Are flea/tick drops safe for dogs with undiagnosed heartworms?

Question

My mother in law insists that we shouldn't put flea and tick drops on our dog bc we are unsure of heartworms.... She thinks that it will kill the heartworms and our dog please tell me if this is true or not bc she has my wife turned against the drops and my poor dog is suffering. Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 5 lbs

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

Treatment with drops which are effective against heartworm are not recommended if you are unsure of possible infection (these are generally effective against fleas and worms such as revolution, advocate or nexgard tablets). There are many flea/tick only preparations which kill and/or repel insects only and will not affect heartworm - such as advantix or frontline drops, simparica or bravecto tablets and seresto collars.

Are flea/tick drops safe for dogs with undiagnosed heartworms?

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