Four Medications for Preventing Canine Heartworm Disease

Canine heartworm disease is caused by the parasitic heartworm infecting a dog’s heart and adjacent blood vessels, potentially leading to death in severe cases. These parasites commonly reside in the right ventricle and pulmonary artery, damaging the heart while also impairing lung and kidney function.
Dogs with early-stage heartworm disease often show no obvious symptoms. If owners notice signs such as weight loss, easy fatigue, reluctance to move, coughing during exercise or excitement, dull coat, emaciation, or anemia, they should promptly take their pet to a veterinary hospital for a heartworm blood test. Blood test results are typically available within about fifteen minutes after blood collection. Dogs in the early stages of infection can often be cured with medication, with costs starting at around 1,000 yuan. However, if the infection has progressed to the terminal stage, the dog’s bodily functions are usually severely compromised, making treatment difficult and potentially leading to death. Therefore, implementing effective preventive measures is a more economical and safer choice.
The primary method for preventing canine heartworm disease is administering specialized medications. Common options include Heartgard Plus, Heartgard, Heartgard Pro, and Heartgard Plus. Detailed descriptions of these medications follow. It is crucial to note that these drugs are strictly preventive and cannot be used to treat established heartworm disease.

1. Heartgard Plus (Oral Formula)

This medication comes in multiple strengths: 1.25mg (for dogs weighing 2.5-5kg), 2.5mg (for dogs weighing 5-10kg), 5mg (for dogs weighing 10-20kg), and 10mg (for dogs weighing 20-40kg). Select the appropriate strength based on your dog’s actual weight when purchasing. Key usage precautions: Dogs must undergo blood testing at a veterinary clinic prior to administration. Dogs not infected with heartworm may take this medication immediately. Dogs already infected with heartworm must first undergo treatment to eliminate adult worms and larvae before using this medication. Infected dogs given this medication directly may experience lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or other adverse reactions.

2. Bayer Heartgard Plus (Topical Solution)

This medication prevents heartworm infection while treating mites, mange mites, fleas, ear mites, and controlling demodectic mange. Similar to Novartis Heartgard Plus, ensure your dog is free of heartworm infection before use. Its advantage lies in being a topical medication—easy to apply, with one tube used monthly providing approximately 4 weeks of protection. Apply after bathing and drying your dog’s coat. It also prevents demodicosis and is suitable for dogs 7 weeks of age and older. Select dosage based on dog weight: – Dogs over 4 kg: Heart-Skin 40 – Dogs 4-10 kg: Heart-Skin 100 – Dogs 10-25 kg: Heart-Skin 250 – Dogs over 25 kg: Heart-Skin 400

3. Pfizer Revolution

This medication prevents heartworm while eliminating roundworms, hookworms, fleas, and ticks. It also provides some control against mites. Suitable for dogs 6 weeks of age and older, with enhanced safety for Collie breeds. Administer monthly. Its comprehensive functionality results in a relatively higher price point. Additionally, this medication is safe for dogs receiving other veterinary products, including vaccines, dewormers, antiparasitics, antibiotics, steroids, protective collars, medicated shampoos, and medicated baths.

4. Heartgard Plus by Merial

This medication features:
First, it effectively treats and prevents roundworm and hookworm infections while preventing canine heartworm disease. Its retrospective parasiticide effect lasts up to four months, effectively filling gaps in preventive care.
Second, it has a broad safety profile, suitable for all dog breeds, including pregnant and lactating females, as well as puppies 6 weeks of age and older. Third, it offers convenient administration and excellent palatability, with a rich beef flavor that dogs readily accept.