Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a parasitic roundworm that is spread via biting mosquitoes. The definitive host is the dog but it can also infect cats. The parasite is commonly named "heartworm" because the adult resides primarily in the right ventricle of the heart where it can live for many years. Heartworm infection may result in serious disease for your pet.
Signs and symptoms
Dogs and cats may show no sign of heartworm infection during the first 6 months or more of the disease as the worm will not have matured yet. Adult worms can cause signs of illness such as coughing, especially during exercise and decreased exercise tolerance. Severe cases of heartworm infection include weight loss, fainting, coughing up blood and eventually, congestive heart failure.
How do I Protect my Pet?
There are a number of different options for heartworm protection. These include:
•Annual injection - Proheart SR-12 lasts for 1 year in adults, less in younger dogs. An injection can be given at the same time as a yearly vaccination. If starting from a puppy, the usual course is given at 3 months, 6 months and 15 months.
•Monthly Tablets:
- Sentinel (safe from 6 weeks old) - Prevents heartworm, intestinal worms, treats growing fleas, and must be given with food.
- Interceptor (safe from 2 weeks old) - Prevents heartworm and intestinal worms.
- Milbemax monthly (safe from 2 weeks of age) - Prevents heartworm and intestinal worms.
•Monthly Spot-on:
- Advocate (safe from 7 weeks old) - Treats fleas, prevents heartworm and most intestinal worms. Requires extra periodic tapewormer.
- Revolution (safe from 6 weeks old) - Prevents heartworm and treats fleas. Will need an additional intestinal wormer.
•Daily heartworm prevention – Dimmitrol. Must perform a heartworm test before using. Is less popular as not convenient.
