Heartworm Medicine: Pro-Active Care Concerning Heartworm

Heartworm medicine is critical to preventing your animal from contracting heartworm, particularly in areas rife with mosquitoes, the insects responsible for carrying the disease. To find out more about heartworm prevention drugs, including how to administer them and possible side effects, read on.

Brands of Heartworm Medications

In the U.S., the drugs approved for heartworm prevention are moxidectin (sold under the brand ProHeart), ivermectin (a popular drug usually sold as Heartgard) and milbemycin (also known as Sentinel or Interceptor). These drugs are usually sold as pills and are available at most veterinarian offices.

In countries like Australia, Canada, Japan and Korea, pet owners can buy ProHeart 6 or ProHeart 12 - these are injections that are administered by a veterinarian and will last for 6 to 12 months. The injectable form of moxidectin is not approved for use in the U.S.

Feline owners can turn to products like selamectin, a topical cream which is typically known as Revolution for Feline; ivermectin, also known as Heartgard, but for cats; and milbemycin, also known as Interceptor.

How Effective is Heartworm Medicine?

If it's administered properly and on a regular schedule, heartworm prevention drugs are over 99% effective in protecting dogs and cats from heartworm infections.

Most failures are caused by irregular or incorrect administration of the drug. However, the monthly versions of heartworm prevention drugs typically have a long margin for error. For example, if a pet owner misses a month's dose, the dog is typically protected for at least another month as long as the next two doses are administered on schedule. It's also important to maintain heartworm medication before, throughout and after mosquito season.

How to Administer Heartworm Drugs

Monthly drugs for heartworm prevention should be given to your pet beginning a month before the start of your local mosquito season. The treatment should then continue for a month after the end of typical mosquito activity.

In tropical and sub-tropical climates with year-round mosquito activity, most veterinarians recommend that animals take heartworm prevention drugs throughout the entire year. Some also recommend it for colder regions, but it's not typically necessary unless you plan to travel with your pet.

Most heartworm drugs are available as chewable tablets. For pets that don't like taking pills, veterinarians often recommend hiding the pills in their food.

Side Effects of Heartworm Drugs

Side effects for most heartworm drugs are rare, but this may be because it is difficult to diagnose unapparent side effects or impacts that aren't obvious. Remember, your dog can't tell you that he's having a headache.

Despite a lack of apparent side effects, overdoses of heartworm medicine can be very dangerous and should be treated immediately. Signs of overdose include tremors, vomiting, diarrhea and lack of coordination.

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