Imagine your beloved dog suddenly showing signs of being tired or coughing more often. This could be a scary sign of heartworm disease, a serious condition spread by mosquitoes. It’s a thought no pet owner wants to face, and knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming.
Finding the right treatment for your dog’s heartworms is a big decision. You worry about your furry friend’s comfort, the cost, and which treatment will work best. There are different approaches, and understanding them all can feel like a puzzle.
Don’t worry! This post will break down the main dog heartworm treatment options in a way that makes sense. We will explore what each treatment involves so you can feel more confident when talking to your veterinarian.
Keep reading to get a clear picture of how to help your dog fight off these dangerous worms and get back to being their happy, healthy self.
Top Dog Heartworm Treatment Recommendations
- Dewormer for Dogs: PetArmor 7 Way Chewable large dog dewormer treats and controls 7 species of worms: 2 tapeworms, 2 roundworms, and 3 types of hookworms
- Vet Quality Deworming for Dogs: These vet-quality tablets are safe for puppies 12 weeks or older, and large dogs 25.1 to 200 lbs
- Dewormer Tablets: PetArmor broad spectrum canine dewormer comes in chewable tablets, making it easy and convenient to give to your dog
- How to Use: Watch your dog for a few minutes after dosing to make sure the chewable dewormer for puppies is not rejected and the full dose of dewormer is eaten
- Recommended Use: For best results with PetArmor dog dewormer, read and follow label instructions; if you need to retreat your dog, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian and have them perform a fecal test to rule out other issues or parasites
- Dewormer for Dogs: PetArmor 7 Way Chewable dewormer for small dogs treats and controls 7 species of worms: 2 types of tapeworms, 2 types of roundworms, and 3 types of hookworms
- Vet-Quality: These vet-quality puppy dewormer tablets are safe for puppies 12 weeks or older, and small dogs 6.0 to 25 lbs
- Dewormer Tablets: PetArmor broad spectrum dewormer with pyrantel pamoate for dogs comes in chewable tablets, making it easy and convenient to give to your dog
- How to Use: Watch your dog for a few minutes after dosing to make sure the chewable 7 Way Dewormer for dogs is not rejected and the full dose of dewormer is eaten
- Recommended Use: For best results with any PetArmor dog dewormer read and follow label instructions; if you need to retreat your dog, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian and performing a fecal test to rule out any other issues or parasites
- K9 Advantix II Large Dog 30-day treatment & prevention protects dogs 21-55 lbs. from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies and lice
- Kills fleas within 12 hours of application
- Vet-recommended formula kills & repels on contact so fleas don’t have to bite your dog to die
- Easy-to-apply topical treatment is fragrance-free and waterproof after 24 hours
- No prescription needed
- Vet-recommended heartworm preventive
- Effectively prevents heartworm disease
- Also treats and controls roundworms & hookworms
- From the brand trusted over 2.5 billion times
- Delicious once a month real-beef chew that dogs love
- Don’t Just Protect, Triple Protect: Simparica Trio is a monthly chew that protects against three categories of parasites including heartworms, ticks & fleas, and intestinal worms. Approved for puppies as young as eight weeks old and weighing at least 2.8 pounds.
- Heartworm Protection: One dose provided 100% protection against heartworm disease in studies to support FDA-approval.
- Kills 6 Types of Ticks & FDA-Approved to Prevent Lyme Infections*: The only combo preventative proven to kill six types of ticks including the Gulf Coast Tick, Deer Tick, American Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, Brown Dog Tick, and Asian Longhorn Tick.
- Kills Fleas & Intestinal Worms: Prevents flea infestations because it kills fleas before they lay eggs. Prevents tapeworms because it kills fleas. Treats and controls roundworms and hookworms.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: Simparica Trio comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee on prevention and is administered once a month, with or without food.
- Trifexis delivers 5-in-1 protection from heartworms, fleas & 3 more intestinal parasites in dogs 40.1 to 60 lbs.
- Starts killing fleas in 30 minutes and kills 100% of adult fleas within 4 hours
- Prevents heartworm disease and treats & controls roundworms, hookworms & whipworms
- Tasty, beef-flavored tablet for easy dosing
- Protecting dogs from parasites for nearly 10 years, 272 million doses distributed (Elanco Animal Health, data on file)
- K9 Advantix II Extra Large Dog 30-day treatment & prevention protects dogs over 55 lbs. from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies and lice
- Kills fleas within 12 hours of application
- Vet-recommended formula kills & repels on contact so fleas don’t have to bite your dog to die
- Easy-to-apply topical treatment is fragrance-free and waterproof after 24 hours
- No prescription needed
- Prevents heartworm disease, treats, and controls roundworms and hookworms
- Kills heartworm larvae before they reach your dog’s heart
- Enjoy year-round protection for your dog, with monthly treatments
- Easy-to-give, beef-flavored, chewable tablet that your dog will enjoy.
- Safe for dogs with beef allergies
The Essential Buying Guide for Dog Heartworm Treatment
Heartworm disease is a serious threat to your dog’s health. It spreads through mosquito bites. Protecting your furry friend is vital. This guide helps you choose the right treatment or preventative. We look at what matters most when buying heartworm products.
1. Key Features to Look For
Good heartworm treatment or prevention has several important features. These features ensure effectiveness and safety for your dog.
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: The best products guard against more than just heartworms. Look for treatments that also prevent fleas, ticks, or other intestinal worms. This saves you money and simplifies your pet care routine.
- Ease of Administration: How you give the medicine matters. Do you prefer a tasty chewable tablet, a topical spot-on solution, or a long-lasting injection given by your vet? Choose the method your dog tolerates best.
- Monthly or Yearly Dosing: Most preventatives require monthly application. However, some vet-administered injections last a full year. Consider which schedule fits your lifestyle.
- Weight Range Suitability: Ensure the product is correctly dosed for your dog’s current weight. Incorrect dosing reduces effectiveness or risks side effects.
2. Important Materials and Active Ingredients
The active ingredients determine how well the treatment works. Always check the label for these common compounds:
- Macrocyclic Lactones: These are the most common ingredients for prevention. Examples include Ivermectin, Milbemycin Oxime, and Moxidectin. They kill the baby heartworms (larvae) before they mature.
- Insecticides (For Preventatives with Flea/Tick Control): If you choose a combination product, look for ingredients like Fipronil or Selamectin. These target external parasites.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a heartworm product hinges on its reliability and your dog’s reaction.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Veterinary Approval: Products recommended or prescribed by your veterinarian usually offer the highest proven safety and efficacy.
- Consistent Formulation: High-quality treatments maintain consistent ingredient levels across all batches.
- Water Resistance (For Topicals): If you use a topical treatment, good water resistance means rain or bathing will not wash the medicine away too soon.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Concerns: While some OTC products exist, they might not offer the comprehensive protection needed, especially against resistant strains of heartworm. Always discuss OTC options with your vet first.
- Improper Storage: Poorly stored treatments (exposed to extreme heat or cold) can lose their potency.
User Experience and Use Cases
The best product provides peace of mind. User experience often centers on convenience and side effects.
- The Busy Owner: Owners who travel often or forget monthly tasks prefer the yearly injection administered at the clinic. This removes the monthly worry.
- The Picky Eater: Dogs who refuse pills benefit from flavored chewables designed to taste like treats.
- The Outdoor Adventurer: Dogs spending significant time in wooded areas or high-mosquito zones need the strongest, broad-spectrum protection available.
Remember, prevention is far easier and cheaper than treatment. Always test your dog for existing heartworm infection before starting a new preventative regimen.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Heartworm Treatment
Q: What is the difference between heartworm treatment and prevention?
A: Prevention stops the baby worms from growing into adults. Treatment (often called adulticide therapy) kills adult worms already living in the dog’s arteries. Treatment is risky and expensive; prevention is safe and affordable.
Q: Can I buy heartworm prevention without a prescription?
A: Some preventative medications require a prescription because a negative heartworm test must be confirmed first. Other products, especially those focused only on fleas and ticks, might be available over the counter. Always ask your veterinarian before buying OTC medication.
Q: How often must I give my dog heartworm prevention?
A: Most common preventatives are given once a month. Yearly injections are also available. You must follow the schedule strictly, as missing a dose leaves a window open for infection.
Q: What should I do if I forget a monthly dose?
A: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, continue with the regular schedule. If you miss more than one dose, contact your vet immediately. They might recommend testing your dog sooner than usual.
Q: Are heartworm treatments safe for puppies?
A: Yes, most preventative medications are safe for puppies starting around 6 to 8 weeks of age. Your vet will determine the correct starting age and dosage based on the specific product.
Q: What are the common side effects of prevention?
A: Side effects from preventative chews or topicals are usually mild. They might include vomiting, lethargy, or skin irritation at the application site. Serious reactions are rare.
Q: Why is testing for heartworm important before starting prevention?
A: If your dog already has adult heartworms, giving a preventative drug can cause the dead worms to lodge in the lungs, leading to severe—sometimes fatal—complications. Testing ensures the dog is clear before prevention begins.
Q: How much does heartworm treatment usually cost?
A: Prevention costs vary widely but usually range from $15 to $50 per month depending on the dog’s size and if it includes flea/tick control. Adult treatment is significantly more expensive, often costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Q: Do indoor dogs still need heartworm prevention?
A: Yes. Mosquitoes can enter homes easily. Since mosquitoes are the carriers, an indoor dog is still at risk of infection.
Q: Does heartworm prevention work against other worms?
A: Many modern preventatives are combination products. They often protect against roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms in addition to heartworms.