Seven Common Heartworm Medications for Dogs

Heartworms pose a serious risk to dogs in the United States. Heartworms are parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes. According to the FDA, heartworm disease in dogs is most often found along the Mississippi River and its major tributaries. It is also frequently found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast. However, heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states.

Fortunately, heartworm disease in dogs is largely preventable. Seven common heartworm medications for dogs include:

• Heartgard® Plus
• Interceptor® Plus for Dogs
• Revolution® for Dogs
• Sentinel® Spectrum
• Simparica Trio™ for Dogs
• Trifexis®
• Tri-Heart® Plus

How to Prevent Heartworm Disease in Dogs

The best way to prevent heartworm disease in dogs is by giving your dog heartworm medication as prescribed by your veterinarian. Before being prescribed heartworm medication, your dog will need to be tested for heartworms. If the test is negative, your dog will be prescribed preventative medicine.

How often should dogs be tested for heartworms?

Dogs should be tested every six months for heartworms during their first year as a puppy.

After the first year of their life, dogs should be tested for heartworms annually. Dogs need to be tested annually, to ensure preventative measures are working.

Common Medications to Prevent Heartworms in Dogs

After your dog has tested negative for heartworms, your vet will likely recommend an oral or topical medication to protect your dog from heartworm disease.

Heartgard® Plus

Heartgard Plus is prescribed to prevent heartworms in dogs. It works by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae. Heartgard Plus is a beef-flavored oral tablet that needs to be given to your dog monthly.

Interceptor® Plus for Dogs

Interceptor Plus is prescribed to prevent heartworm disease in dogs. It is a chewable chicken flavored tablet. It works by eliminating the immature stage of heartworm larvae. It should be given to your dog once a month to prevent heartworms.

Revolution® for Dogs

Revolution for dogs is a topical FDA-approved medication to prevent heartworms and other parasites. It works by preventing the development of adult heartworms. Revolution should be applied to dogs every month.

Sentinel® Spectrum

Sentinel Spectrum is a once-a-month chewable tablet for dogs.This beef-flavored tablet prevents the development of adult heartworms.

Simparica Trio™ for Dogs

Simparica Trio is FDA approved to prevent heartworm disease, fleas, and ticks. It is also used to control roundworm and hookworm infections. It is given to dogs once a month as a chewable tablet.

Trifexis®

Trifexis prevents heartworm disease by preventing the development of adult heartworms. It is a beef-flavored chewable tablet. It should be given to dogs once a month to prevent heartworm disease.

Tri-Heart® Plus

Tri-Heart Plus for dogs is used to kill heartworm larvae. It is a monthly chewable tablet.

Talk to Your Vet About Heartworm Medication

Your vet will recommend a preventative heartworm medication for your dog. Depending on your dog’s preferences, you may request an oral or topical medication. Your dog must receive their medication as prescribed, to prevent potentially fatal heartworm disease. Be sure to ask your vet any questions you have about heartworm medication.