Do dogs actually need heartworm prevention?
Kelsi Howe
2025-07-30 13:31:41
Count answers
: 10
That means protecting your pooch from this parasite is more important than you might have realized, no matter your dog’s age, breed, or where you live in the country. Fact: The best way to deal with heartworm is to prevent it in the first place, and that’s not hard to do. Heartworm prevention comes in both oral and topical formulas (which are absorbed into the bloodstream), so you and your veterinarian can decide which method is most convenient for you and your pet. If you think you might forget to give this medicine monthly, ask about an injectable option. Preventive treatments are incredibly effective, but no preventive is 100% effective, and since dogs with early infection can be asymptomatic, annual testing is recommended. We are also seeing some evidence that there may be resistance developing to our available preventives, making testing even more important. Treating a heartworm infection, especially a severe one, isn’t as easy as you might think. Heartworm treatment requires a minimum of 2 months of strict rest and can be quite expensive.
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