Heartworm medications work by preventing the development of heartworms in dogs. These medications typically contain ingredients that target the larval stage of the heartworm, known as Dirofilaria immitis. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it can transmit heartworm larvae into the bloodstream of the new host. Heartworm preventive medications are given monthly and work by killing these larvae before they can mature into adult heartworms, which can cause serious health issues in dogs.

For example, common heartworm preventives include ivermectin, milbemycin oxime, and selamectin. These medications are safe when given at the recommended doses and are crucial for maintaining your dog's health, especially in areas where heartworm disease is prevalent. It's important to consult your veterinarian for the best preventive option for your dog and to ensure regular testing for heartworm disease, as early detection is key to effective treatment if an infection does occur.

Remember, prevention is always better than treatment, so make sure to keep your dog on a heartworm preventive year-round, even in colder months, as some regions have mosquitoes year-round.

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Topics covered in this question:

Dog Health Preventive Care Veterinary Advice Medications Heartworm