When it comes to ensuring your canine companion’s safety against heartworms, selecting the right treatment is crucial. Heartworms, unlike fleas and ticks, are not visible to the naked eye and continue to grow inside and prove to be deadly if not treated timely.
There are several treatments available in the market to deal with them, but it’s understandable if the plethora of options makes you feel overwhelmed in selecting one. Don’t fret; we’re here to help you out. For heartworm prevention, Advantage Multi and Heartgard Plus are two of the most talked about and preferred treatments among dog parents.
In this blog, we’ll explore the fundamentals, features, similarities, and differences of these two popular treatments. Plus, the selection criteria at the end will surely provide you with some clarity and simplify your selection process.
So, let the expedition begin!
Understanding the Treatments: Product Overview
Before we move to the comparison, let’s understand the fundamentals of both these treatments.
Advantage Multi
Advantage Multi is a potent topical treatment formulated to protect dogs and puppies against heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. With Imidacloprid and Moxidectin as its active ingredients, it kills fleas, treats and prevents flea infestations and treats and controls roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
Features of Advantage Multi:
- Easy-to-administer monthly topical treatment
- Indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease
- Kills adult fleas on contact, preventing flea bites
- Treats and prevents flea infestations
- Effectively treats circulating microfilariae
- Treats and controls infections caused by roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms
- Treats and controls sarcoptic mange
- Suitable for dogs and puppies from 7 weeks of age, weighing at least 3 lbs
Heartgard Plus
Heartgard Plus is a palatable oral heartworm prevention treatment. These beef-flavored chewables contain Ivermectin and Pyrantel, which effectively prevent heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae. Plus, it is indicated for the treatment and control of roundworms and hookworms.
Features of Heartgard Plus
- Palatable, beef-flavored chewables
- Easy-to-administer monthly oral treatment
- Indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease
- Eliminates the tissue stage of heartworm larvae
- Treats and controls infections caused by roundworms and hookworms
- Safe to use in breeding, pregnant, or stud dogs
- Recommended for dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age
Advantage Multi vs. Heartgard Plus: Comparison Table
The following comparison table will present the differences and similarities between these treatments at a glance.
Which One to Pick?
With our little expedition through the fundamentals, features, and differences of these treatments, you can ascertain they both are capable of protecting against heartworm disease and intestinal worms. However, there are other aspects where these treatments differ, which directly impact the selection process.
Keep the following peculiarities in mind while selecting one:
- Advantage Multi kills fleas on contact and treats and controls sarcoptic mange, which Heartgard Plus does not.
- Advantage Multi is suitable for dogs and puppies from 7 weeks of age, whereas Heartgard Plus is recommended for dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age.
- Both treatments treat and control roundworms and hookworms. However, Heartgard Plus does not cover whipworms, which Advantage Multi does.
- Heartgard Plus is safe to use in breeding, pregnant, or stud dogs, whereas the safe use of Advantage Multi has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Apart from these details, they both have different modes of administration, which can be a deciding factor for many. Plus, it has a lot to do with your dog’s preference. If you have a fussy eater, it’s better to go with the topical solution. On the other hand, if your dog is not comfortable or has any allergic reaction to the topical solution, go with oral chewable.
However, it’s best to consult with your vet before making a selection, as they can provide a calculated suggestion based on your dog’s condition and medical history.