With so many heartworm prevention products available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one for your pet. Should you go with a chewable heartworm medication? A topical solution? Maybe an injection? At Greenbrier Animal Clinic, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best prevention is the one that works effectively for your pet’s lifestyle, age, and health. In this guide for National Heartworm Awareness Month, let’s break down the options for cats and dogs and how to choose the perfect fit.

Why Heartworm Prevention Matters So Much

Heartworm disease is dangerous and expensive to treat, but it’s almost entirely preventable. Preventative medications work by eliminating heartworm larvae before they grow into adult worms that damage the heart and lungs. Consistent heartworm prevention:

• Saves you from the emotional and financial stress of heartworm treatment
• Supports overall health
• Keeps your pet safe from other parasites (many preventatives cover more than just heartworms!)

Heartworm prevention matters for dogs because they are considered a natural host for heartworms, and so are most likely to become infected. Cats need prevention because if they contract heartworm disease, there is currently no treatment available for felines to cure this disease.

Heartworm Medication Options: What’s Available?

Oral Heartworm Chewables (Monthly)

A favorite for many pets, these tasty chews make prevention feel like a treat. Some products combine heartworm protection with defense against fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. Oral heartworm prevention is ideal for pets who enjoy treats and are easy to medicate. Make sure to watch that your pet fully chews and swallows the tablet.

Topical Heartworm Treatments (Monthly)

Applied directly to your pet’s skin, these spot-on treatments soak in for heartworm protection. Many also offer flea, tick, and mite control. This can be a good option for pets who dislike oral medications. Be sure to prevent your pet from licking the application site until it dries.

Heartworm Injections (6 or 12 Months)

Injectable heartworm prevention is administered by veterinarians for dogs only. These injections can last six or twelve months at a time. Heartworm injections are an option to consider for busy pet owners who forget monthly medications or dogs who resist other methods.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Parasite Prevention

The right parasite prevention depends on several factors unique to your pet.

• Age and Weight: Puppies and kittens need age-appropriate products
• Health History: Pets with certain health concerns may need specific formulations
• Personality: Some pets may not sit still for a topical application or love eating anything, even a heartworm tablet.
• Ease of Use: Some owners prefer fewer doses, while others like the flexibility of monthly meds.

Your veterinarian will help you weigh all these factors and choose the safest, most effective option.

Heartworm Tests and Prevention: A Complete Strategy

No matter which heartworm prevention method you choose, pair it with annual heartworm testing. Why? Even with prevention, missed doses can happen. Some pets may reject or throw up the medications without notice. Testing catches early heartworm disease infections before they cause serious harm. Routine heartworm tests verify that your pet remains protected and their prevention plan is working as intended.

Choose Heartworm Prevention that Works with Greenbrier Animal Clinic

The “best” heartworm prevention is the one you can give reliably and correctly. Whether you choose monthly chews, topical treatments, or an annual injection, staying consistent is what truly keeps your pet safe. At Greenbrier Animal Clinic, we help pet owners in the Anniston, AL area make the right choice to keep their pets protected, season after season. Need help selecting the right heartworm prevention? Live in Anniston or nearby neighborhoods like Oxford and Jacksonville? Book an appointment for expert guidance on keeping your cat or dog safe from heartworm disease.