Heartworm Disease is a serious disease causing major damage to the lungs, heart and blood vessels of dogs and if left untreated, it can be fatal. This cardiac disease affects a large number of dogs worldwide. The treatment of heartworm disease is complex, expensive and takes a toll on dogs and therefore it is essential to adopt appropriate preventive measures before the condition advances.
In this blog post, we have provided key information about Heartworm disease in dogs including symptoms along with the 5 effective preventive treatments that will help you protect your dog against this life-threatening condition and keep them healthy in the long run.
What are heartworms and how do they infect dogs?
Heartworms are large, white-colored parasitic worms known as Dirofilaria immitis. These worms are transmitted to dogs by infected mosquitoes that carry heartworm larvae (microfilariae). When an infected mosquito bites a healthy dog, immature heartworms (microfilariae) are transmitted to the dog. These immature worms grow up to a foot or more in length into adult worms within six to seven months. Heartworms live inside the dog’s lungs, heart and associated blood vessels for several years, interrupt normal heart functions and lead to death if left untreated.
Symptoms of heartworms in dogs
Take a look at the common signs of heartworm disease in dogs:
Top 5 heartworm preventatives for dogs
In this segment, we will have a look at 5 most effective and popular heartworm preventatives for dogs:
Heartgard Plus
Heartgard Plus is a highly palatable beef-flavored, easy-to-administer heartworm prevention treatment. It is suitable for puppies and dogs 6 weeks of age and older. This chewable treatment effectively prevents heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis). Additionally, it treats and controls three species of hookworms and two species of roundworms in dogs for a complete month.
Heartgard Plus is formulated with two powerful ingredients, ivermectin and pyrantel that work in tandem to protect against heartworm disease and gastrointestinal worm infection. Moreover, it is safe for pregnant and breeding dogs.
Revolution
Revolution is a broad-spectrum, easy-to-use topical treatment for puppies and dogs from 6 weeks of age. It effectively prevents heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, kills adult fleas, prevents and controls flea infestations and controls tick infestations caused by the American Dog tick. Moreover, it treats and controls ear mites and sarcoptic mange.
Revolution contains selamectin, as the active ingredient which offers effective protection from internal and external parasites. It can be safely used in pregnant, breeding and lactating dogs.
Interceptor
Interceptor is a palatable flavored treatment for heartworm prevention in puppies and dogs 4 weeks of age or older, weighing 2 lbs or more. This monthly, oral treatment effectively prevents heartworm disease and controls adult hookworm infection. Moreover, it efficiently removes and controls adult roundworms and whipworms in dogs and puppies.
Interceptor contains milbemycin oxime, a powerful active ingredient that eliminates the tissue stage of heartworm larvae and adult stages of hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.
Advantage Multi (Advocate)
Advantage Multi (Advocate) is an efficient, multi-spectrum, monthly topical treatment for puppies and dogs from 7 weeks of age, weighing at least 3 lbs. It is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease and the treatment of circulating microfilariae in heartworm-positive dogs. Advantage Multi effectively kills adult fleas, treats flea infestations and treats and controls sarcoptic mange. Moreover, it treats and controls intestinal worm infections including hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.
Advantage Multi is an easy-to-use spot-on solution formulated with two actives, imidacloprid and moxidectin that work on both external as well as internal parasites and keep dogs protected for 30 days.
Valuheart
Valuheart is an affordable, highly effective generic alternative to Heartgard Plus for heartworm prevention in puppies and dogs from 6 weeks of age. It is formulated with ivermectin that effectively eliminates the tissue stage of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis) and prevents heartworm disease for 30 days.
Valuheart is an easy-to-dose chewable treatment that can be safely used in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs.
Final Words
Keeping your furry friend protected from heartworms is essential for their long and healthy life. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you use the heartworm preventive treatment that best suits your canine and safeguards them before these worms become fatal. Consider using any of the heartworm preventives mentioned in this blog after consulting your vet. You can buy them from DiscountPetCare at incredible deals and pocket-friendly prices.