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Vet prescribed Trifexis for my heartworm-positive dog. Is this right?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 11 months old | 72 lbs

Duke has tested positive for heartworm and was set on a treatment plan by my vet to take heartworm preventative medication. Was my primary vet correct in perscribing him trifexis even though he has heartworms?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on April 17th, 2018

Some veterinarians treat heart worms with a slow kill method by giving heartworm prevention monthly which will kill the adult worms over time and prevent new ones. The more common treatment is with injections to kill the worms quickly. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. Doing it with a slow kill method is much less expensive. The shots are expensive, can be painful and you would need to keep your dog very quiet for six weeks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Duke.

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