworm preventative?
A: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, continue with the regular schedule. Talk to your vet.
Q: Are there side effects to heartworm preventatives?
A: Most dogs don’t have side effects. Sometimes, dogs may have vomiting or diarrhea. Talk to your vet if you are worried.
Q: Can I buy heartworm preventative without a prescription?
A: No. You need a prescription from your vet. They need to examine your dog first.
Q: Where can I buy heartworm preventative?
A: You can buy it from your vet or a licensed online pharmacy with a prescription.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.