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Canine heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease of dogs. Until recently, heartworm disease was considered to be a problem only in warm climates, but in the past few years it has been found in almost all areas of the United States and Canada. Since dogs travel widely with their owners, and infected dogs can carry heartworms for several years, heartworm disease may be a problem anywhere in the nation.
The mosquito is the only natural vector of transmission for canine heartworms, and about 70 species are capable of carrying the disease. As you might expect, heartworm infection is more common in areas where mosquitoes are numerous, and outdoor dogs constantly exposed to mosquitoes are the most frequent victims.
Prevention has proven to be highly successful in controlling heartworm infection. Several different types of prophylactic heartworm medication are available. The medication is started within a month after mosquito exposure and is continued throughout exposure and the last dose is given within one month after the end of the mosquito season. In areas where mosquitoes occur all year, the medication is given throughout the year.
The most commonly used method of prevention is the monthly administration of products made for this purpose. These are available as monthly medications applied either orally or topically. There are a number of different products available in shops and online, here we have assimilated the leading anti-heartworm medications on the market into a handy comparison table for your convenience.
Protect your dog from heartworm. Save up to 50% when you buy the best anti-heartworm products at PetCareRx.
Heartgard Plus Interceptor Sentinel Revolution Advantage Multi Price $21.99-$73.99 $20.99-$77.99 $57.99-$156.99 $36.99-$158.99 $76.55-$86.75 Minimum Age 6 weeks 4 weeks 4 weeks 6 weeks 7 weeks Dosage Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Administer Orally Orally Orally Topically Topically Active Ingredient Ivermectin Milbemycin Oxime Milbemycin Oxime Selamectin Moxidectin Extra Ingredients Pyrantel Pamoate n/a Lufeneron n/a Imidacloprid Flea Protection NO NO Eggs only YES YES Also Gets Roundworms Hookworms Roundworms Whipworms Hookworms Roundworms Whipworms Hookworms Ear Mites Sarcoptic Mange Ticks Roundworms Whipworms Hookworms
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