Heartworm Medicine for Dogs

Heartworm disease is a very serious infection caused by parasitic worms which are transmitted through mosquito bites into your dog. Since heartworm disease is fatal if left untreated, it is absolutely critical that you prevent your dog from become badly infected by heartworms!

The good thing is that heartworm disease is preventable with regulated treatments of medications administered to prevent parasitic infections. Today, there are two types of heartworm prevention medications available: topical and oral. But which one is best for you, and how do you know which one to pick? Read on to find out which heartworm medicine is right for your dog....

Oral heartworm medicine for dogs - The most popular form of oral medications for dogs, are the chewable tablets or the flavored tablets. Since many dogs are picky with contraceptives, the chewables make things a lot easier for you, because they are naturally flavored (typically with beef), so that your dog will think it's a treat. However, if that option is unavailable to you, unflavored chewable tablets are also available. If your dog does not take the tablet, you can try mixing it with his food, or you may also try putting his tablet into a piece of soft cheese.

Topical heartworm medicine for dogs - Topical treatments are solutions which you apply directly unto your dogs skin. These are often preferred, as they can also be used interchangeably (and sometimes completely) for flea treatment, and other more serious parasitic infections, such as intestinal infections. To apply the medicine, it is recommended that you apply it between your dogs shoulder blades, so that he/she cannot lick the region.

Treatments and kinds of medications - Almost all medications require that you do a treatment year round, once a month, or on the same day every month, so that they can maintain their level of effectiveness for maximum protection against heartworm disease. Some heartworm medications are available only by prescription only, and you should also speak with your veterinarian on the best treatment for your dog, and you should get your dog tested for heartworms disease as well, to be sure that you dog does not have it, as it is deadly left untreated. Most often than not, you will likely be given a trusted brand such as Heartgard, Iverhart, Sentinel, or Interceptor for the oral; or Revolution/ Advantage for the topical treatments.