Preventing drain diseases is much easy than treating them , which is why it ’s of import to have your hot dog on flea , ticktack , and heartworm bar . However , with so many option , incur the best and safest choice for your positron emission tomography can be a challenge . Some medication may only cover one or two parasites , whereas other combo products may prevent and protect against fleas , ticks , and heartworms in a undivided lozenge . Stay informed about the most current options so you and your veterinary surgeon can peck the right prevention medication for your dog .
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medicine Comparison Chart
Dog owners have several option forflea , tick , and heartworm preventives . This chart exhibit all the entropy you need to pick a bar or combination of mathematical product for your dog , include how often they should be administered , the fighting fixings , and whether they can be found over the counter orrequires a prescription medicine .
Why Are Some Dog Preventions Labeled “Plus” or “Max?”
You might wonder why some prevention are followed by the parole " Plus " or " Max , " whereas others are not , for deterrent example Interceptor and Interceptor Plus . Most commonly , these preventives are an identical formula with the plus of an intestinal parasiticide agent . Keep an eye out for the active ingredientpyrantel , which is in force againstroundworms and hookworms , orpraziquantel , which kill tapeworms . These additional ingredients will deworm your dog each calendar month for append wellness protection .
Combination Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Pills
If you ’re hop to find a single production that will spread over flea , ticks , and heartworms , you ’re in luck . Simparica Trioprotects dogs against fleas , ticks , and heartworms in one pill , and it also kills hookworm disease and roundworms . If you prefer an all - in - one topical formula , Revolutionhas alike qualities , though its tick auspices is confine compare to Simparica Trio . Itonly controls the American Dog tick , which is not the species that carries Lyme disease .
How to Choose the Best Prevention for Your Dog
When deciding on a medication or combination of medications to prevent fleas , ticks , and heartworms , several factors should be take into explanation . discourse the best choice for your pet with your veterinarian .
Disease Incidence
If you live in a part with a high relative incidence of heartworm infection , choosing a preventive that protect against this sponger is a must . Your veterinarian can put up you with information on the risk in your county and surrounding area , and the American Heartworm Society ( AHS ) provides amap on their websitewith countrywide data .
However , AHS reports that heartworm - positive wiener have beendiagnosed in every U.S. stateas well as globally , so year - stave prevention is the unspoiled course of study of activeness , disregarding of your positioning . dissimilar neighborhood also have uniquetick specie , which can carry various tick - borne diseases , including Lyme disease or Ehrlichiosis .
Method of Administration
Most medications are uncommitted as a topical liquid you must set on your dog ’s skin between their shoulder blades each calendar month , or as an oral tablet / chewable . deal which method is most convenient and least trying for both you and your dearie . If keep a monthly agenda may be difficult for you , you could elect for one of the longer - endure options , includingBravectoor theSeresto collarfor flea and tick , and theProHeart injectionfor heartworm protection .
Housemates
When deciding between topical or oral flea , tick , and heartworm prevention , it ’s authoritative to also think other pets and people in the house , because what you put on your dog could affect them . kid ( and adults ) should nullify petting the dog until the topical medication has dried on their skin . superfluous forethought must be exact with feline housemate if you use a topical treatment hold permethrin or pyrethrin , asthese ingredients are toxic to cats . Separate the dog and catsfor 72 hoursafter software or take an oral mathematical product instead .
Additional Protection
Some products contain ingredients that turn to other type of parasite in increase to fleas , tick , and heartworms . For example , Interceptor Plus deal care ofhookworms , roundworms , tapeworm , and whipworms . Other heartworm preventions likeHeartgard Plus , Sentinel Spectrum , and Iverhart Max also moderate deworming agents for intestinal parasites .
likewise , some flea and check mark products cankill mitesor mange . In fact , many are used off - recording label as treatments for these picayune pests . If your andiron isprone to mange , you may require to consider one of these option , include Advantage Multi or Revolution .
Medical History
Some aesculapian conditions or sensitivities can affect which flea , check , or heartworm prevention is the safe for your ducky . Your veterinarian may order a specific product if your weenie has any of the following :
Price
If you ’re on a budget , or have several andiron to treat , price can be a concern . Many veterinarian - recommended product are available through online best-loved pharmacies , such as 1 - 800 - PetMeds or Chewy.com , who tend to have competitive prices . Some manufacturers alsooffer rebatesif you buy an intact yr of merchandise or a combination of flea / tick and heartworm preventive . Finally , some veterinary offices go discount for heartworm trial run of medicament during National Heartworm Awareness calendar month , which is April .
Holistic Parasite Control
Some favourite owners may favour to go the raw route to prevent heartworm , flea , and ticks , but be advised that there isno known " instinctive " preventivethat has been proven to work . It ’s understandable to require to avoid the use of potentially harsh chemicals on your dog , but prevention products contain low doses of the active fixings and have been good tested . Side burden or reaction are relatively rare .
Keep in intellect , heartworm contagion is a life - threatening condition and the treatment for heartworms can even shew to be fateful . Lyme disease and other check or flea - borne infections will also bear upon your dog ’s quality of life and may even shorten their lifespan . Therefore , the risks of go forth your heel unprotected generally far outbalance the risks associated with using preventions . If you have concerns about any products , be certain to utter with your veterinary surgeon .
Natural Heartworm Prevention
Although holistic heartworm options have not been tested in clinical studies , they are usable for use by dog owners . born Pet HW Protect Herbal Formulareportedly prevent mosquito bite with herbal ingredient , such as bleak walnut tree , ginger , and wormwood . The producer mention that it should be used as part of a comprehensive program to prevent mosquito and not on its own . Always speak with your veterinarian before adding any Modern postscript to your favourite ’s procedure to ensure it ’s secure for them .
Holistic Flea and Tick Methods
deal the environment can help reduce the turn of flea , ticks , or mosquitos in your home . strain plantinginsect repelling herbsaround the edge of your yard . Lavender , lemon tree grass , mint , sage , and basil industrial plant may also repulse these unwanted pests .
Another good , born , and biological method acting of free your yard of fleas is to preface nematode worm to the sphere . Entomopathogenic nematodesare secure for mass and beast and hail in wry contour , which you only sprinkle on the lawn , then total water . you’re able to also usediatomaceous earthon your lawn , though it ’s not dependable to utilize it instantly on your pet or anything they may lick or ingest .
Choosing the Safest Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Preventative Products
Dealing with parasites like flea , ticks , andwormsmay seem like an insignificant concern , but allow them to taint your dog can conduce to serious illness . Treatment for these precondition are typically emotionally and financially enfeeble . The practiced way to keep your pawl safe is to prevent these parasites in the first plaza . It can be overpowering to pick out the good birth control gadget for your pet . However , you could feel sure-footed in your choice after reviewing all usable selection and discussing any business with your veterinary surgeon .
