Heartworm disease is a critical and potentially life-threatening condition that affects dogs. It is caused by a parasitic worm that lives in infected animals’ heart and blood vessels. Fortunately, there are several effective medicines that veterinarians highly recommend and prescribe to treat heartworm in dogs.
Most dog owners use heartworm medications to protect their dogs even when there is no sign of the disease. The increase in the number of pet lovers worldwide has surged the demand for veterinary medications. The global specialty drug market for animals was valued at more than $37,624 million in 2022 and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 5.8% between 2022 and 2032.
This article will discuss six of these medicines and how they work to protect your furry friend from this debilitating disease. If you are a dog owner and want to learn more about heartworm and the medicines that can help prevent and treat it, continue reading.
1. Heartgard Plus
Heartgard Plus is one of the most popular and effective medicines for preventing heartworm in dogs. This medication is a chewable tablet given once a month to prevent heartworm infection. It also protects against other common parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms.
It is available in different sizes for dogs of different weights, including a specific version of Heartgard for dogs up to 25 lbs. It makes it a great option for small breeds or puppies. By administering Heartgard Plus as directed, pet owners can effectively protect their dogs from heartworm disease and other parasites. It’s a great way to ensure your dog’s overall health and well-being.
It is a combination of two active ingredients, ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate. Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic medication that kills the immature heartworm parasite before it can mature and cause damage to the dog’s heart and blood vessels. According to the FDA, the average life of heartworm can range from 5 to 7 years.
Talk to your vet about whether Heartgard Plus is the right choice for your dog. There are more than 47,693 veterinarians in the US, according to Zippia. You can approach any of the experienced vets according to your feasibility.
2. Tri-Heart Plus
Another oral medication that is used to prevent heartworm disease in dogs is Tri-Heart Plus. It contains three active ingredients: ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel. Tri-Heart Plus comes in a chewable form that most dogs enjoy.
It is also recommended to give the medication year-round, as mosquitoes can transmit the heartworm parasite at any time of the year. According to the latest news from ABC7 Eyewitness News, dogs are at higher risk of heartworm disease from mosquitoes in Orange County due to Aedes aegypti mosquitos.
Tri-Heart Plus does not treat adult heartworm and should be used with regular heartworm testing. It does protect against other types of worms, but it’s always best to consult your veterinarian for a personalized deworming plan for your dog.
3. Sentinel
Sentinel prevents heartworm disease in dogs and controls flea and intestinal worm infestations. It contains milbemycin oxime and lufenuron as two active ingredients.
Milbemycin oxime is an anti-parasitic medication that kills the immature form of the heartworm parasite before it can mature and cause damage to the dog’s heart and blood vessels. Lufenuron is an insect growth regulator that interferes with the development and reproduction of fleas, preventing them from maturing into adults.
Sentinel also does not treat adult heartworm. Unfortunately, it also does not protect against all types of worms, so it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum dewormer in addition to Sentinel.
4. Interceptor
Another monthly oral medication used to prevent heartworm disease in dogs is Interceptor. It also controls other parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. It contains the active ingredient milbemycin oxime.
Interceptor is an effective and highly recommended medication for preventing heartworm disease in dogs and controlling other common intestinal parasites. It is easy to give, well-tolerated by most dogs, and has a relatively low risk of side effects. Consult your veterinarian to see if Interceptor is the right choice for your dog.
5. Iverhart Max
Iverhart Max contains three active ingredients, ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate, and praziquantel. Praziquantel is a powerful wormer that targets and eliminates tapeworms.
Iverhart Max is widely available for purchase in the US and Canada. It’s sold over the counter in pet stores and available online through retail partners with a prescription from your veterinarian.
6. Ivermectin/Pyrantel
Ivermectin and pyrantel are two active ingredients that are often used together in oral medication for dogs. The use of these two drugs is aimed at preventing and managing heartworm disease, as well as common intestinal parasites like whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
When used together, these two active ingredients provide a comprehensive and effective solution for preventing and controlling heartworm disease and common intestinal parasites in dogs. The medication is usually administered in a chewable form, and it’s easy to give to dogs.
It is essential to administer the medication to your dog as per the schedule prescribed by your veterinarian.
Preventive Steps and Right Treatment Ensures Long-Term Health
Heartworm disease poses a significant risk of life-threatening complications for dogs. The medicines discussed above are effective, and veterinarians highly recommend and prescribe them to treat heartworm disease in dogs.
It’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian to create a personalized plan that suits your dog’s needs. You can ensure your beloved companion’s long-term health and well-being by taking the necessary steps to prevent and treat heartworm disease.