Dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages are vulnerable to heartworm infections. Heartworms are long, thread-like parasites. They can infect dogs and cause severe damage to their vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Therefore, as dog parents, it is our responsibility to take proactive steps to protect our pals from these harmful parasites. Thankfully, there is a wide range of heartworm preventives available on the market that work effectively to keep the pests at bay.
In this blog, we will discuss the five most effective heartworm preventives for dogs to help you choose an appropriate one for your dog.
Effective Heartworm Preventives for Dogs
Here are some of the most effective heartworm preventives for dogs.
Heartgard Plus
Available in the form of highly palatable beef-flavored chews, Heartgard Plus is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs. It features Ivermectin and Pyrantel as its active ingredients. The treatment helps eliminates the tissue stage of heartworm larvae and helps prevent heartworm disease in dogs. It is designed for monthly administration and also treats and controls roundworms and hookworms. The product is suitable for dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age.
Product Form: Oral Chews
Dosage: Once a Month
Benefits:
- Available as highly palatable beef-flavored chews, aiding easy administration.
- Prevents heartworm infection in dogs by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae.
- Treats and controls hookworms and roundworms.
- Suitable for dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age.
Revolution
Revolution is available as a topical formula that helps prevent heartworm disease in dogs. Composed of Selamectin as its active ingredient, the treatment also protects dogs against fleas, ticks, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites. It is formulated for monthly administration and can be safely used in dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age.
Product Form: Topical Formula
Dosage: Once a Month
Benefits:
- Broad-spectrum parasitic treatment for dogs.
- Prevents heartworm disease.
- Treats fleas, ticks, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites.
- Caters to dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age.
Interceptor
Interceptor is a broad-spectrum parasitic treatment for dogs that comes in the form of highly palatable oral chews. The product prevents heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae. It features Milbemycin oxime as its active ingredient and can also be used to eliminate and control whipworms and roundworms, and control hookworms. It requires monthly administration and can be used in dogs and puppies from 4 weeks of age, weighing at least 2 lbs.
Product Form: Oral Chews
Dosage: Once a Month
Benefits:
- Available as highly palatable oral chews
- Prevents heartworm disease in dogs by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae
- Eliminates and controls roundworms and whipworms
- Controls adult hookworms
- Designed for dogs and puppies from 4 weeks of age, weighing at least 2 lbs
Advantage Multi
Advantage Multi is available in the form of a topical spot-on formula, indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs. It is composed of Imidacloprid and Moxidectin as its active ingredients and is also effective against fleas, sarcoptic mange, as well as intestinal worms like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. The treatment is formulated for monthly administration and is suitable for dogs and puppies from 7 weeks of age, weighing at least 3 lbs.
Product Form: Topical Formula
Dosage: Once a Month
Benefits:
- Formulated for topical administration.
- Prevents heartworm disease in dogs and puppies.
- Treats and controls roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
- Treats flea infestations.
- Helps control sarcoptic mange.
- Suitable for dogs and puppies from 7 weeks of age, weighing at least 3 lbs.
Credelio Plus
Credelio Plus is available in the form of oral chews, formulated to prevent heartworm disease in dogs. Composed of Lotilaner and Milbemycin oxime as its main ingredients, the treatment also treats and controls ticks, fleas, and intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. It is also effective against demodex mites and can be used as an aid to manage Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). Additionally, the treatment helps prevent flea tapeworm infestation through effective flea control. It is designed for monthly administration and suits dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 3.08 lbs.
Product Form: Oral Chews
Dosage: Once a Month
Benefits:
- Available as highly palatable oral chews
- Prevents heartworm disease in dogs and puppies
- Treats and controls fleas and ticks
- Effective against demodex mites
- Can be used as an aid to manage Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
- Prevents flea tapeworm infestation, with effective flea control
- Suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 3.08 lbs.
Concluding Note
Treating heartworms can be complex and expensive. Therefore, preventing them is one of the most effective ways to keep dogs safe from the deadly parasites. However, ensure your dog is tested for existing heartworms before starting any heartworm preventives.
At DiscountPetMart, we carry the above-mentioned heartworm preventives along with a wide range of other preventives. Visit our online store to explore your preferred products.

