Heartworm Medicines For Dogs

Wesley Burke
10 min readSep 28, 2024

Heartworms can be a serious and potentially fatal threat to your furry friend's health. As a responsible pet owner, you are likely looking for the best solutions to protect your dog from this dangerous parasite. In this article, we'll be exploring some top-rated heartworm medicines for dogs to keep your beloved companion safe and healthy.

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Reviews

Trifexis: Effective Flea, Heartworm, and Worm Control for Dogs

Trifexis: Effective Flea, Heartworm, and Worm Control for Dogs | Image

Introducing Trifexis, the trusted chewable tablet for dogs that provides comprehensive protection against fleas, heartworm disease, and adult hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm infections. With a combination of spinosad and milbemycin oxime, you can ensure your furry friend stays safe and healthy, whether they're playing outdoors or snuggling indoors. Simply give your dog the tablet once a month along with their food for maximum effectiveness. Say goodbye to pesky fleas and the worry of heartworms with the reliable coverage provided by Trifexis.

Effective Heartworm Medicine for Dogs (51-100 lbs)

Effective Heartworm Medicine for Dogs (51–100 lbs) | Image

Say goodbye to heartworms with Heartgard Plus, the tasty chewable solution for canine health. Designed for dogs weighing 51-100 pounds, this chewable tablet contains Pyrantel and Ivermectin, actively killing and controlling parasites such as heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms. With a convenient once-a-month dosage, you can keep your furry friend safe and healthy. Made from real beef, these chewy treats are not only easy to administer but also enticing for your dog, making it a hassle-free experience for both you and your pet.

Heartgard Plus: Delicious and Effective Heartworm Medicine for Dogs

Heartgard Plus: Delicious and Effective Heartworm Medicine for Dogs | Image

The Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs is a popular and easy-to-administer heartworm preventative. This flavorsome chewable, made of real beef, easily wins your dog's approval, making it simple for pet owners to include it in their dog's routine. This affordable, convenient to order product has been a top choice for dog owners, preventing heartworm disease with an impressive rating of 4.3372. Each chewable pack, offering a 6 tablets supply, ensures your dog's health is protected for half a year. Whether you're a first-time user or an existing Heartgard customer, this chewable promises an effortless way to keep your dog safe from heartworms.

Interceptor RX: 6-Count Heartworm Protection for Dogs

Interceptor RX: 6-Count Heartworm Protection for Dogs | Image

Keep your beloved dog safe and healthy with Interceptor Flavor Tabs, a monthly pill that effectively prevents heartworm while also eliminating parasites like hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm. Available in varying strengths based on your dog's weight, these tasty tablets are a hit with both dogs and cats, making them a gentle and effective solution for heartworm prevention.

Interceptor Plus: Effective Heartworm Medicine for Dogs (8.1-25 lbs)

Interceptor Plus: Effective Heartworm Medicine for Dogs (8.1–25 lbs) | Image

Interceptor Plus is a convenient chewable tablet for dogs, designed to prevent heartworm infections and control roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm infections. These chewable tablets also protect against flea tapeworm infections in both adult dogs and puppies. The product is an effective and easy-to-administer solution for your furry friends, with no reported side effects.

Vetrisield Max - Advanced Prevention for Dogs (25.1-50 lbs) - 6x Chewable Tablets

Vetrisield Max — Advanced Prevention for Dogs (25.1–50 lbs) — 6x Chewable Tablets | Image

VetriShield Max, a tasty chewable tablet, offers reliable protection for dogs against harmful heartworms and other parasites. With ingredients like Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate, it effectively treats and controls a range of common parasites, providing peace of mind for pet owners. Designed to be given once a month, this veterinary-recommended solution offers a full month of protection for your furry friend.

Sentinel Flavor Tabs: Milbemycin-Based Flea and Heartworm Prevention for Dogs

Sentinel Flavor Tabs: Milbemycin-Based Flea and Heartworm Prevention for Dogs | Image

Introducing Sentinel Flavor Tabs, a delicious and easy-to-administer solution for comprehensive parasite prevention in your furry friends. These tablets come in a convenient 1-flavored tablet size and contain milbemycin oxime and lufenuron, powerful ingredients that effectively protect your dog against fleas, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. With a 4.8-star rating and 114 reviews, you can trust that Sentinel Flavor Tabs will provide your dog with long-lasting protection and ease of use. Just consult with your veterinarian to ensure the appropriate dosage and administration for your dog's needs, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing your pet is well-protected against parasites all month long.

Iverhart Max Plus: Green Heartworm Medicine for Dogs (1-3 Month Supply)

Iverhart Max Plus: Green Heartworm Medicine for Dogs (1–3 Month Supply) | Image

Say goodbye to heartworm worries with the Iverhart Plus tablet for dogs. This chewable treat effectively eliminates the heartworm larvae and helps in treating roundworms and hookworms, providing a long-lasting 30-day protection against infections. Made of Pyrantel and Ivermectin, this preventative medication can be easily administered once a month, making it a top choice for pet owners. With positive reviews from satisfied customers, Iverhart Plus is a reliable and cost-effective solution for your dog's heartworm prevention needs.

Heartworm Treatment Chewable Tablets for Dogs - Tri-Heart Plus

Heartworm Treatment Chewable Tablets for Dogs — Tri-Heart Plus | Image

Tri-Heart Plus, a revival animal health product, offers a simple and effective solution against heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm in our beloved canine friends. Available in chewable form, this medicine contains ivermectin and pyrantel to combat these parasites, ensuring our dogs stay healthy and happy. With over 7 reviews boasting a perfect 5.0 rating, Tri-Heart Plus is a trusted choice for pet owners.

Effective OTC Flea Treatment for Dogs: Simparica Trio 1-Month Supply

Effective OTC Flea Treatment for Dogs: Simparica Trio 1-Month Supply | Image

Protect your furry friend with Simparica Trio, the all-in-one chewable tablet for dogs. This highly rated product, with an ease of use rating of 4.4 out of 5, ensures a stress-free treatment process by offering comprehensive pest protection for your dog. With a dog-friendly taste, it's easy to administer and leaves no residue or unpleasant odor, making it the ideal choice for your pet's health and well-being.

Efficient Dog and Cat Heartworm Medicine - Interceptor RX Tablets (6 Count)

Efficient Dog and Cat Heartworm Medicine — Interceptor RX Tablets (6 Count) | Image

Keep your pets safe and healthy with Interceptor Chewable Tablets, a trusted solution for dogs weighing 11-25 lbs and cats weighing 1.5-6 lbs. These chewable tablets effectively prevent heartworm and control parasites, providing a reliable method of protection for your beloved pets. Rated 4.7 by satisfied pet owners, the tablets are convenient to administer, and the dogs seem to enjoy the taste. With the recurring iPhone reminder, keeping your pets on schedule has never been easier.

Buyer's Guide

When it comes to protecting your canine companion from heartworm diseases, there are several factors to consider. From the type of medicine to the frequency of administration, making an informed decision is crucial. In this guide, we'll detail essential features, key considerations, and general advice to help you make the best choice for your dog's heartworm prevention needs.

Types of Heartworm Medicine

Heartworm medicines come in various forms tailored to your dog's specific needs. Some common types include:

  1. Oral medications, which are administered as chewable tablets or capsules. 2. Topical solutions, which are applied to your dog's skin monthly or every three months. 3. Injectable medications, which require periodic injections from your veterinarian. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best option for your pet.

Effectiveness and Safety

Effectiveness and safety are crucial when selecting a heartworm medicine for your dog. Reputable brands and products have been extensively tested to ensure they provide optimal protection against heartworms while minimizing potential side effects. Look for products with a proven track record and positive reviews from other pet owners. It's also crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for proper administration to maximize effectiveness and minimize any risks.

Frequency of Administration

How often the heartworm medicine needs to be administered varies depending on the product. Some medicines require monthly administration, while others may be administered every three months. Consider the convenience of administration frequency when choosing a product. Additionally, remember that not adhering to the prescribed schedule can result in decreased protection from heartworms, so make certain that you can commit to the schedule before selecting a product.

Veterinarian Recommendations

Trust your veterinarian's expertise and recommendations when it comes to choosing a heartworm medicine for your dog. They will consider factors such as your dog's age, health, and lifestyle to determine the most appropriate product for their needs. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new heartworm prevention regimen.

FAQ

What are heartworms and how can they affect dogs?

Heartworms are parasitic worms carried by mosquitoes and can infect dogs. When a mosquito carrying larvae bites a dog, the larvae enter the bloodstream and eventually mature into adult heartworms. These worms reside in the heart and pulmonary arteries, causing blockages and damage to the affected organs. This can lead to various health issues, including heart failure, lung disease, and a weakened immune system.

Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications. The best way to protect your dog from heartworms is by administering heartworm preventative medication regularly, as recommended by your veterinarian. In addition to medications, your dog should be routinely tested for heartworms during their annual checkups.

What are the heartworm preventative options available for dogs?

There are several heartworm preventative options available for dogs, including: oral medications, topical treatments, and an injectable medication. Most products also protect your dog from other parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, which is an added benefit. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best heartworm prevention method for your dog based on their health status, age, and lifestyle.

Some of the well-known brands include Heartgard, Ivermectin, Revolution, Sentinel, and Advantage Multi. Each option has its own benefits and side effects, and your veterinarian can help you choose the most suitable one for your dog. Follow your vet's advice on administering the medication, as some products require a specific timing to ensure efficacy against heartworms.

When should I start giving my dog heartworm prevention medication?

Puppies can start heartworm prevention as early as 6 weeks of age. However, it is essential that you consult with your veterinarian about the appropriate starting age for your puppy and the best way to administer the medication. In most cases, puppies should receive monthly preventative treatments until they have completed their series of puppy vaccinations, which is around 4 months of age.

For adult dogs, heartworm preventative medications should be administered every 30 to 90 days, depending on the product and your veterinarian's recommendations. Make sure you give the medication at the recommended time to ensure proper protection against heartworms. If you are unsure about the dosage or timing, consult with your veterinarian for guidance.

What happens if a dog has a confirmed positive heartworm test?

If a dog tests positive for heartworms, your veterinarian may recommend a combination of treatments depending on the severity of the infection and the dog's overall health. One common treatment is the administration of macrocyclic lactone (ML) drugs, such as Milbemask or Immitak, which kill the adult heartworms. These treatments may need to be administered in combination with additional heartworm preventatives.

Surgical removal of heartworms is generally not recommended due to the health risks associated with it. After the adult heartworms have been effectively treated, your veterinarian may recommend ongoing preventative treatment to keep your dog healthy and heartworm-free. If you have a heartworm-positive dog, it is essential to follow your veterinarian's advice and treatment plan.

What are the common side effects of heartworm preventative medication in dogs?

Heartworm preventative medications are generally safe and well-tolerated by dogs; however, some dogs may experience side effects. Common side effects include mild digestive issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea, which may occur during the first few days of using a new medication. Signs of an allergic reaction, like hives or swelling, are rare and should be addressed immediately by your veterinarian.

If you notice any side effects in your dog after administering heartworm preventative medication, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian can help you determine if the side effects are related to the medication or if there are any underlying health issues that need to be addressed. It is essential to give your dog the medication as prescribed to ensure their protection against heartworms and other parasites.

How often do dogs need to get tested for heartworms?

Dogs should have a heartworm test, using a blood sample, at least once a year, regardless of whether they are on heartworm preventative medication or not. Annual heartworm testing can help detect any breakthrough infections that may have occurred despite the preventative measures. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend more frequent testing, particularly if your dog is at a higher risk of heartworm infection due to factors like geographic location or lifestyle.

Regular heartworm testing is essential to ensure early detection and treatment of heartworms in your dog, which can help prevent severe complications and prolong your dog's life. If you are unsure about the appropriate testing schedule for your dog, consult with your veterinarian to discuss your dog's individual needs.

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