MABTR is always asked what heartworm, flea, and tick prevention we use and recommend. Our answer is Simparica Trio which covers all three. No longer two pills. However if you do not have access to this prevention or it is not recommended due to pre-existing health issues we suggest Nexgard for flea and tick AND Heartgard for heartworm prevention.
If you dog has a history of demodex mange it is recommended they take Nexgard monthly for the rest of their life. In this case the trio is not an option as you do not want to overdose.
It does not hurt to give your dog prevention monthly all year round however we know that for some financially that is not an option. We encourage to start prevention in April and end in Sept/Oct (depends on when you get your first freeze.
Heartworm (HW) is not contagious. Dogs get heartworm by being bit from an infected mosquito. Dogs can be started on prevention as early as 5 months of age without a HW test. A heartworm test would be required at the age of one year and every year forward. If you dog however is on prevention 12 month a year then HW testing is required every other year.
Dogs can die from untreated heartworm disease. At the end of the day the cost for prevention is priceless compared to the cost of treatment, recovery, and the damage done to your dog's heart.
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