Prescription Heartworm Prevention Medicine for Dogs

Heartworms are a type of parasite that are transmitted to dogs through mosquito bites. If an infected mosquito bites your dog, it can pass along heartworm larvae. Without treatment, the worms will mature into adults and potentially infest your dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Once your dog is infected, they will require veterinary care to treat the infection and prevent serious disease and even death. Talk to your vet about heartworm prevention for your dog.

Things to consider when shopping for dog heartworm medication include:

• Your Dog’s Weight: Heartworm preventatives are sold based on your dog’s weight. Your vet will help you pick the right one. Most brands of medications come in different colored boxes for different weights.
• Administration Route: Heartworm medications are typically available as a tasty chew, but there are also tablets and topical solutions. Choose the one that works best for your situation.
• Frequency: How often do you have to administer the medication? To be effective, heartworm medication must be administered regularly. This will kill any immature heartworms (called microfilariae) in your dog’s system before they can mature.
• Targeted Parasites: Many canine heartworm medications are combined with other ingredients that treat various types of fleas and ticks. Talk to your vet about the best combination medication to target the parasites where you live.

If you suspect your dog has been infected, it’s important to talk to your vet as soon as possible. In many cases, your dog won’t have any symptoms at first. As the worms spread, symptoms may include a persistent cough, problems with exercise, fatigue, and a lower appetite. Treatment for heartworm infection often involves several steps. To help prevent heartworm infection in your dog, ask your vet about heartworm prevention and make sure to have your dog tested at least annually.