Imagine your beloved dog playing fetch, full of energy. Now picture tiny, dangerous worms silently growing inside their heart. It’s a scary thought, isn’t it? Heartworm disease is a real threat to our furry friends, and preventing it is super important for their health.
Choosing the right heartworm medicine can feel overwhelming. So many brands exist, each with different ways to take them and different costs. You want the best protection, but you also need something that fits your budget and is easy for your dog. It’s a balancing act that can leave any pet parent feeling unsure.
Don’t worry! This post is here to clear things up. We will break down the different types of heartworm medicine. You’ll learn what makes each one work and what to look for when picking one for your dog. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident in protecting your furry family member.
Top Dog Heartworm Medicine 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 puppies; treats and controls 7 species of worms: 2 types of tapeworms, 2 types of roundworms, and 3 types of hookworms in dogs 12 weeks and older.
- Vet Quality: These vet-quality dog tapeworm dewormer tablets are safe for puppies 12 weeks or older, and large dogs 25.1 to 200 lbs
- Dewormer Tablets: PetArmor broad spectrum dewormer comes in chewable tablets that provide pyrantel pamoate for dogs, making it easy and convenient to give
- How to Use: Watch your dog for a few minutes after dosing to make sure the chewable dog dewormer is not rejected and the full dose of deworming for dogs is eaten
- Recommended Use: For best results with PetArmor canine 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Effective, Waterproof Flea Treatment for Dogs: PetArmor Plus is a waterproof flea and tick treatment for dogs that kills fleas, eggs, larvae, ticks, and chewing lice up to 30 days after application
- Trusted, Vet Quality* Formula: This large dog flea and tick treatment contains fipronil and (S)-methoprene, the same active ingredients as FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs; PetArmor Plus for Dogs has a powerful formula that starts to kill fleas in 24 hours
- Break the Flea Cycle: Unlike other dog flea and tick prevention that may temporarily suppress flea activity, PETARMOR Plus Dog Flea Treatment works by effectively breaking the flea life cycle! Kill flea eggs and larvae to prevent re-infestation
- Fast Acting Long-Lasting Dog Flea & Tick Control: One application of PetArmor Plus lasts up to 30 days providing nose to tail protection. A 6-dose package lasts six months
- Easy-to-use, Long-Lasting: PetArmor Plus tick and flea prevention for dogs comes with six (6) waterproof topical applications that provide your pet flea protection and control for six (6) months
- Easy and convenient Chewable
- Available without a prescription
- Treats and controls seven strains of tape Hook and roundworms
- Non prescription
- Convenient one-and-done monthly dosing for parasite protection for dogs
- Provides flea and tick protection for dogs
- Kills adult fleas and 5 species of ticks
- Effective prevention of heartworm disease
- Treats and controls 3 species of hookworms and 2 species of roundworms
The Essential Dog Heartworm Medicine Buying Guide
Heartworm disease is a serious threat to dogs. It spreads through mosquito bites. Protecting your dog is vital. This guide helps you choose the right heartworm medicine.
Key Features to Look For
When selecting heartworm medication, several features matter most.
- Preventative vs. Treatment: Most owners buy preventative medicine. Preventatives stop baby worms from growing into adults. Treatment is much harder and more expensive. Always aim for prevention.
- Dosing Frequency: Most medicines come in monthly chewables or topical liquids. Some are long-lasting injections given by a vet. Monthly options are easiest for most dog owners.
- Broad Spectrum Protection: The best medicines protect against more than just heartworms. Look for products that also prevent fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms (like roundworms or hookworms). This saves you money and hassle.
- Palatability (For Chewables): If your dog won’t eat the pill, it doesn’t work. Good products taste like treats.
Important Ingredients and Materials
Heartworm preventatives use specific active ingredients. These ingredients kill the immature heartworms (microfilariae) before they mature.
Active Ingredients
You will usually see one of these names on the label:
- Ivermectin: A common, effective ingredient.
- Milbemycin Oxime: Often used in combination products.
- Moxidectin: Used in some topical and injectable forms.
Always check the label to ensure the correct dosage is listed for your dog’s weight. Many medications combine these ingredients with others to add flea or tick protection.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the medicine directly impacts your dog’s safety.
Improving Quality
- Veterinarian Recommendation: Medicines recommended by your vet usually offer proven results and proper formulation.
- Proper Testing: High-quality preventatives require a recent negative heartworm test before starting. This is crucial because giving preventative medicine to a dog already infected can cause a severe, dangerous reaction.
- Consistency: The best medicine is the one you remember to give every month, without fail.
Reducing Quality (Things to Avoid)
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) without Vet Approval: Be cautious with very cheap, unbranded products found online. They might be fake or the wrong concentration.
- Skipping Tests: Never start a preventative program without a current negative heartworm test, especially if you switch brands or miss doses.
- Improper Storage: Heat or moisture can damage topical treatments, making them less effective.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the medicine affects your daily routine.
Chewable Tablets
This is the most common choice. You give one tablet by mouth once a month. User Experience: Most owners find this very easy. If your dog loves treats, they will likely eat this without issue. You must ensure your dog chews and swallows the whole tablet.
Topical Liquids (Spot-Ons)
You apply this liquid directly to the skin on your dog’s back, usually between the shoulder blades. User Experience: This is great if your dog refuses pills. However, you must wait 24 to 48 hours before bathing your dog after application to ensure the medicine absorbs properly.
Injectables
This is administered by your veterinarian, often twice a year. User Experience: This offers the highest convenience, as you do not have to remember monthly doses. It is usually more expensive upfront.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Heartworm Medicine
Q: How often must I give my dog heartworm medicine?
A: For most monthly chewables or topical treatments, you must give the dose once every 30 days, all year long, even if it is cold outside.
Q: Can I skip doses if I live in a cold area?
A: No. It is safest not to skip doses. Mosquitoes can survive indoors or appear early in the spring. Consistent protection prevents problems.
Q: What happens if my dog misses a dose?
A: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, go back to the regular schedule. If you miss more than a few doses, call your vet; they may recommend a heartworm test.
Q: Do I need a prescription for heartworm medicine?
A: Yes, for most high-quality, effective preventative medicines, your veterinarian must give you a prescription after a negative heartworm test.
Q: Are generic heartworm medicines safe?
A: Some generics are fine, but always confirm with your vet. They ensure the product contains the correct active ingredients and is made by a reputable manufacturer.
Q: Can my dog get heartworms from another dog?
A: No. Heartworms only spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Dogs cannot pass them directly to each other.
Q: What is the difference between heartworm prevention and treatment?
A: Prevention stops the baby worms from maturing. Treatment kills adult worms already living in the dog’s arteries, which is a difficult, risky, and expensive process.
Q: Is heartworm medicine safe for puppies?
A: Yes, most preventatives are safe for puppies starting around 6 to 8 weeks of age, but you must follow your vet’s specific weight guidelines.
Q: Does heartworm medicine kill fleas and ticks too?
A: Some do! These are called “combination products.” Read the label carefully to see which pests are covered besides heartworms.
Q: How long does it take for the medicine to start working?
A: If you use a monthly preventative, it starts protecting your dog immediately after the first dose against new infections, provided the dog was negative beforehand.