Because heartworms must be eliminated before they reach this adult stage, it is extremely important that heartworm preventives be administered strictly on schedule (monthly for oral and topical products and every 6 months or 12 months for the injectable).
Do dogs need heartworm medicine every month?
If at the initial test, your dog is found to have heartworms, treatment will be needed before prevention can begin. However, if your dog is in the clear, he can be started on monthly medication to protect him from the disease.
How often do dogs really need heartworm meds?
Some holistic vets may recommend only treating every three months or so, receiving fewer doses of the medication (and as they perceive it, less of the risk) while still receiving enough of the medication to kill heartworms as they develop but before they have a chance to reproduce.
How long does a dog need heartworm medicine?
The American Heartworm Society advocates to “Think 12." Give dogs 12 months of heartworm prevention and get them tested for heartworms every 12 months.
Does my dog need heartworm medication every year?
Heartworm disease can be prevented in dogs and cats by giving them medication once a month that also controls various internal and external parasites. Heartworm infections are diagnosed in about 250,000 dogs each year. 1 But there is no good reason for dogs to receive preventives all year; it is just not needed.
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