The American Heartworm Society recommends that puppies and kittens be started on a heartworm preventive as early as the product label allows, and no later than 8 weeks of age.
When should my dog take heartworm medicine?
The American Heartworm Society recommends that you start heartworm prevention for puppies at 8 weeks of age and keep them on it year-round. Heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states, and there is growing concern about resistance to some preventatives—mostly due to inconsistent dosing by owners.
Do dogs really need heartworm medicine every month?
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.
Does my dog need heartworm medicine in winter?
As winter descends upon New England in full force, more and more dog owners ask us if we recommend continuing heartworm prevention through the winter months. The short answer is yes. The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round heartworm prevention, and we agree.
Do dogs need heartworm medicine year-round?
Use Heartworm Prevention Medication Year-Round Treatment can vary, as oral, injectable or topical, depending on the animal species, but they all target heartworm larvae, not adults. That's one reason veterinarians often recommend that pets receive heartworm prevention medication all year long.
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Does my dog need heartworm medicine?Do puppies need monthly heartworm medicine?