Types of Heartworm Pills for Dogs

Heartworm is one of the most common parasites infecting domestic canine companions. If a dog becomes infested with heartworm, he can become gravely ill and treatment can be very costly. Preventing heartworm infestation is a much simpler alternative than treating the disease, and can be done for just pennies a day.

Significance

Heartworm is one of the most damaging parasites infecting domestic dogs. Heartworm is passed onto dogs through bites from infected mosquitoes, with the larvae settling into the heart. The larvae mature into adult worms, filling the heart and blocking the valves. This causes the heart to strain immensely in an effort to pump blood throughout the body. Hundreds of pets succumb to heartworm every year, even though this infestation is entirely preventable. A simple course of heartworm medicine, given throughout the year, can prevent dogs from becoming infested in the first place, and should be a regular part of any pet care routine.

Identification

Heartworm pills are produced in a number of different forms, although they all serve to kill off larvae and prevent them from maturing into adult worms inside the dog's body. The most popular type of heartworm treatment is given in the form of a large, chewable tablet. These tablets are given once per month throughout the year to prevent infestation. Treatment also comes in the form of small, hard tablets that can be mixed into the dog's food for picky pets. A liquid form of heartworm medication is also available, although it is far less popular and more difficult to use than the tablet forms.

Benefits

Preventing heartworm is invaluable to the health and well-being of dogs. Heartworm prevention should be discussed with your veterinarian at your puppy's first checkup. Most vets will begin heartworm prevention as early as 12 weeks, and recommend that pills are given on a regular schedule to help prevent infestation. If a dog does happen to contract heartworm, treatment to kill off the adult worms and larvae can be administered, and the dog returned to a preventative routine upon completion.

Prevention/Solution

Preventing heartworm is much easier than trying to cure the disease. Heartworm infestation is much more common in warm areas with a long mosquito season, although treatment should be given year-round to prevent infection. There are a number of medications that can be applied externally to your pet to help keep mosquitoes at bay. Used in conjunction with these topical solutions, heartworm pills can help keep your pet safe and healthy for life.

Warning

Consult your veterinarian before starting any heartworm treatments. If a pet is already infested with heartworm, administering pills can cause the adult worms to die off in large numbers and be deadly. Many breeds, especially herding breeds, such as Rough and Smooth Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, are highly sensitive to the active ingredient in heartworm pills and are susceptible to serious adverse reactions.