Heartworm Prevention

Beef flavored chunks are available in addition to the beef flavored tablets or solutions that  can be given orally to the dogs as a measure against the incidence of heartworms.  Avoid mosquito bites by providing proper mosquito-proof shelter facilities to the dogs.   

Just plan whether there is any need to go for heartworm prevention throughout the year or only in some months of the year. For example, in case of some countries, the mosquitoes may be dormant in most of the colder months. 

However, in some countries, this is not a position. Many times, medications are available for oral administration to prevent heartworms along with hookworms etc.  Such oral medications need to be taken as per the instructions. However, be cautious about the occurrence of any adverse drug reactions in the dog given with such prophylactic therapy.

Adverse event reports need to be sent if you come across any sorts of adverse drug reactions in your dog during the preventive treatment.

Soft beef flavored tablets are highly preferred by the pet animals as a preventive measure against heartworms.  The pet owner needs to consult a veterinarian if the dose for the prophylaxis of heartworms is missed for a few months.  In such occasions, the pet animal needs to undergo the heartworm test.

Heartgard, sentinel, interceptor, revolution, etc. are available in the commercial fields as drugs for the preventive measure.  Avoid water stagnation around the dog shelter and the bushes around the area that  facilitate mosquito breeding.  This test needs to be carried out in consultation with a veterinarian who is specialized in pet animal health care and medicine. 

As a preventive measure for the heart worms, the dogs need to be tested for the evidence of these worms at an age of six months.  Real beef chewable tablets are available containing medical agents like ivermectin.