Six-Month Heartworm Prevention

A happy, healthy dog is one that is protected from heartworm disease.

Heartworm is difficult to treat and can be fatal, but drugs are available to prevent the disease. Besides the usual monthly medications, there are newer six-month preventions available.

Heartworm Prevention

When mosquitoes are prevalent, it is important to protect your pet from heartworm disease. Prevention is much easier than treatment. Most common preventative medications are taken once monthly in the form of oral pills, chewable tablets or a topical ointment. The newest form of prevention is the six-month injectable.

Injectable Heartworm Prevention

The most common name, ProHeart-6 or moxidectin, is a new injectable heartworm preventative administered to a dog over 6 months of age once every 6 months. This preventative was first approved in 2001. Only your veterinarian can administer the injection following a complete medical examination and informational session.

Warning

Along with benefits of the six-month heartworm prevention, there are some possible adverse side effects such as lethargy, weakness, facial swelling, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, a rash and sometimes seizures or death. Some dog breeds, especially herding breeds, should not take this medication. Do not administer heartworm medications to your pet without a preliminary blood test.

References

• FDA: Types of Heartworm Prevention
• Dog Illnesses and Symptoms: Canine Heartworm Prevention and Side Effects
• Pfizer: 6-Month Heartworm Prevention
• Southwest Collie Rescue: Collie Health