I make sure to give my dogs Nala and Ghost their heartworm medication on the first of every month. I pretend it’s a treat, and Nala happily eats it without any problems. Unfortunately, many people skip their pet’s annual check-ups and even heartworm medication. While vet-prescribed heartworm medication can be a bit expensive, I’ve found a more affordable option by using the Chewy Pharmacy program. After visiting my veterinarian, I go to chewy.com and place an order. Chewy reaches out to my vet to confirm the prescription and delivers the medication to my door. It’s an easy and affordable way to make sure my pets stay healthy!
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect dogs of any age and breed. It is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes that carry microscopic heartworm larvae. Once inside the dog’s body, the larvae develop and grow into adult heartworms that can reach up to 12 inches in length and live for up to seven years.
Heartworm disease can be challenging to diagnose. Some early signs of the disease may include a persistent cough, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and weight loss. However, since these symptoms are also commonly associated with other illnesses, it can be hard to determine whether heartworms are responsible for them.
Prevention is the key to keeping your dog healthy. The best way to protect your dog from heartworm disease is by administering preventative medication. There are two types of heartworm medications available: monthly tablets and monthly topical applications.
Monthly tablets are oral medications that your dog can chew, swallow, or mix with its food. These tablets are recommended for dogs that have a history of vomiting or have sensitive skin that is prone to irritation.
Monthly topical applications are liquid medications that are applied to your dog’s skin once a month. They are easy to apply and are safe and effective for most dogs. Some dogs are allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in these products, so always check with your veterinarian before starting your dog on any medication.
Heartworm medications are essential to your dog’s health because they not only prevent heartworm disease but also protect against other types of parasitic infections, such as hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms.
If you are unsure about which heartworm medication to use for your dog, consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best medication based on your dog’s breed, age, weight, and overall health.
Remember, heartworm disease is preventable. By administering monthly heartworm medication to your dog, you can protect them from this potentially fatal disease and ensure they stay healthy and active for years to come
