Imagine your beloved dog running and playing, full of life. Now, picture a tiny, dangerous parasite lurking within their heart and lungs. This isn’t just a scary thought; it’s the real threat of heartworm disease. Heartworms can cause serious harm and even death in dogs if left untreated.
Choosing the best heartworm medicine for your furry friend can feel overwhelming. Vets recommend different products, and the sheer number of options—chews, topicals, and pills—can leave any pet owner confused. You want the most effective protection without causing side effects, but navigating the choices is tough. Many owners worry about cost, convenience, and whether the medicine truly works against every threat.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will clearly break down the different types of heartworm preventatives available today. You will learn what ingredients protect your dog best and how to pick a simple, reliable routine that fits your lifestyle. By the end, you will feel confident choosing the right shield for your dog’s health.
Top Dog Heartworm Medicine Recommendations
- Dewormer for Dogs: PetArmor 7 Way Chewable large dog dewormer treats and controls 7 species of worms: 2 tapeworms, 2 roundworms, and 3 types of hookworms
- Vet Quality Deworming for Dogs: These vet-quality tablets are safe for puppies 12 weeks or older, and large dogs 25.1 to 200 lbs
- Dewormer Tablets: PetArmor broad spectrum canine dewormer comes in chewable tablets, making it easy and convenient to give to your dog
- How to Use: Watch your dog for a few minutes after dosing to make sure the chewable dewormer for puppies is not rejected and the full dose of dewormer is eaten
- Recommended Use: For best results with PetArmor dog dewormer, read and follow label instructions; if you need to retreat your dog, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian and have them perform a fecal test to rule out other issues or parasites
- Dewormer for Dogs: PetArmor 7 Way Chewable dewormer for puppies; treats and controls 7 species of worms: 2 types of tapeworms, 2 types of roundworms, and 3 types of hookworms in dogs 12 weeks and older.
- Vet Quality: These vet-quality dog tapeworm dewormer tablets are safe for puppies 12 weeks or older, and large dogs 25.1 to 200 lbs
- Dewormer Tablets: PetArmor broad spectrum dewormer comes in chewable tablets that provide pyrantel pamoate for dogs, making it easy and convenient to give
- How to Use: Watch your dog for a few minutes after dosing to make sure the chewable dog dewormer is not rejected and the full dose of deworming for dogs is eaten
- Recommended Use: For best results with PetArmor canine dewormer, read and follow label instructions; if you need to retreat your dog, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian and performing a fecal test to rule out any other issues or parasites
- Vet-recommended heartworm preventive
- Effectively prevents heartworm disease
- Also treats and controls roundworms & hookworms
- From the brand trusted over 2.5 billion times
- Delicious once a month real-beef chew that dogs love
- Vet-recommended heartworm preventive
- Effectively prevents heartworm disease
- Also treats and controls roundworms & hookworms
- From the brand trusted over 2.5 billion times⁵
- Delicious once a month real-beef chew that dogs love⁶
- Prevents heartworm disease, treats, and controls roundworms and hookworms
- Kills heartworm larvae before they reach your dog’s heart
- Enjoy year-round protection for your dog, with monthly treatments
- Easy-to-give, beef-flavored, chewable tablet that your dog will enjoy.
- Safe for dogs with beef allergies
- Dewormer for Dogs: PetArmor 7 Way Chewable dewormer for small dogs treats and controls 7 species of worms: 2 types of tapeworms, 2 types of roundworms, and 3 types of hookworms
- Vet Quality Dewormer for Puppies: These vet-quality tablets are safe for puppies 12 weeks or older, and small dogs 6.0 to 25 lbs
- Dewormer Tablets: PetArmor broad spectrum tapeworm and hookworm dewormer for dogs comes in chewable tablets, making it easy and convenient to give to your dog
- How to Use: Watch your dog for a few minutes after dosing to make sure the chewable dog dewormer is not rejected and the full dose of dog tapeworm dewormer is eaten
- Recommended Use: For best results with any PetArmor canine dewormer, read and follow label instructions; if you need to retreat your dog, consult with your veterinarian and have them perform a fecal test to rule out any other issues or parasites
- Vet-recommended heartworm preventive
- Effectively prevents heartworm disease
- Also treats and controls roundworms & hookworms
- From the brand trusted over 2.5 billion times
- Delicious once a month real-beef chew that dogs love
- Effective, Waterproof Flea Treatment for Dogs: PetArmor Plus is a waterproof flea and tick treatment for dogs that kills fleas, eggs, larvae, ticks, and chewing lice up to 30 days after application
- Trusted, Vet Quality* Formula: This large dog flea and tick treatment contains fipronil and (S)-methoprene, the same active ingredients as FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs; PetArmor Plus for Dogs has a powerful formula that starts to kill fleas in 24 hours
- Break the Flea Cycle: Unlike other dog flea and tick prevention that may temporarily suppress flea activity, PETARMOR Plus Dog Flea Treatment works by effectively breaking the flea life cycle! Kill flea eggs and larvae to prevent re-infestation
- Fast Acting Long-Lasting Dog Flea & Tick Control: One application of PetArmor Plus lasts up to 30 days providing nose to tail protection. A 6-dose package lasts six months
- Easy-to-use, Long-Lasting: PetArmor Plus tick and flea prevention for dogs comes with six (6) waterproof topical applications that provide your pet flea protection and control for six (6) months
Choosing the Best Heartworm Medicine for Your Dog: A Comprehensive Buying Guide
Heartworm disease is a serious threat to dogs. Tiny worms travel through the bloodstream, causing major damage to the heart and lungs. Protecting your dog with the right preventative medicine is essential. This guide helps you select the best product.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for heartworm medicine, several features matter most.
- Preventative vs. Treatment: Most owners buy preventative medicine. This stops baby heartworms from growing up. Treatment is much harder and only done by a vet after infection. Always choose a preventative.
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: The best medicines do more than stop heartworms. Look for products that also protect against common intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
- Administration Type: How you give the medicine matters for convenience. Options include oral tablets (given monthly), topical liquids (applied to the skin monthly), or even long-lasting injections (given by a vet every six or twelve months).
- Weight Range: Ensure the dosage is correct for your dog’s current weight. Incorrect dosing means poor protection.
Important Ingredients and Materials
Heartworm preventatives use specific active ingredients to kill the parasite larvae.
The most common and effective ingredients are:
- Milbemycin Oxime: This ingredient stops the development of heartworm larvae. It often protects against several types of worms too.
- Moxidectin: Similar to Milbemycin, Moxidectin is very effective. It is often found in topical treatments.
- Diethylcarbamazine (DEC): This ingredient is sometimes used in older, daily preventatives. Today, monthly dosing is more common.
Always check the label to confirm the active ingredient and its concentration. These ingredients are carefully formulated for safety when used as directed.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Product quality directly impacts your dog’s health and your peace of mind.
What Improves Quality:
- Veterinary Recommendation: Medicines prescribed or recommended by your veterinarian usually offer the highest proven quality and safety record.
- Consistent Formulation: Quality products maintain a consistent, effective dose month after month.
- Added Parasite Control: Products that cover fleas, ticks, or ear mites in addition to heartworm are generally higher quality because they offer comprehensive care.
What Reduces Quality (or Poses Risks):
- Skipping Doses: No medicine works if you forget to give it. Irregular dosing drastically reduces the quality of protection.
- Using Expired Products: Always check the expiration date. Old medicine might not work effectively.
- Incorrect Storage: Heat or moisture can damage some topical medications, making them less effective. Keep them stored as directed.
User Experience and Use Cases
How the medicine fits into your routine determines if you will use it correctly.
Ease of Use: Many owners prefer chewable tablets because they are easy to administer during treat time. If your dog spits out pills, a flavored chewable works best. If you travel often, a six-month injectable might reduce your worry about monthly dosing.
Side Effects: Most modern heartworm preventatives have very mild side effects when used correctly. Some dogs might show temporary lethargy or mild stomach upset after the dose. If you notice severe reactions, contact your vet immediately.
Testing First: Before starting any new preventative, your vet must run a heartworm test. Starting preventative medicine on a dog that is already infected can cause severe, dangerous reactions. Testing ensures the medicine works safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Heartworm Medicine
Q: How often do I need to give heartworm medicine?
A: Most common preventatives require one dose every 30 days (monthly). Injectable options last for six or twelve months.
Q: Can I use dog heartworm medicine on my cat?
A: No. Never use dog heartworm medicine on cats unless specifically directed by a veterinarian. Ingredients safe for dogs can be toxic to cats.
Q: What happens if I miss a monthly dose?
A: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, resume the regular schedule. If you miss more than a few doses, call your vet. They might recommend a heartworm test.
Q: Do I need a prescription for heartworm medicine?
A: Yes, most effective heartworm preventatives require a veterinarian’s prescription in the United States. This ensures your dog is tested and the correct product is chosen.
Q: How long does the medicine take to start working?
A: Preventative medicine starts protecting against new infections almost immediately after the dog ingests or absorbs the dose.
Q: Is heartworm medicine safe for puppies?
A: Yes, but puppies start the preventative schedule after a specific age, usually around 6 to 8 weeks old. Always confirm the starting age with your vet.
Q: Can heartworm medicine cause my dog to vomit?
A: Some dogs experience mild stomach upset, which might include vomiting, especially right after taking an oral tablet. Using flavored chews or giving the medicine with a small amount of food can sometimes help.
Q: Are over-the-counter (OTC) heartworm drugs safe?
A: Be very cautious with OTC drugs that claim to prevent heartworms without a prescription. Quality, proven preventatives require a vet visit and testing to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Q: Does heartworm medicine kill adult heartworms?
A: No. Preventative medicine kills the immature larvae. If a dog has adult worms, they require intensive, expensive treatment administered only by a veterinarian.
Q: What is the average cost of heartworm prevention?
A: The cost varies widely based on the type of medicine (e.g., a generic chewable vs. a premium product covering more parasites). Expect to pay between $15 and $50 per month, depending on the product chosen.