Heartworm Prevention in Dogs

Heartworm Lifecycle

Heartworm is spread from dog to dog by mosquitoes. The mosquito injects small larvae into the dog, which over 6 – 12 months grow into adult worms up to 10cm long. These worms clog up the heart and blood vessels eventually causing death. Treatment is possible if detected early but is expensive and can be risky so prevention is best.

Type of Heartworm Prevention
  • Monthly tablets or chews- these drugs are proven, safe and effective and have been the mainstay of treatment up to now. They are given each month preferably on the same date.
    •

    <      Heartgard Chews- comes as a meaty treat, which most dogs love.

    <      Interceptor Spectrum - a tablet that also controls heartworm and all intestinal worms.      

    <      Sentinel Spectrum – a tablet that controls heartworm, all intestinal worms and also contains a drug that prevents flea eggs hatching.

     

  • Monthly topical treatment- these products are absorbed through the skin. Application involves squeezing drops onto the dog’s neck once a month.

    <      Advocate  - as well as heartworm this product also kills adult fleas, some other topical parasites e.g. lice / mites and most intestinal worms.

    <      Revolution - kills fleas and some other topical parasites such as ear mites and mange mites.

    •

    • Yearly injection- this is given once yearly as an injection under the skin.

    <    Proheart SR 12 injection- controls heartworm for 12 months. The first injection is given at the age of 12 weeks then 6 months and then annually.In some dogs the injection can sting or cause a small-localised reaction.

    • Daily tablets- The drug DEC has many trade names e.g. Dimmitrol. It is effective but must be given daily at the same time.

    Intestinal Worming

    Sentinel Spectrum and Interceptor Spectrum are the only heartworm prevention that also controls all intestinal worms.

    Dogs on Revolution or Advocate only need a tapewormer every 6 months.

    All other dogs need an intestinal allwormer; i.e. Drontal/Paraguard or Canex every 3 months.

    Note: The information in this document is supplied for use in combination with Burke Road Veterinarian Clinic consultation only and should not be relied upon as veterinary medical advice applicable to your own circumstances. Accordingly, you should not act on the basis of this information without seeking veterinary medical advice or other expert assistance at Burke Road Veterinary Clinic or other veterinarian clinic.

    www.burkeroadvet.com

    529 Burke Road
    Camberwell Victoria 3124
    Telephone: 9822 3268
    Facsimile: 9822 6216
    Email: theteam@burkeroadvet.com

    Dr Cathy Jennings BVSc (Hons) MRCVS
    Dr Tina Missen BVSc MRCVS
    Dr Donna Pyke BVSc (Hons) MACVS (surg) IVAS
    Dr Katrina Lange BVSc

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