Dog Heartworm Medicine

Heartworms can cause serious internal injuries and complications to your dog, and of course that is not something you want to subject your pet to, which is why you should know the best choices when it comes to your dog's heartworm medicine. Preventative dog heartworm medicine can be found in three methods of administration, and when administered properly, they will guarantee that your dog is no longer at risk for heartworm disease. Read on to find out more about the best dog heartworm medicine choices for your dog....

Dog heartworm injection - Health care scares have made this option to be the least favoured option in North America. As well, they must be given once every year, and even once every six months by a qualified veterinarian. If you want to use this method of heartworm prevention, then speak with a veterinarian about further details, as they will recommend how often you need to get the injection done.

Dog heartworm Pills - This is used to prevent heartworm for dogs, and is orally administered. Most pills these days come already flavoured, so that you do not have to fight with your dog to administer it, and they can be given daily, but more often are given only ever thirty days, as they work differently than a normal drug. These pills kill the larvae, and prevent the spread of larvae and parasites (which are contracted via mosquito bites) in your dog's blood system, and the pills will not wear off in effect as easily as other methods.

Topical treatments - Topical/on the spot treatments have also grown in popularity, especially for pet owners whose pets are infected with fleas, as they are often used coincidentally to kill off fleas. Also, there will be no issues in regards to swallowing the medication, because it is topical, which also puts a lot of pet owners at ease. Topical medications also control other parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and other intestinal worms.

Administering Medicine to your dog - Before actually giving any medicine to your dog, be sure to actually get a heartworm test from your vet, to ensure that your dog primarily does not need any veterinary treatment. As well, monthly medicine should be given every 30 days, however if you miss a dose, use the heartworm medicine as soon as possible afterward, as the medicine loses its effectiveness after 30 days, and you put your dog at risk for the build-up of too many parasites and larvae in his/her blood streams.