As dog parents, we do a lot to take care of our pet’s health, such as feeding them nutritious food and grooming them. However, we often overlook the fact that our pets can be exposed to various parasites that can cause irritation and severe illness. Heartworm is one such life-threatening disease that can affect dogs.
Fortunately, there are many options available for heartworm treatment. These treatments come in different forms of administration and are available in different packs for dogs of different sizes and weights. It is essential to choose the right heartworm treatment that is safe, effective, and convenient. In this blog, we will discuss five commonly used heartworm treatments that prevent heartworms in dogs. Some of these treatments may also be effective in treating other parasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites, roundworms, and hookworms.
What is Heartworm Disease for Dogs?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects dogs, as well as cats, and other animals. It is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up the microscopic heartworm larvae, which it then spreads to other animals when it bites them. The larvae enter the animal’s bloodstream and eventually make their way to the heart and lungs, where they mature into adult worms. These adult worms can grow up to a foot long and can live for several years, causing damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs.
Heartworm disease can be difficult to detect in its early stages, as symptoms may not appear until the worms have reached maturity. Common symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss. If left untreated, heartworm disease can be fatal. It is important to prevent heartworm infection in your dog through the use of preventive treatment and also by controlling the mosquito population around your home.
1. Revolution
Revolution is used to prevent heartworm disease in dogs, as well as to control fleas, American dog ticks, ear mites, and certain types of mange. It is applied topically to the skin once a month and is effective at preventing heartworm infection when used as directed.
It contains the active ingredient selamectin which prevents heartworm disease along with killing and controlling other parasites like fleas, ticks, and ear mites.
2. Heartgard
HeartGard Plus is a highly effective treatment for preventing heartworm infection in dogs. It contains Pyrantel and Ivermectin, which work together to kill any heartworm larvae before they can mature into adults. In addition, HeartGard Plus also controls two types of roundworms and three types of hookworms, mange, and lice.
HeartGard Plus is a beef-flavored chewable treatment that is easier to feed to dogs. You can directly administer it into their mouth or mix it in their food. Heartgard must be administered every month and not miss out on any doses to protect your dog from the fatal disease.
3. Advantage Multi
Advantage Multi is broad spectra spot-on treatment that prevents heartworm disease in dogs along with controlling other parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and other parasites. It is applied topically to the skin once a month and is effective at preventing heartworm infection when used as directed. Advantage Multi has been shown to be safe and effective for dogs above 8 weeks of age.
Advantage Multi contains two active ingredients: imidacloprid and moxidectin. imidacloprid is useful in controlling flea infestations by killing adult fleas and preventing their eggs from hatching. Moxidectin is useful in preventing heartworm infection, as well as controlling other parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and other parasites.
4. Nexgard Spectra
Nexgard Spectra is a chewable tablet that is given to dogs orally once a month and is effective at preventing heartworm infection when used as directed. Nexgard Spectra also helps to control other parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms, making it a broad-spectrum treatment option. It is safe for dogs of all breeds and sizes, and it can be given to dogs as young as 8 weeks of age.
It contains two active ingredients: afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime. In addition to preventing heartworm disease, Nexgard Spectra also helps to control a wide range of parasites that can cause problems for dogs, such as fleas, ticks, and mites.
5. Simparica Trio
Simparica Trio is a chewable treatment that prevents heartworm disease in dogs and controls fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms. It contains three active ingredients: Sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel. Sarolaner works by attacking the nerve cells of parasites, causing them to be paralyzed and eventually die. Moxidectin and pyrantel target various types of worms, including roundworms and hookworms.
Simparica Trio is effective at killing fleas before they can lay eggs and at eliminating five different types of ticks. It is available for dogs over 8 weeks old and is administered orally once a month.
Bottom Line
It is important to carefully consider the pros and cons of each type of treatment and to consult with a veterinarian before making a decision. It is also important to follow the recommended dosing schedule and not miss any doses, as this can leave your pet vulnerable to heartworm infection. A good heartworm treatment ensures the good health and life-being of your pet
