Heartworm is one of the most common of the parasites your dog can contract, they can become very ill and treatment is expensive. Prevention is simple and can be done inexpensively. Heartworm is passed from the bites of mosquitoes and the larvae gets into the heart. As they mature the adults block the valves. Generic heartgard is an option to consider when seeking medication for your dog.
Heartworm pills are available in three delivery systems. This includes the most common form that is a chewable or they can be delivered as a liquid or hard tablet that can be broken up and mixed in your dog’s food. Taken monthly they can prevent infestation.
Your vet should administer or at least oversee your pet’s medication so that they can suggest the correct dosage. Your puppy can begin taking it as young as 12 weeks. The prevention of the disease is much easier that the cure, it is more commonly contracted in warmer zones that have longer mosquito seasons. It is wise to also use medications that repel mosquitoes.
Before starting treatment discuss options with your vet, your dog should be tested first to make sure that they are not already infected. Killing off large numbers of adult worms can be deadly to your dog. Some breeds are also sensitive to the active ingredient in the pills and could have serious side effects.
Considerations in heartworm medications should include that they are vet recommended or approved, the size should be approved, find out if you need a medication that also controls fleas and ticks, see if it is safe and effective, find out what the ingredients are, determine the cost, ask if there is a guarantee and what is the dosage should be. The ideal medication is easy to administer, is safe and effective and available at a reasonable cost. It should be the right dosage for the size of your pet and if applicable provide protection for the prevention of fleas and ticks.
Some of the top products on the market that prevent heartworm and protection against roundworms include Interceptor, Heartgard and Heartgard Plus, Pro Heart6 and Filarabits. For the prevention of fleas and heartworm there is a medication called Sentinel. To control fleas, ticks and heartworm you can ask for Revolution.
The active ingredient in heartworm medication is Ivermectin. This ingredient is found in generic heartworm medication. It is offered in Trihart, Iverhart, Valuheart and Heartgard and is very inexpensive. This ingredient will also prevent some forms of lice and mites. It’s anti-parasitic properties are broad spectrum and they alter the heartworm’s nervous system and muscle functions. A prescription is not required to purchase it.
Another popular pet medication for the prevention of fleas, mosquitoes and ticks is K9 Advantix. It works very quickly and is very effective. The effects are long-term and it will work even after you have bathed your pet. Another pet medication used to control pain is called Petcam. The main ingredient in this drug is Meloxicam. Many of these pet medications can be purchased online, make sure your vet is aware of what you are giving your pet and advise them if you are using Heartgard Plus for Dogs.