Every pet parent knows that heartworm disease is a silent killer that often develops without noticeable symptoms and affects thousands of dogs annually. Heartworms are large, white-colored parasites, transmitted by infected mosquitoes that carry heartworm larvae (microfilariae). When these mosquitoes bite a healthy dog, they transmit immature heartworms (larvae) that grow into adult worms within six to seven months and live inside your dog’s heart, lungs and associated blood vessels for several years. They interrupt the normal functioning of the heart, leading to death if left untreated.
Fortunately, they can be prevented with appropriate treatments. Continue reading to explore two popular and effective preventive options—chewables that dogs easily eat like treats and topical treatments that can be applied directly to their skin. So, which is right for your pooch: chewable or topical? Let’s take a look at their usage and effectiveness to help choose the ideal one for your dog and keep heartworms away year-round.
Types of heartworm preventives
Two main types of heartworm preventives are popular among pet parents and are recommended by veterinarians. Let’s have a quick look:
Chewable Heartworm Preventives
Chewable heartworm preventives are generally available in a tasty, flavored chewable form. These can be administered with or without food, once every month. They help in eliminating the heartworm larvae after a mosquito bite, reducing the risk of heartworm disease in dogs. Some treatments also offer protection against fleas and ticks as well as intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms.
Topical Heartworm Preventives
Topical heartworm preventives are available in a liquid solution that should be applied to the skin, typically between the shoulder blades. The ingredients in the solution target heartworm larvae, thereby preventing heartworm disease. Some of these treatments also cover fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, mange and mites, offering comprehensive coverage. Topical treatments are an alternative for dogs that resist chewables, providing an easy and effective solution.
Chewable vs. Topical Heartworm Preventives – Key differences
Let’s look at the primary differences between chewable and topical heartworm preventives so that you can make the best choice for your little one:
- Convenience: Chewables are highly palatable, often flavored treatments that can be either given directly or by mixing with food. Chewables are ideal for pets that readily accept oral treatments and pet parents with busy schedules.
On the other hand, topical treatments are available in liquid form that need to be applied externally to your dog’s skin. They are convenient for dogs that are fussy in taking oral treatments. However, depending on the product, frequent swimming or bathing may reduce the effectiveness of some topical treatments.
- Affordability: One of the major differences between these treatments is their affordability. While the final cost of any product depends on the specific brand, chewables are usually typically more expensive compared to topical treatments.
- Coverage: Some treatments only prevent heartworm disease, while a few offer broader protection against multiple parasites. Consider your pet’s protection requirements and choose accordingly.
Choosing the best heartworm preventives for dogs
Choosing the best heartworm preventive treatment for your pooch can be a challenging task since there are multiple products available in different forms. However, considering your pet’s age, weight, preferences and protection needs, you can make an informed choice.
Here are a few recommendations:
Chewable: Heartgard Plus for Dogs, Interceptor for Dogs, Sentinel Spectrum for Dogs.
Topical: Revolution for Dogs, Selehold (Generic Revolution) for Dogs, advantage Multi (Advocate) for Dogs.
Always consult the veterinarian before choosing any treatment for your furball.
Factors to consider before choosing a heartworm preventive
Mentioned below are some important factors to keep in mind before choosing any heartworm preventive treatment for your dog:
- Age & weight: Heartworm preventive treatments are designed for dogs of different ages and weights. Make sure to weigh your dog beforehand to ensure dosage accuracy and maximum effectiveness.
- Safety: Some treatments might not be safe for puppies and pregnant or lactating dogs. Always check with your vet and read the product label carefully before use.
- Health conditions: Check your dog for any existing health conditions before administering any heartworm preventive treatment. Speak to your vet in case of any confusion.
- Personal preferences: Every dog is different and so are their preferences. Some might prefer chewable treatments, while others might take the topical applications easily. Consider their individual preferences before choosing any treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the initial signs of heartworms in dogs?
Ans. Weakness, frequent vomiting, persistent cough, swollen belly and appetite loss are some of the early signs of heartworm infection in dogs.
Q2. Are topical heartworm preventives better than chewables?
Ans. There is no single ‘best’ treatment when it comes to heartworm preventive for dogs. Both chewable and topical treatments are proven to be effective and safe. Always choose the option that best suits your pet’s needs and preferences for optimal results.
Q3. Can indoor dogs get heartworms?
Ans. Heartworm disease is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, which can easily enter the home. Although the risk is typically higher for outdoor dogs, indoor dogs are also vulnerable. Therefore, year-round heartworm prevention is essential.
Q4. What happens if I miss a monthly dose of heartworm prevention?
Ans. If you miss a monthly dose of heartworm prevention, administer the missed dose immediately and consult the veterinarian for the future course of action. Always read the product label carefully before administering any treatment.
Final Thoughts
Heartworms can be fatal, but with the right knowledge and appropriate preventive treatments, you can easily keep them away from your beloved companion. Whether you choose a topical or chewable, selecting the right treatment according to your little one’s preferences and requirements is crucial for maintaining good health. Both treatment types are effective in preventing heartworm disease and are proven for safety and efficacy. However, always consult your vet before choosing any treatment to ensure optimal results.
