We have reached the midway point of our heartworm season. It’s not too late to protect your pet from heartworm disease, ticks, fleas and intestinal parasites. We do recommend a yearly blood test to ensure your dog does not have the heartworm disease or three other tick born diseases (Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis ). Below is a review of all of your medication options.
Oral (by mouth)
Trifexis (for dogs only)
New this year – A chewable tablet given once a month to prevent the heartworm disease, kill fleas and prevent intestinal parasite infections. Trifexis provides protection against fleas, heartworm disease, hookworm, roundworm and whipworms. This product will start killing fleas within 30 minutes. It is also safe for dogs 8 weeks of age or older and dogs greater than 5 lbs. Trifexis is ideal for dogs that swim or are bathed frequently, dogs with skin conditions that require topical treatment and also for families with children (there is no risk of transferring the product from the dog to your child).
Heartgard (for dogs only)
Heartgard is a beef flavoured treat that is given once a month to prevent the heartworm disease and intestinal parasite infections. It is safe for dogs 8 weeks and older and there is no weight restriction. Heartgard is ideal for dogs that swim or are bathed frequently, dogs with skin conditions that require topical treatment and also for families with children (there is no risk of transferring the product from the dog to your child
Spot Applications (on the skin)
There are several very effective spot on prevention products available for both cats and dogs. Many of these products eliminate other parasites in addition to fleas.
Advantage (for cats and dogs)
A once-a-month flea prevention that comes in dosages appropriate for your pet’s weight. This product will kill adult fleas just by touching them (no biting is required). Advantage is ideal for animals with skin problems helping to prevent Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) and secondary infections caused from fleas. It also helps prevent tapeworm infections by killing the intermediate host, the flea. Once applied to your pet this product requires them to remain dry for 24 – 48 hours to ensure the application is absorbed into the skin properly.
Advantage Multi (for cats and dogs)
A once-a-month flea, heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention that comes in dosages appropriate for your pet’s weight. However, this product has an added ingredients to regular Advantage, and will also protect your pet against roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. It prevents external parasites such as otodectes (ear mites), sarcoptes and demodex (mange). It prevents the heartworm disease and kills adult fleas. Once applied to your pet this product requires them to remain dry for 24 – 48 hours to ensure the application is absorbed into the skin properly.
K9 Advantix (dogs only)
A once-a-month flea and tick prevention that comes in dosages appropriate for your dog’s weight. This product is safe for dogs 8 weeks or older. This product will kill ticks that come in contact with your dogs skin and hair. It causes the tick to become uncomfortable and fall off your dog. This product will kill adult fleas just by touching them (no biting is required). Advantix is ideal for dogs with skin problems helping to prevent Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) and secondary infections caused from fleas. It also helps prevent tapeworm infections by killing the intermediate host, the flea. Once applied to your dog this product requires them to remain dry for 24 – 48 hours to ensure the application is absorbed into the skin properly.
Revolution (for cats and dogs)
A once-a-month flea, heartworm, tick, intestinal parasite and external parasite prevention that comes in dosages appropriate for your pet’s weight. Revolution kills adult fleas, flea eggs and larvae but will also remove an infestation from your home if used for 3 months consecutively. Revolution will kill ticks within 48 hours of landing on your dog but unfortunately the tick is still able to feed and therefore transmit any disease it may be carrying (such as Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis). Revolution will also protect your pet against intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms in cats. It will also protect your dog from sarcoptic mites (mange). Once applied to your pet this product requires them to remain dry for 2 hours to ensure the application is absorbed through their skin and into the blood stream.
We also want to remind everyone that the final November dose is important in preventing the heartworm disease. Even if there are no bugs out in the environment during the November month, that final dose helps protect your pet from any heartworm it was exposed to in October. Remember to always carefully follow the directions regarding the correct dosage in relation to your pet’s weight. And never treat your cat with a flea product that is intended for dogs only.
Best wishes for a parasite-free season!
