Which Heartworm Prevention Treatments Are Safe for Dogs?

Did you know that it takes only one infected mosquito bite to infect your dog with heartworms? Since, heartworm infections are fatal and heartworm prevention in dogs is crucial, one question that pet parents often seek answers for is “What is the safest heartworm prevention for dogs?” In this blog, we have listed some of the best options to safeguard your pet from the life-threatening heartworm disease. But whatever heartworm preventative you opt to use after reading this blog, always make sure you take your veterinarian’s opinion about the product in consideration.

Is Heartworm Treatment Safe for Dogs?

Dog heartworm preventatives work by paralyzing the worm’s nervous system. By using a veterinarian approved heartworm prevention treatment for your dog, you can minimize the possibility of occurrence of any adverse reactions. However, it is important to consider the pack instructions given by the manufacturer such as minimum age and weight, mode of administration, etc.

Most importantly, some heartworm treatment ingredients like ivermectin must be used with caution in certain dog breeds. For instance, Collie breeds are sensitive to ivermectin due to genetic mutilation called MDR1 gene.

Which Heartworm Treatment Ingredients Are Safe for Dogs?

Due to their wide-margin of safety at the recommended levels, these are some of the most common and safe ingredients in heartworm prevention treatments:

• Ivermectin
• Selamectin
• Milbemycin
• Moxidectin

Heartworm treatments with the above ingredients that are FDA-approved generally do not cause any side effects. Let’s discuss some of the heartworm treatments with the above listed ingredients in detail.

Safe and Effective Heartworm Prevention Treatments for Dogs

Heartgard Plus

Heartgard Plus is an ivermectin-based heartworm preventative, available in a soft, chewable tablet form. The treatment not only prevents heartworms but also treats and controls roundworms and hooksworms in dogs. It has shown a wide safety margin when administered at recommended levels in dogs, including pregnant or breeding dogs, stud dogs, and puppies aged 6 weeks or more. Heartgard Plus has also been shown safe for using alongside flea collars, dips, shampoos, dewormers, antibiotics, and vaccines.

Advantage Multi

Advantage Multi for Dogs is a once-a-month topical formulation for the prevention of heartworm disease, treatment of flea infestations, and control of intestinal worms. Its key ingredients, moxidectin and imidacloprid, have been proven safe and effective in dogs older than 7 weeks of age and weighing 3lbs. However, Advantage multi is not recommended for use in ivermectin-sensitive Collie breeds.

Simparica Trio

Simparica Trio is an oral chewable tablet effective against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms. It contains three powerful ingredients: sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel. Simparica Trio is the first FDA-approved product of its kind, covering almost all major dog parasites. It has been demonstrated to be safe for puppies as young as 8 weeks old, weighing at least 2.8 lbs.

Read More: Simparica Trio- All Together Treatment For Dogs

Is Round-the-Year Heartworm Prevention Essential?

Yes. Dogs in all 50 states have been reported to be vulnerable to heartworm disease, and therefore, keeping your pooch active on an effective heartworm prevention treatment is highly essential. Also, it is important to note that heartworm prevention treatments only work by killing the immature larvae of heartworms. If these larvae turn into mature or adult heartworms, the outcomes may be critical. Therefore, the best way to save your dog from heartworm disease is to use an effective heartworm preventative year-round.