As dog parents, we do a lot to take care of our pet’s health, such as feeding them nutritious food and grooming them. However, we often overlook the fact that our pets can be exposed to various parasites that can cause irritation and severe illness. Heartworm is one such life-threatening disease that can affect dogs.
Fortunately, there are many options available for heartworm treatment. These treatments come in different forms of administration and are available in different packs for dogs of different sizes and weights. It is essential to choose the right heartworm treatment that is safe, effective, and convenient. In this blog, we will discuss five commonly used heartworm treatments that prevent heartworms in dogs. Some of these treatments may also be effective in treating other parasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites, roundworms, and hookworms.
What is Heartworm Disease for Dogs?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects dogs, as well as cats, and other animals. It is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up the microscopic heartworm larvae, which it then spreads to other animals when it bites them. The larvae enter the animal’s bloodstream and eventually make their way to the heart and lungs, where they mature into adult worms. These adult worms can grow up to a foot long and can live for several years, causing damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs.
Heartworm disease can be difficult to detect in its early stages, as symptoms may not appear until the worms have reached maturity. Common symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss. If left untreated, heartworm disease can be fatal. It is important to prevent heartworm infection in your dog through the use of preventive treatment and also by controlling the mosquito population around your home.
1. Revolution
Revolution is used to prevent heartworm disease in dogs, as well as to control fleas, American dog ticks, ear mites, and certain types of mange. It is applied topically to the skin once a month and is effective at preventing heartworm infection when used as directed.
It contains the active ingredient selamectin which prevents heartworm disease along with killing and controlling other parasites like fleas, ticks, and ear mites.
