Heartworm Preventive Medications

I have written many times about Heartworm disease. Heartworms are a parasite that is carried by mosquitoes. They develop in the blood and settle in the heart and the main pulmonary arteries that leave the heart and lead to the lungs. While we have known for years that Heartworms effect dogs, we are now fairly certain that they also effect cats. So all pet owners need to be aware of this deadly parasite.

The good news is this is one of the easiest diseases to prevent. For many years now the vast majority of dogs have been on either daily or monthly Heartworm preventives. Just recently we have begun placing cats on preventive also. The products available are growing each year since this is a very lucrative area for the drug companies. There is more advertising each year targeted directly at the consumer, often leading to more questions than answers. Feel free to email me a specific question. I am happy to help. Remember that before you begin any of these preventives, please check with your veterinarian to see if a Heartworm test is required.

Filarabits (Diethylcarbamazine)

This was the first drug created as a preventive for Heartworm disease. It needs to be given every day. While it was a good preventive in its time, it has been supplanted by newer, more efficient medications.

Pros: Safe and effective. Since it is given daily, people usually remember to give it.

Cons: You have to give it daily. Prevents only Heartworms and does not effect any other parasites.

Rating: Good product, but the old fashioned way of doing things. I give it one paw of approval.

Heartgard (Ivermectin) and Heartgard Plus (Ivermectin + Pyrantel)

Heartgard is a preventive for only Heartworms, while Heartgard Plus does this plus also is effective in helping to control roundworms and hookworms. It is a once a month chewable treat that is very tasty and accepted by most dogs. Heartgard For Cats was the first preventive made for our feline pets.

Pros: Only have to give once a month; very palatable, so it is a bonding experience for you and your pet; helps prevent Heartworms as well as treat and control hookworms and roundworms; preventive available for cats. Three easy to use sizes for the dog.

Cons: Have to remember to give once a month; does not help in the treatment and control of whipworms; Collies have been shown to be sensitive to the drug if given in VERY high overdoses (used effectively it is very safe in all breeds, including the Collies).

Rating; I love Heartgard Plus. It gets 3 _ paws of approval (nothing is perfect). It is a bonding experience for you and your pet, is very safe, and prevents some really nasty diseases.

Interceptor (Milbemycin Oxime)

These usually come in a flavored tablet that is very similar in effect to Heartgard Plus, except it also has some effect on whipworms. Interceptor prevents Heartworms, controls (but does not remove hookworms), and removes and controls roundworms and whipworms. It is also given once a month.

Pros: Only have to give once a month; usually tolerated nicely by the pets; no known adverse reactions in any breeds; prevents Heartworms and has some effect on hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.

Cons: Not quite as tasty as the Heartgard products; does not seem to be as effective against hookworms; I find the four size packaging to be a little bit clumsier.

Rating: Along with Heartgard, Interceptor is a top-notch product. I give it three paws of approval. Each of these has a little different effect, but they are both very successful at carrying out their mission: preventing Heartworm disease. The only reason Heartgard gets a half paw more is because it is a bit more palatable.