Dogs and puppies get a condition called heartworm, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The parasitic worms live in your dog's heart and blood vessels. That's why yearly heartworm vaccinations are necessary. Luckily, there is canine heartworm treatment available if your dog falls prey to this condition.
Merial
A company called Merial makes pet medications for treating heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and intestinal parasites. Get your dog tested before administering any heartworm treatment yourself.
Heartguard Plus
These are chewable tablets you give your dog to help control roundworms, hookworms and gastrointestinal parasites. They eliminate the tissue stage of heartworm larvae.
Give your dog the chew by hand or mixed into his food. Your dog needs to chew the entire dose for it to be effective. Hand feed the treat in pieces to your dog. This way, you can make sure he doesn't swallow the canine heartworm treatment whole or spit it out.
Heartguard is available in 3 strengths according to your pet's weight. Only give this product to your dog if he is 6 weeks of age or older.
Heartguard Immiticide for Adult Worms
This treatment is used if your dog tests high-positive for heartworms. He will need monthly injections to his lumbar region (back muscles). It's best to have your veterinarian perform these complex injections.
Manage the after-effects of Immiticide canine heartworm treatment:
- pain medication to relieve soreness
- hot compresses on the injection area
- adverse reactions may include: nose bleed, cough and fever
- confine your dog for a month to rest his heart