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  • Given once a month
  • Easy to administer
  • Broad spectrum activity

Interceptor

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Prescription

Prescription required.

Prescription item

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$99.31
$74.49 See Price in Cart with code CARE25 tooltip Why don't we show the price? Sometimes the manufacturers do not allow us to show our price. Don't worry; you'll be able to see the price in checkout before you decide to buy it.
Prescription Item

Prescription required.

Prescription item

Save $37 by joining PetPlus

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At a Glance
  • Given once a month
  • Easy to administer
  • Broad spectrum activity
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About this product
1. Is Interceptor a Good Heartworm Medicine?
Answer
Yes, Interceptor heartworm medicine is one of the best out there on the market. By giving your dog Interceptor heartworm medication, you are protecting him or her not only from heartworm but also several other kinds of worms. This is because Interceptor also treats roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections.
2. Is the Interceptor Available?
Answer
Interceptor is available in two different formulations - Interceptor and Interceptor Plus. The difference between Interceptor and Interceptor Plus is that Interceptor Plus also treats tapeworm infections. However, you cannot use Interceptor Plus in puppies younger than 6 weeks of age.On the other hand, you can use Interceptor with puppies who are 4 weeks old. Interceptor is also available in different dosages for dogs of various sizes. The brown box is for dogs between 2-10 lbs and contains 2.3mg milbemycin oxime per tablet. The green box is for dogs between 11-25 lbs and cats between 1.5-6 lbs. Each pill in the green box contains 5.75mg of milbemycin oxime. The yellow box is for dogs between 25-50 lbs and cats between 6.1-12 lbs and has 1.5mg milbemycin oxime per tablet. Finally, the white box is for dogs between 51-100 lbs and cats between 12.1-25 lbs and contains 23 mg milbemycin oxime.
3. Do You Need a Prescription for Interceptor for Dogs?
Answer
Yes, you need a prescription to buy Interceptor for dogs. Your vet needs to test for heartworm and have a result on your dog's file for you to be able to be prescribed heartworm medication. This is because if your dog has adult heartworms, they could have a severe adverse reaction to this medicine. You should ask your vet to test your dog at least once every year to keep your dog safe and protected from heartworms.
4. Can Interceptor Make My Dog Sick?
Answer
Like any medication, Interceptor does come with a few side effects. They include ataxia, weakness, anorexia, lethargy, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypersalivation. You should contact your vet immediately if you notice that your dog is developing or has developed these side effects.
5. Can I Cut Interceptor in Half?
Answer
You should not cut Interceptor pills in half. This is because the medication might not be evenly distributed throughout the medicine but concentrated in the middle. This is done to encourage pets to have this medicine and not have bad taste in their mouths. Interceptor is available in different formulations for different sizes of dogs. Your vet will guide you on which one to purchase for your dog.
6. Which Is Better Trifexis or Interceptor?
Answer
Trifexis and Interceptor have different use cases, so they cannot be compared to each other. Trifexis is designed to target fleas along with heartworm. Interceptor, on the other hand, is designed to treat a wide variety of worms only. If your dog doesn't need treatment for fleas, then using Trifexis would be wasteful. Additionally, flea medication takes a toll on your dog's body. If your dog needs treatment for just worms and not fleas, you should stick to Interceptor.
7. How Quickly Does Interceptor Work?
Answer
Interceptor is a parasiticide that works for internal parasites. It should take a day or two to work. It prevents heartworm disease but not tapeworm infections in dogs and puppies. Note that it works best on young heartworms. It targets the worms' central nervous system and disables it, destroying the worms. Another thing to note is that the main ingredient of Interceptor, milbemycin, is not effective against adult heartworms.
8. Can My Dog Get Worms While on Interceptor?
Answer
The lifecycle of different worms works differently. For example, hookworms need to be treated again 2 weeks after the initial anti-parasitic dose to eliminate all traces of them. Thus, you should speak to your vet about preventatives if your dog gets recurring worm infections.
9. How Often Should a Dog Take Interceptor?
Answer
You should give your dog a chewable Interceptor tablet every month. There are stickers included in the package that you can use to mark your calendar to show the days your dog received this medicine. This also helps you keep track of whether you gave them their medication monthly.
10. What Happens if My Dog Ate 2 Heartworm Pills?
Answer
Interceptor is a sensitive medication. It has side effects and can cause reactions that are harmful to your pet. You should take as many precautions as you can to prevent overdosing on your dog. In case this happens, you need to contact your veterinarian immediately.
11. Is heartworm prevention necessary for dogs?
Answer
Yes, heartworm prevention is necessary for dogs. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by the transmission of a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once the parasite is transmitted to a dog, it can grow and multiply, eventually causing damage to the dog's heart, lungs, and other organs. Preventing heartworm disease is important for several reasons. First, treatment for heartworm disease can be expensive and can also be risky for the dog. In addition, even if a dog is successfully treated for heartworm disease, the damage to the dog's organs may be permanent. Fortunately, heartworm disease is easy to prevent with regular use of heartworm preventives. These medications are typically given once a month and work by killing immature heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms. Some heartworm preventives also provide protection against other parasites, such as intestinal worms and fleas.
12. What can I give my dog for heartworm prevention?
Answer
There are several medications that are effective for heartworm prevention in dogs. Ivermectin-based preventives, such as Heartgard and Iverhart Plus, are given once a month and work by killing the immature heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms. Milbemycin-based preventives, such as Sentinel and Interceptor, also work by killing immature heartworm larvae and also provide protection against other parasites, such as intestinal worms and fleas. In addition to heartworms, Interceptor also provides protection against other common parasites, such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Selamectin-based preventives like Revolution are applied topically once a month and provide protection against heartworms, fleas, and some types of ticks. Moxidectin-based preventives like ProHeart 6 are administered by a veterinarian and provide protection against heartworms for up to 6 months.
13. What is monthly heartworm prevention for dogs?
Answer
Monthly heartworm prevention for dogs is a type of medication that is given once a month to prevent heartworm disease. These medications work by killing immature heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms. They are usually available in the form of chewable tablets or topical treatments that are applied to the skin. Monthly heartworm prevention is necessary because heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by the transmission of a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once the parasite is transmitted to a dog, it can grow and multiply, eventually causing damage to the dog's heart, lungs, and other organs. Monthly heartworm prevention is safe and effective when used according to the manufacturer's instructions and under the guidance of a veterinarian. There are several different types of heartworm preventives available, including those based on ivermectin, milbemycin, selamectin, and moxidectin. Some of these medications also provide protection against other parasites, such as intestinal worms and fleas.
14. Can you prevent heartworms in dogs naturally?
Answer
No, there is no natural way to prevent heartworms in dogs. Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While there are some natural remedies and supplements that may help to boost a dog's immune system, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they can prevent heartworm disease. The best way to prevent heartworm disease in dogs is to use a monthly heartworm preventive medication that is prescribed by a veterinarian. These medications work by killing immature heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms. They are safe and effective when used according to the manufacturer's instructions and under the guidance of a veterinarian.
15. At what age should dogs start heartworm prevention?
Answer
Puppies should start heartworm prevention medication as early as 6-8 weeks of age or as soon as they are weaned and before they reach the age of 6 months. This is because the immature heartworm larvae can begin to cause damage to a dog's organs as early as 3-4 months after infection. Most heartworm preventive medications are available in formulations that are suitable for puppies, but you should talk to your veterinarian about the best medication and dosage for your puppy. Your veterinarian may recommend a lower dosage for puppies or may suggest a different medication based on your puppy's age, weight, and health status. For adult dogs that have not been on a heartworm preventive medication before, it's important to have them tested for heartworm disease before starting them on medication. This is because giving heartworm preventive medication to a dog that is already infected with heartworms can lead to a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction. Once a dog has been tested and confirmed to be free of heartworms, it can start on a monthly heartworm preventive medication.

What is Interceptor (milbemycin oxime)?

Interceptor Flavor Tabs are a palatable once-a-month tablet that prevents heartworm disease, controls adult hookworms, and removes and controls adult roundworms and whipworm infections in dogs. Interceptor for cats is the only oral monthly preventative that protects against heartworms and removes adult roundworms and adult hookworms. Interceptor requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Dogs (4 weeks of age and weighing over 2 lbs), Cats (6 weeks of age and weighing over 1.5 lbs)

Benefits:

  • Given once a month
  • Easy to administer
  • Broad spectrum activity

How does Interceptor work?

Interceptor Flavor Tabs eliminate the tissue stage of heartworm larvae and the adult stage of hookworm, roundworm, and in dogs, whipworm infestations. The anthelmintic activity (destroying parasitic worms) of the active ingredient milbemycin oxime is believed to be a result of interfering with the invertebrates' neurotransmission.

Cautions:

Side effects of Interceptor are rare, but some animals may show signs of depression, drowsiness, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, hypersalivation, seizures, and weakness. If these or other symptoms develop, contact your veterinarian. Since humans can contract hookworm and roundworm from animals, you should maintain good personal hygiene. To prevent reinfection, cleaning up stool daily is recommended. Don't give your pet Interceptor if you are already administering another heartworm preventative.

Brand Name:

Interceptor (Elanco Animal Health)

Generic Name:

Milbemycin Oxime (mil-beh-my-sin ox-eem)

What is the most important information I should know about Interceptor?

Interceptor is a prescription medication FDA approved for use in dogs and cats. Interceptor is available as artificial beef (derived from pork and soy protein) flavored chewable tablets. The usual dose of Interceptor for dogs 2 to 10 pounds is 2.3mg (brown box), 11 to 25 pounds is 5.75mg (green box), 26 to 50 pounds is 11.5mg (yellow box) and 51 to 100 pounds is 23mg (white box) given once a month year round. The usual dose of Interceptor for cats 1.5 to 6 pounds is 5.75mg (green box), 6.1 to 12 pounds is 11.5mg (yellow box) and 12.1 to 25 lbs is 23mg (white box) given once a month year round. Safety in heartworm-positive cats hasn't been established.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Interceptor to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to Interceptor or milbemycin.

How should Interceptor be given?

Give Interceptor exactly as directed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Heartworm testing should be performed prior to the start of prevention therapy. If your pet is off Interceptor for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6 months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will result in a positive test result. Store Interceptor at room temperature. Do not remove the tablet from its wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Interceptor is safe for pregnant or lactating dogs at a normal dose level. Safety in breeding, pregnant and lactating queens and breeding toms hasn't been established.

What are the possible side effects of Interceptor?

Side effects of Interceptor are rare although some animals may exhibit depression, drowsiness, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, hypersalivation, seizures and weakness. If these or other symptoms develop contact your veterinarian.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Interceptor?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Interceptor?

Contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid while giving Interceptor to my pet?

Because humans can contract hookworm and roundworm from animals, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on your pet and in the household. To prevent reinfection, daily cleanup of stools is recommended.

What other drugs will affect Interceptor?

Do not give Interceptor to your pet if your pet is already taking an alternate heartworm medication.

See more

Interceptor Directions:

  • Give Interceptor Flavor Tabs once a month on the same day of each month year round.
  • Interceptor Flavor Tabs can be given to dogs and cats.
  • Watch pet closely following dosing to be sure the entire dose has been swallowed. If it is not completely swallowed, give one more full recommended dose as soon as possible.
Tip:

Do not remove from its wrapper until ready to give to pet.

Interceptor Dosage for Dogs/Puppies: (4 weeks of age or older)
WeightDosage
2-10 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (Brown Box)
11-25 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (Green Box)
26-50 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (Yellow Box)
51-100 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (White Box)
Over 100 lbsGive combination of Flavor Tabs based on weight
Interceptor Dosage for Cats/Kittens: (6 weeks of age or older)
WeightDosage
1.5-6 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (Green Box)
6.1-12 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (Yellow Box)
12.1-25 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (White Box)
Over 25 lbsGive combination of Flavor Tabs based on weight
Interceptor Dosage for Horses:
Horses
Do not use!
Storage:

Should be stored at room temperature between 59° and 77° F.

Interceptor Ingredients:

Interceptor Brown (Dogs 2-10 lbs)
Active Ingredients (per flavor tab)Amount
Milbemycin Oxime2.3 mg
Interceptor Green (Dogs 11-25 lbs, Cats 1.5-6 lbs)
Active Ingredients (per flavor tab)Amount
Milbemycin Oxime5.75 mg
Interceptor Yellow (Dogs 26-50 lbs, Cats 6.1-12 lbs)
Active Ingredients (per flavor tab)Amount
Milbemycin Oxime11.5 mg
Interceptor White (Dogs 51-100 lbs, Cats 12.1-25 lbs):
Active Ingredients (per flavor tab)Amount
Milbemycin Oxime23 mg
Product Details
plus minus

What is Interceptor (milbemycin oxime)?

Interceptor Flavor Tabs are a palatable once-a-month tablet that prevents heartworm disease, controls adult hookworms, and removes and controls adult roundworms and whipworm infections in dogs. Interceptor for cats is the only oral monthly preventative that protects against heartworms and removes adult roundworms and adult hookworms. Interceptor requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Dogs (4 weeks of age and weighing over 2 lbs), Cats (6 weeks of age and weighing over 1.5 lbs)

Benefits:

  • Given once a month
  • Easy to administer
  • Broad spectrum activity

How does Interceptor work?

Interceptor Flavor Tabs eliminate the tissue stage of heartworm larvae and the adult stage of hookworm, roundworm, and in dogs, whipworm infestations. The anthelmintic activity (destroying parasitic worms) of the active ingredient milbemycin oxime is believed to be a result of interfering with the invertebrates' neurotransmission.

Cautions:

Side effects of Interceptor are rare, but some animals may show signs of depression, drowsiness, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, hypersalivation, seizures, and weakness. If these or other symptoms develop, contact your veterinarian. Since humans can contract hookworm and roundworm from animals, you should maintain good personal hygiene. To prevent reinfection, cleaning up stool daily is recommended. Don't give your pet Interceptor if you are already administering another heartworm preventative.

Brand Name:

Interceptor (Elanco Animal Health)

Generic Name:

Milbemycin Oxime (mil-beh-my-sin ox-eem)

What is the most important information I should know about Interceptor?

Interceptor is a prescription medication FDA approved for use in dogs and cats. Interceptor is available as artificial beef (derived from pork and soy protein) flavored chewable tablets. The usual dose of Interceptor for dogs 2 to 10 pounds is 2.3mg (brown box), 11 to 25 pounds is 5.75mg (green box), 26 to 50 pounds is 11.5mg (yellow box) and 51 to 100 pounds is 23mg (white box) given once a month year round. The usual dose of Interceptor for cats 1.5 to 6 pounds is 5.75mg (green box), 6.1 to 12 pounds is 11.5mg (yellow box) and 12.1 to 25 lbs is 23mg (white box) given once a month year round. Safety in heartworm-positive cats hasn't been established.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Interceptor to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to Interceptor or milbemycin.

How should Interceptor be given?

Give Interceptor exactly as directed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Heartworm testing should be performed prior to the start of prevention therapy. If your pet is off Interceptor for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6 months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will result in a positive test result. Store Interceptor at room temperature. Do not remove the tablet from its wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Interceptor is safe for pregnant or lactating dogs at a normal dose level. Safety in breeding, pregnant and lactating queens and breeding toms hasn't been established.

What are the possible side effects of Interceptor?

Side effects of Interceptor are rare although some animals may exhibit depression, drowsiness, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, hypersalivation, seizures and weakness. If these or other symptoms develop contact your veterinarian.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Interceptor?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Interceptor?

Contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid while giving Interceptor to my pet?

Because humans can contract hookworm and roundworm from animals, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on your pet and in the household. To prevent reinfection, daily cleanup of stools is recommended.

What other drugs will affect Interceptor?

Do not give Interceptor to your pet if your pet is already taking an alternate heartworm medication.

See more
How to use
plus minus

Interceptor Directions:

  • Give Interceptor Flavor Tabs once a month on the same day of each month year round.
  • Interceptor Flavor Tabs can be given to dogs and cats.
  • Watch pet closely following dosing to be sure the entire dose has been swallowed. If it is not completely swallowed, give one more full recommended dose as soon as possible.
Tip:

Do not remove from its wrapper until ready to give to pet.

Interceptor Dosage for Dogs/Puppies: (4 weeks of age or older)
WeightDosage
2-10 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (Brown Box)
11-25 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (Green Box)
26-50 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (Yellow Box)
51-100 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (White Box)
Over 100 lbsGive combination of Flavor Tabs based on weight
Interceptor Dosage for Cats/Kittens: (6 weeks of age or older)
WeightDosage
1.5-6 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (Green Box)
6.1-12 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (Yellow Box)
12.1-25 lbsGive 1 Flavor Tab every month (White Box)
Over 25 lbsGive combination of Flavor Tabs based on weight
Interceptor Dosage for Horses:
Horses
Do not use!
Storage:

Should be stored at room temperature between 59° and 77° F.

Ingredients
plus minus

Interceptor Ingredients:

Interceptor Brown (Dogs 2-10 lbs)
Active Ingredients (per flavor tab)Amount
Milbemycin Oxime2.3 mg
Interceptor Green (Dogs 11-25 lbs, Cats 1.5-6 lbs)
Active Ingredients (per flavor tab)Amount
Milbemycin Oxime5.75 mg
Interceptor Yellow (Dogs 26-50 lbs, Cats 6.1-12 lbs)
Active Ingredients (per flavor tab)Amount
Milbemycin Oxime11.5 mg
Interceptor White (Dogs 51-100 lbs, Cats 12.1-25 lbs):
Active Ingredients (per flavor tab)Amount
Milbemycin Oxime23 mg
1. Is Interceptor a Good Heartworm Medicine?
Answer
Yes, Interceptor heartworm medicine is one of the best out there on the market. By giving your dog Interceptor heartworm medication, you are protecting him or her not only from heartworm but also several other kinds of worms. This is because Interceptor also treats roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections.
2. Is the Interceptor Available?
Answer
Interceptor is available in two different formulations - Interceptor and Interceptor Plus. The difference between Interceptor and Interceptor Plus is that Interceptor Plus also treats tapeworm infections. However, you cannot use Interceptor Plus in puppies younger than 6 weeks of age.On the other hand, you can use Interceptor with puppies who are 4 weeks old. Interceptor is also available in different dosages for dogs of various sizes. The brown box is for dogs between 2-10 lbs and contains 2.3mg milbemycin oxime per tablet. The green box is for dogs between 11-25 lbs and cats between 1.5-6 lbs. Each pill in the green box contains 5.75mg of milbemycin oxime. The yellow box is for dogs between 25-50 lbs and cats between 6.1-12 lbs and has 1.5mg milbemycin oxime per tablet. Finally, the white box is for dogs between 51-100 lbs and cats between 12.1-25 lbs and contains 23 mg milbemycin oxime.
3. Do You Need a Prescription for Interceptor for Dogs?
Answer
Yes, you need a prescription to buy Interceptor for dogs. Your vet needs to test for heartworm and have a result on your dog's file for you to be able to be prescribed heartworm medication. This is because if your dog has adult heartworms, they could have a severe adverse reaction to this medicine. You should ask your vet to test your dog at least once every year to keep your dog safe and protected from heartworms.
4. Can Interceptor Make My Dog Sick?
Answer
Like any medication, Interceptor does come with a few side effects. They include ataxia, weakness, anorexia, lethargy, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypersalivation. You should contact your vet immediately if you notice that your dog is developing or has developed these side effects.
5. Can I Cut Interceptor in Half?
Answer
You should not cut Interceptor pills in half. This is because the medication might not be evenly distributed throughout the medicine but concentrated in the middle. This is done to encourage pets to have this medicine and not have bad taste in their mouths. Interceptor is available in different formulations for different sizes of dogs. Your vet will guide you on which one to purchase for your dog.
6. Which Is Better Trifexis or Interceptor?
Answer
Trifexis and Interceptor have different use cases, so they cannot be compared to each other. Trifexis is designed to target fleas along with heartworm. Interceptor, on the other hand, is designed to treat a wide variety of worms only. If your dog doesn't need treatment for fleas, then using Trifexis would be wasteful. Additionally, flea medication takes a toll on your dog's body. If your dog needs treatment for just worms and not fleas, you should stick to Interceptor.
7. How Quickly Does Interceptor Work?
Answer
Interceptor is a parasiticide that works for internal parasites. It should take a day or two to work. It prevents heartworm disease but not tapeworm infections in dogs and puppies. Note that it works best on young heartworms. It targets the worms' central nervous system and disables it, destroying the worms. Another thing to note is that the main ingredient of Interceptor, milbemycin, is not effective against adult heartworms.
8. Can My Dog Get Worms While on Interceptor?
Answer
The lifecycle of different worms works differently. For example, hookworms need to be treated again 2 weeks after the initial anti-parasitic dose to eliminate all traces of them. Thus, you should speak to your vet about preventatives if your dog gets recurring worm infections.
9. How Often Should a Dog Take Interceptor?
Answer
You should give your dog a chewable Interceptor tablet every month. There are stickers included in the package that you can use to mark your calendar to show the days your dog received this medicine. This also helps you keep track of whether you gave them their medication monthly.
10. What Happens if My Dog Ate 2 Heartworm Pills?
Answer
Interceptor is a sensitive medication. It has side effects and can cause reactions that are harmful to your pet. You should take as many precautions as you can to prevent overdosing on your dog. In case this happens, you need to contact your veterinarian immediately.
11. Is heartworm prevention necessary for dogs?
Answer
Yes, heartworm prevention is necessary for dogs. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by the transmission of a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once the parasite is transmitted to a dog, it can grow and multiply, eventually causing damage to the dog's heart, lungs, and other organs. Preventing heartworm disease is important for several reasons. First, treatment for heartworm disease can be expensive and can also be risky for the dog. In addition, even if a dog is successfully treated for heartworm disease, the damage to the dog's organs may be permanent. Fortunately, heartworm disease is easy to prevent with regular use of heartworm preventives. These medications are typically given once a month and work by killing immature heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms. Some heartworm preventives also provide protection against other parasites, such as intestinal worms and fleas.
12. What can I give my dog for heartworm prevention?
Answer
There are several medications that are effective for heartworm prevention in dogs. Ivermectin-based preventives, such as Heartgard and Iverhart Plus, are given once a month and work by killing the immature heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms. Milbemycin-based preventives, such as Sentinel and Interceptor, also work by killing immature heartworm larvae and also provide protection against other parasites, such as intestinal worms and fleas. In addition to heartworms, Interceptor also provides protection against other common parasites, such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Selamectin-based preventives like Revolution are applied topically once a month and provide protection against heartworms, fleas, and some types of ticks. Moxidectin-based preventives like ProHeart 6 are administered by a veterinarian and provide protection against heartworms for up to 6 months.
13. What is monthly heartworm prevention for dogs?
Answer
Monthly heartworm prevention for dogs is a type of medication that is given once a month to prevent heartworm disease. These medications work by killing immature heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms. They are usually available in the form of chewable tablets or topical treatments that are applied to the skin. Monthly heartworm prevention is necessary because heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by the transmission of a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once the parasite is transmitted to a dog, it can grow and multiply, eventually causing damage to the dog's heart, lungs, and other organs. Monthly heartworm prevention is safe and effective when used according to the manufacturer's instructions and under the guidance of a veterinarian. There are several different types of heartworm preventives available, including those based on ivermectin, milbemycin, selamectin, and moxidectin. Some of these medications also provide protection against other parasites, such as intestinal worms and fleas.
14. Can you prevent heartworms in dogs naturally?
Answer
No, there is no natural way to prevent heartworms in dogs. Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While there are some natural remedies and supplements that may help to boost a dog's immune system, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they can prevent heartworm disease. The best way to prevent heartworm disease in dogs is to use a monthly heartworm preventive medication that is prescribed by a veterinarian. These medications work by killing immature heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms. They are safe and effective when used according to the manufacturer's instructions and under the guidance of a veterinarian.
15. At what age should dogs start heartworm prevention?
Answer
Puppies should start heartworm prevention medication as early as 6-8 weeks of age or as soon as they are weaned and before they reach the age of 6 months. This is because the immature heartworm larvae can begin to cause damage to a dog's organs as early as 3-4 months after infection. Most heartworm preventive medications are available in formulations that are suitable for puppies, but you should talk to your veterinarian about the best medication and dosage for your puppy. Your veterinarian may recommend a lower dosage for puppies or may suggest a different medication based on your puppy's age, weight, and health status. For adult dogs that have not been on a heartworm preventive medication before, it's important to have them tested for heartworm disease before starting them on medication. This is because giving heartworm preventive medication to a dog that is already infected with heartworms can lead to a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction. Once a dog has been tested and confirmed to be free of heartworms, it can start on a monthly heartworm preventive medication.
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