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It depends on the treatment, although the usual age is either 8 or 12 weeks and no earlier. If you are not sure, please double-check with your vet before using any sort of treatment on young puppies.

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12y ago
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15y ago

The earlier, the better. However, if you have an older dog, a blood test is necessary prior to starting any medication.

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11y ago

In the United States, most heartworm prevention pills (HeartGard, Advantage, etc) are prescribed for once a month administration.

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7y ago

Heartworms are treated if they are present in the heart of the dog or cat. Preventing heartworms is what is done on a routine basis and for most products the dosing is monthly.

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13y ago

every 2 years

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Q: When should you start heartworm medication?
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Related questions

Can heartworm medication make dogs sick?

No, that is highly improbable because heartworms reside in the heart rather than in the GI tract.


Should you ever stop giving your dog heartworm?

NEVER stop giving your dog his or her heartworm preventative medication. Mosquitoes are the carriers of the heartworm and they survive all year around, such as in an old barn, in the nooks & crannies of your house, ponds, rivers, etc. Heartworm is found all year around in all states.


Can pregnant dogs take heartworm medication?

It depends on the type of preventative being given. Consult your veterinarian about the specific medication you are using.


Is heart guard important for pit bulls?

People with dogs no matter the breed need to know that Heartworm disease is a serious illness that can rob your dog of its health and even its life. No matter the state you are from you, should be aware that Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 U.S. states. It's up to you to start giving medication to prevent Heartworms so I posted the Heartguard website in the related links box below.


Can you restart heartworm prevention without a heartworm test?

It is not advised to restart heartworm medication without a heartworm test. One of the reasons is that if the dog is heartworm positive, the adults are in the heart and causing pathology to the heart, blood vessels, and lungs, with many of these changes causing severe, irreversible damage. The preventative does not KILL the adults so this pathology will continue. The second major reason is that if the dog does have heartworm disease and the adult worms are producing microfilariae, when the preventative is given it will kill the microfilariae. The sudden death of the microfilariae can cause a severe anaphylactic (allergic) reaction which could be life-threatening for the pet. If you have regularly been giving the heartworm preventative and miss a month or two, there is a risk that your dog could have been bit by a heartworm infected mosquito during that period and is now developing heartworm disease. However, the heartworm test detects the presence of adult worms and it takes a few months until the worms have reached the adult state.The adults do not start producing the microfilariae until 5-7 months post infection. So if only one or two doses were missed it would be reasonably safe to start the preventative, but be certain to check a heartworm test in 6 months or so. The most important consideration is to stay on the preventative year round and not miss a dose. It is an easily preventable disease. If you do miss a dose or two, check with your veterinarian and follow their recommendations for follow up heartworm testing.


Can you give flea treatment to heartworm positive dogs?

If your dog is heartworm positive, then he or she should be treated by your Veterinarian for the problem, if possible. Ask your Vet if it is ok. I think it is but again check with your Vet first. Mosquitoes are the carriers of heartworm. All dogs & cats should be kept on a heartworm once a month preventive year around plus a once a month flea preventative which also keeps off ticks & mosquitoes.


Should you continue to give the heartworm pill to your dog if he vomits after taking it?

You should talk to your veterinarian before the next dose is due - your dog may have developed an allergy to one of the ingredients in the heartworm pill, particularly if it is one of the flavored chewable tablets. There are other heartworm preventives available and your veterinarian may recommend swapping to one of these.


When was Heartworm Press created?

Heartworm Press was created in 2003.


Are heartworms in a dog contagious?

unfortunately for us dog owners, it is. the disease is transmitted by mosquitos, so have your dog take anti heartworm medication before the mosquito season. better take the dog to the vet for a thorough evaluation. a dog can have heartworms but show no symptoms.


Who buys animal healthcare products?

Anyone who owns an animal may end up purchasing animal healthcare products, which range from heartworm prevention medication to prescription medication. Many of these products are purchased after obtaining a veterinary prescription for them.


Is heart gard necessary for dogs?

Heartguard itself isn't necessary for dogs,but some form of heartworm prevention should be given monthly whether it is heartguard or a different brand. Heartworm disease is caused by mosquitos and since they're everywhere,ones pets should be on heartworm prevention. It is less expensive in the long run to prevent then it is to cure.


How do you give heartworm vaccination?

There is no heartworm vaccination. Dogs and cats can take monthly oral preventatives to keep them from developing a heartworm infection.