Heartworm PreventionHeartworms are carried by mosquitoes, and both dogs and cats (even indoor cats) are at risk in Indiana. Heartworm disease can be easily prevented by giving a simple monthly medication, however. We typically recommend giving preventative medication May 1 - December 1, but you may give the medication year-round if you prefer.
Dogs:
Dogs should have a blood test each spring (usually in March or April) before starting preventative medication. We have several options available for blood testing; just ask any staff member about the various testing options. We offer the following products for heartworm prevention; if you aren't sure which one best suits your needs, we will be happy to offer assistance:
Iverhart Plus: Flavored tablet given once monthly. Prevents heartworm and controls intestinal worms (roundworm and hookworm). Read more...
Interceptor: Flavored tablet given once monthly. Prevents heartworm and controls intestinal worms (roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm). Read more... On manufacturer backorder as of spring 2012
Sentinel: Flavored tablet given once monthly. Prevents heartworm and controls intestinal worms (roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm). Contains a second ingredient to aid with flea control. While Sentinel does not kill adult fleas, it prevents flea eggs from developing, thereby breaking the flea life cycle. Give with a meal. Read more... On manufacturer backorder as of spring 2012
Advantage Multi: Topical liquid applied to the back of the neck once monthly. Prevents heartworm and kills adult fleas. Also kills intestinal parasites (roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm). Read more...
Trifexis: Flavored tablet given once monthly. Prevents heartworm, controls intestinal worms (roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm), and kills adult fleas. Safe in puppies 14 weeks of age and older. Give with a meal. Read more...
Revolution: Topical liquid applied to the back of the neck once monthly. Prevents heartworm and kills adult fleas. Revolution is not an effective intestinal de-wormer in dogs; we recommend giving a separate monthly intestinal de-wormer in conjunction with Revolution. Read more...
Cats:
Cats do not require an annual blood test; just start them on prevention by May 1 and continue through December 1 of each season. Even indoor cats are at risk and should be treated with preventative medication. We offer the following products for heartworm prevention; if you aren't sure which one best suits your needs, we will be happy to offer assistance:
Heartgard for Cats: Flavored tablet given once monthly. Prevents heartworm and kills intestinal hookworms. Read more...
Revolution: Topical liquid applied to the back of the neck once monthly. Prevents heartworm and kills adult fleas and their eggs. Also kills ear mites and intestinal roundworm and hookworm. Read more...
