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Which Heartworm Prevention is Right for You?

With all of the Heartworm prevention products available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you and your pet.  Here are just a few of our favorite heartworm prevention products.

For Dogs:

Trifexis

This is a monthly, chewable tablet for dogs.  This product prevents heartworm, kills fleas, as well as treats the intestinal parasites hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.  Trifexis is beef flavored, so some dogs will take it as a treat.  (Others need the help of peanut butter or cheese.)  While Trifexis is a great product, it should not be used in dogs with pre-existing epilepsy or other seizure conditions.  Though Trifexis does not cause an animal to get seizures, it can trigger seizures in dogs who already have the condition.

Advantage Multi

A once-a-month topical medication for dogs which kills adult fleas, prevents heartworm, and kills roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.  Because Advantage Multi is a topical product, we recommend putting it on before just before bed.  It is put in a line along the spine but should not be touched until the product is dried.  This means that children and other pets should be kept away from any dog whose Advantage Multi has recently be applied.

For Cats:

Heartgard

Heartgard is a once-a-month chewable tablet used in cats and kittens used to prevent heartworm and hookworm infections. Although some cats do like the flavor, Heartgard can be crumbled into a small amount of the cat’s normal food if your cat is one of those picky eaters.  This product does not control flea infestations.

Revolution

This once-a-month topical product ] protects against heartworm, roundworms, hookworms, fleas, and even ear mites when used as directed. This product is applied directly to the back of the neck, on the base of the skull.  This way, your kitty can’t groom the product off before it is absorbed through the skin.

For Both Dogs And Cats:

Interceptor

This monthly oral pet medication can be used in dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens to prevent heartworm disease.  Interceptor also controls hookworms and roundworms in both cats and dogs. Interceptor gives dogs an extra benefit by also working against whipworms in canines.  This product does not control flea infestations.

Again, these are just a few of the heartworm products available for your pet.  All heartworm prevention products are prescription only, so consult with your veterinarian and be sure to test your pet annually for heartworm disease.  Emerald Animal Hospital offers all of these products.  Set up an appointment with one of our veterinarians to find out which one is right for you and your pet!