Heartworm Preventative Options for Pets

UVMA Veterinary Medical Clinic strongly recommends year-round heartworm preventative medication for all dogs. Heartworm preventatives are available for cats, but this is considered optional and is not routinely recommended. Over the last few years many different companies have begun marketing various products as heartworm preventatives. It is impractical for a veterinary clinic to maintain a stock of all of the available products. UVMA offers several options for heartworm prevention. These products are discussed below.

Heartgard Plus

Heartgard Plus is a chewable treat-shaped beef-flavored product given monthly to prevent heartworm infection. Heartgard Plus also contains a medication that prevents infestation with hookworms and roundworms. Heartgard Plus does not provide protection against whipworms or other parasites.

Interceptor

Interceptor is a chewable tablet given monthly to prevent heartworm infection. In addition, Interceptor prevents infestation with hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.

Sentinel

Sentinel is also a chewable tablet given monthly. Sentinel contains the same heartworm preventative as Interceptor. In addition, Sentinel contains a product that helps with flea control by preventing fleas from maturing. It breaks the flea life cycle, but does not kill adult fleas.

Proheart-6

Proheart-6 is an injectable medication that provides heartworm prevention for six months. It also provides protection against hookworm infection. Dogs on Proheart-6 need to be brought in twice yearly for continued protection against heartworms.

Staff members at UVMA can help you determine which heartworm preventative will best suit your needs. Feel free to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with staff members or with one of the doctors.