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What are the best heartworm prevention options for my dog?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | 3 months and 22 days old | 1.7 lbs

How to prevent heartworm for dogs

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Christina Kellogg, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 19th, 2017

Heartworm disease is completely preventable dogs. There are now multiple options for heartworm preventative is available to pet owners. Most often these preventatives are given orally once a month or sometimes applied topically once a month. There are options now also for injections that last about six months. It just depends on what your veterinarian has available. It is usually recommended to give heartworm preventative year-round but this may vary depending on where in the country you live. Any dog who has not been on heartworm preventative, should be tested for heartworms prior to starting prevention. And then heartworm testing is recommended every one to two years while on heartworm preventative.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Products with ivermectin, Milbemycin oxime or Selamectin are most commonly used. There is a large variety of commercially available products but are all on prescription. Discuss with your local veterinarian most available ones in your area.

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