Selecting the best heartworm medication for your pet can be daunting. To ensure you provide the highest quality care, consider these key factors to help you make an informed decision.
Heartworm-Only Medications vs. Combination Medications
Heartworms aren't the only parasites that can affect your pet. Many owners find choosing a heartworm preventative that treats other parasites is more convenient and cost-effective. Most heartworm preventatives, such as Heartgard Plus, also target different types of worms.
Popular brands like Advantage Multi or Revolution are recommended for comprehensive protection against internal and external parasites. These products also treat fleas, intestinal worms, and mites. The specific parasites you should treat your pet for depend on factors like your region and your pet's lifestyle.
Remember that while combination or broad-spectrum medications cover a range of parasites, no single medication currently eliminates all types of parasites. For a detailed comparison of top brands and the parasites they treat, refer to our easy-to-use treatment comparison chart.
Topical, Oral, Or Injection
Heartworm medications typically come in topical (spot-on) applications and oral applications, each with pros and cons.
Oral medications, available as tablets or chews, offer a convenient, mess-free way to administer treatment. Chews are usually tasty and can be given as treats, while tablets can be crushed and mixed with food. However, some pets might refuse oral medications, or they might spit them out or vomit them up without the owner noticing.
Topical medications, or spot-on treatments, are ideal for pets who are picky about oral preventatives. The downside is that pets need to be kept away from other animals and children until the treatment dries, and they may need to avoid bathing or swimming for two days after application.
Also, longer-lasting injectable preventatives are available, which must only be administered every 6 or 12 months. However, these injections are not available in all countries and are suitable for dogs, not cats.
Talk To Your Vet
Before introducing any new medication or health care routine for your dog or cat, it's essential to consult your veterinarian. They can identify any breed, size, or age-specific risk factors and inform you about potential side effects of heartworm preventatives.
For heartworm disease specifically, a vet visit is necessary to test and ensure your pet is free of existing heartworms before starting any preventative medication.
The Bottom Line
When choosing a heartworm medication for your pet, it's crucial to consider all available options and their benefits and drawbacks. Consulting with your veterinarian is essential to ensure your pet's safety and well-being. They can provide personalized advice based on your pet's breed, size, and age and ensure it is free of existing heartworms before starting preventative treatment. With the proper guidance, you can make an informed decision that best suits your pet's needs and lifestyle.
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