Hi everyone.

I've been trying to find the best and most effective heartworm medication for my pup. Any suggestions on which I should go with? And which I should definately stay away from? Thanksss!

Unless you believe your dog may be sensitive to ivermectin (breed-sensitivity based on the MDR1 gene mutation), Heartgard is good, Interceptor is good too (for those who are MDR1 sensitive,do not use Heartgard).  There's some others that are also flea-tick preventers - never used them but I know some who have.

Do not neglect your dogs - heartworm preventive is extremely important, and there's no excuse for allowing a dog to contract heartworms.  If you dog does have heartworms, do NOT give the dog a heartworm preventive without consulting with a Veterinary Physician.

1 in 4 dogs going into rescue have heartworms, higher if the dogs are all from the same location - most backyard breeders/puppy mills do not invest in heartworm preventive.. 

heartworm test - $20.

heartworm preventive; $120 per year maybe.

heartworm treatment for a HW+ dog: over $300, depending on severity of the case.

It takes between six weeks and ten weeks to treat a HW+ dog - during that time, the dog must be isolated and kept in a quiet condition - during the HW+ treatment, as the worms die, the dog's heartrate needs to stay low - they could suffer a heart attack.

Hope it helps (way more info than you asked for).

dwain

We too use Interceptor, and we always value Dwain's good advice!!

Thanks everyone for your responses. I thought the intraceptor was the best but I wasn't sure.

We use interceptor in the fall and winter and sentinal in the spring and fall because of the added flea protection.  beside the heart worm prevention the int. and sent also protect against intestinal parasites (hookworm roundworm and whips) so there is another reason to ALWAYS protect your baby

We use interceptor in the fall and winter and sentinal in the spring and fall because of the added flea protection.  beside the heart worm prevention the int. and sent also protect against intestinal parasites (hookworm roundworm and whips) so there is another reason to ALWAYS protect your baby