Imagine your beloved dog, full of energy and joy, silently battling a serious, life-threatening invader. Heartworms, spread by mosquitoes, can grow large inside your dog’s heart and lungs, causing severe damage. Finding out your furry friend has heartworms is a scary moment for any pet owner.
Choosing the right treatment feels overwhelming. There are different methods, costs vary widely, and you worry about your dog’s comfort and safety during the process. You want the best outcome, but the medical jargon and treatment plans can feel confusing and stressful. It’s natural to feel uncertain about which path to take.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the most common and effective heartworm treatments step-by-step. You will learn about the pros and cons of each option, helping you feel confident when talking with your veterinarian.
Keep reading to discover the clear path forward to successfully treating and protecting your dog from this dangerous parasite.
Top Dog Heartworm Treatment 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 small dogs treats and controls 7 species of worms: 2 types of tapeworms, 2 types of roundworms, and 3 types of hookworms
- Vet-Quality: These vet-quality puppy dewormer tablets are safe for puppies 12 weeks or older, and small dogs 6.0 to 25 lbs
- Dewormer Tablets: PetArmor broad spectrum dewormer with pyrantel pamoate 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 7 Way Dewormer for dogs is not rejected and the full dose of dewormer is eaten
- Recommended Use: For best results with any PetArmor dog 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
- K9 Advantix II Large Dog 30-day treatment & prevention protects dogs 21-55 lbs. from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies and lice
- Kills fleas within 12 hours of application
- Vet-recommended formula kills & repels on contact so fleas don’t have to bite your dog to die
- Easy-to-apply topical treatment is fragrance-free and waterproof after 24 hours
- No prescription needed
- 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
- Don’t Just Protect, Triple Protect: Simparica Trio is a monthly chew that protects against three categories of parasites including heartworms, ticks & fleas, and intestinal worms. Approved for puppies as young as eight weeks old and weighing at least 2.8 pounds.
- Heartworm Protection: One dose provided 100% protection against heartworm disease in studies to support FDA-approval.
- Kills 6 Types of Ticks & FDA-Approved to Prevent Lyme Infections*: The only combo preventative proven to kill six types of ticks including the Gulf Coast Tick, Deer Tick, American Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, Brown Dog Tick, and Asian Longhorn Tick.
- Kills Fleas & Intestinal Worms: Prevents flea infestations because it kills fleas before they lay eggs. Prevents tapeworms because it kills fleas. Treats and controls roundworms and hookworms.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: Simparica Trio comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee on prevention and is administered once a month, with or without food.
- Trifexis delivers 5-in-1 protection from heartworms, fleas & 3 more intestinal parasites in dogs 40.1 to 60 lbs.
- Starts killing fleas in 30 minutes and kills 100% of adult fleas within 4 hours
- Prevents heartworm disease and treats & controls roundworms, hookworms & whipworms
- Tasty, beef-flavored tablet for easy dosing
- Protecting dogs from parasites for nearly 10 years, 272 million doses distributed (Elanco Animal Health, data on file)
- 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
Your Essential Guide to Choosing Dog Heartworm Treatment
Heartworm disease is a serious threat to your dog’s health. Protecting your furry friend is vital. This guide helps you understand what to look for when buying heartworm treatment products.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for heartworm treatment, certain features matter most. Look for products that offer proven protection.
- **Preventative vs. Treatment:** Understand the difference. Preventatives stop heartworms before they mature. Treatments kill existing worms, which is usually done by a veterinarian.
- **Broad-Spectrum Protection:** The best products protect against more than just heartworms. They often guard against several types of intestinal worms too (like roundworms and hookworms).
- **Ease of Administration:** How do you give it to your dog? Options include tasty chewables, topical liquids applied to the skin, or injections given by a vet. Choose what works best for your dog’s temperament.
- **Frequency of Dosing:** Most preventatives require monthly administration. Some last longer, offering three or six months of protection.
Important Materials (Active Ingredients)
The effectiveness of heartworm medication relies on its active ingredients. Always check the label.
Common Preventative Ingredients:
- **Ivermectin or Milbemycin Oxime:** These are the most common ingredients. They kill the microscopic heartworm larvae that your dog picks up from mosquito bites.
- **Flea and Tick Control Additives:** Many modern treatments combine heartworm prevention with protection against fleas and ticks. Look for ingredients like Selamectin or Afoxolaner if you need dual protection.
These ingredients target the early stages of the parasite. This stops the worms from growing into the dangerous adults living in the heart and lungs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a heartworm product directly impacts your dog’s safety and your peace of mind.
What Improves Quality:
- **Veterinary Approval:** Products recommended or prescribed by your veterinarian generally offer the highest level of proven safety and efficacy.
- **Consistent Formulation:** High-quality brands maintain consistent dosing across every tablet or drop.
- **Palatability (For Chewables):** A highly palatable (tasty) chew ensures your dog willingly eats the dose every month.
What Reduces Quality (Warning Signs):
- **Unverified Sources:** Never buy heartworm medication from unknown online sources or pet stores that do not require a prescription if one is needed. Counterfeit drugs pose a huge risk.
- **Expired Dates:** Always check the expiration date. An expired product might not work, leaving your dog unprotected.
- **Incomplete Coverage:** A product that only covers heartworms but ignores common intestinal parasites might offer incomplete wellness protection.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your dog’s lifestyle determines the best treatment choice. Consider how you manage monthly medications.
For Busy Owners (Topical Use): Many owners prefer the topical solutions applied directly to the skin, usually once a month. You simply part the fur between the shoulder blades and squeeze. This bypasses the struggle of getting a dog to swallow a pill.
For Picky Eaters (Chewables): If your dog loves treats, a flavored chewable is ideal. These are usually flavored like beef or poultry. You give it like a snack.
The Importance of Routine: The best user experience comes from consistency. Set a reminder on your phone for the first day of every month. Missing even one dose significantly increases the risk of infection. If you miss a dose, contact your vet immediately for advice on how to proceed safely.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Heartworm Treatment
Q: Do I need a prescription for heartworm treatment?
A: Yes, most effective heartworm preventatives require a prescription from your veterinarian. Vets need to perform an annual heartworm test first to ensure your dog is clear before starting prevention.
Q: Can I treat heartworms without seeing a vet?
A: You should never attempt to treat an active heartworm infection at home. Adult heartworm treatment is dangerous and requires specialized injectable drugs administered only by a veterinarian in a controlled setting.
Q: How often must I give my dog the preventative?
A: The vast majority of monthly preventative medications require one dose every 30 days, year-round, regardless of the season.
Q: What happens if I forget a dose?
A: If you forget a dose, administer it as soon as you remember. If you are more than two weeks late, call your vet. They will advise you on testing or giving extra doses to cover the missed period.
Q: Are there side effects to heartworm prevention?
A: Side effects are rare with modern medications. Sometimes dogs might experience mild digestive upset or lethargy after receiving the dose, but these usually pass quickly.
Q: Can heartworm medication harm my dog?
A: When given correctly according to your vet’s instructions and when the dog tests negative, the medication is very safe. Risks only increase if a dog with an existing infection is given prevention.
Q: Do indoor dogs still need heartworm prevention?
A: Absolutely. Mosquitoes can easily enter homes. Since mosquitoes are the carriers, indoor dogs face the same risk as outdoor dogs.
Q: Are the chewables the same as the topical treatments?
A: No. They contain similar active ingredients but are delivered differently. Chewables are swallowed; topicals are absorbed through the skin. Choose based on your dog’s preference.
Q: How long does the protection last?
A: Monthly preventatives provide 30 days of protection. Long-acting injectables, given by the vet, can last six months or a full year.
Q: What is the cost of prevention versus treatment?
A: Prevention is very affordable, costing much less than treatment. Treating an active heartworm infection can cost thousands of dollars due to hospitalization and medication costs.