Are you trying to find the best heartworm medication for your Ba-Shar?
It’s easier said than done because it isn’t just different brands you need to consider. You also need to consider the TWO different types of treatments:
- Topical: a solution applied to the back of your dog’s neck. It’s absorbed through their skin to repel heartworms.
- Oral: a chewy “treat” given to your dog to eat. Once the pill is in the dog’s bloodstream, it prevents heartworm infestations.
Below, I’ve tried to find the best options for each type of medicine to give you as many options as possible. However, please pay special attention to the recommended weight for each medication since your Ba-Shar may weigh more or less than average!
First, here’s some information on heartworm disease:
- Heartworms are a parasite that is spread from infected dogs to others by mosquito bites. The parasite looks like a long, white thread and lives in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of an infected dog.
- If left untreated, heartworm infections can cause lung disease, heart failure, and other complications.
- The best treatment is prevention! It’s much easier to prevent a heartworm infection than to treat an existing one.
7 Best Heartworm Medicines for Ba-Shars:
#1. Simparica Trio
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In addition to protecting your Ba-Shar against heartworms, this medicine also treats and repels fleas and ticks!
That said, you might be shocked by the price of Simparica Trio, but keep in mind it does the job of two medications in one. In addition, the tablet has a tasty liver flavoring that most dogs like. Depending on your dog’s preference, it can be given on its own or combined with food.
Although Simparica Trio is a safe and effective treatment for most dogs, some owners have reported side effects like lethargy or stomach issues. Therefore, you should consult with your veterinarian before starting any heartworm preventative.
How it works:
- Sarolaner kills fleas & ticks.
- Moxidectin prevents heartworm disease.
- Pyrantel kills roundworms and hookworms.
Positives:
- A convenient tablet that treats worms, fleas, and ticks with one monthly dose.
- Most dogs like the liver-flavored tablet and take it easy.
Negatives:
- Cost – Simparica Trio is the most expensive heartworm medication because it also treats fleas and ticks.
- Occasional side effects include stomach upset and lethargy.
#2. Advantage Multi
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Advantage Multi is the perfect heartworm medicine for Ba-Shars that can’t take pills. This convenient topical solution is applied to the back of your dog’s neck, and each dose lasts a month.
The solution has a strong odor but dissipates within a few hours of application. If your dog has problems swallowing or dislikes taking medication, try Advantage Multi for heartworm protection!
How it works:
- Moxidectin prevents heartworm disease.
- Imidacloprid kills fleas & intestinal worms.
- Please note: You should wait at least 90 minutes after a bath or swimming to apply Advantage Multi because it can be less effective on wet dogs.
Positives:
- The topical solution is perfect for dogs that can’t take pills or tablets.
- It comes in convenient single-dose vials, so you know exactly how much to give.
Negatives:
- The strong odor can be overwhelming for some dogs and their owners.
- Oral medications may be better if you have other pets or your dog can lick the application area.
#3. Heartgard Plus
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Heartgard Plus is one of the most trusted heartworm meds for Ba-Shars. It’s prescribed by vets more often than any other heartworm medicine! This beef flavored chewable is easy for most dogs to take, and they seem to like it, too! In fact, my dog Bennie thinks this medicine is a special treat. 🙂
This treatment is time-proven and a favorite of pet owners, but it is one of the more expensive options. However, if your dog turns her nose up at other heartworm meds, this may be your best option!
How it works:
- Ivermectin controls & prevents heartworm disease.
- Pyrantel kills roundworms and hookworms.
Positives:
- The most popular heartworm medication because most dogs love the taste!
- It’s been around forever, has very low rates of side effects, and is veterinarian recommended.
Negatives:
- Cost – Heartgard is one of the more expensive options available.
#4. Sentinel Spectrum
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If you want a good heartworm medicine for Ba-Shars, but want a lower cost than the previous options, consider Sentinel Spectrum. It’s as effective as other treatments, but the cost per dose is lower.
Sentinel Spectrum also advertises that it controls the growth of flea eggs, which is an added benefit. However, you should still give your dog additional flea and tick medication to prevent adult infestations.
How it works:
- Milbemycin oxime prevents heartworm disease and kills intestinal parasites.
- Lufenuron kills & prevents flea infestations.
Positives:
- Sentinel Spectrum is a reasonably priced alternative to more costly meds.
- It also inhibits the growth of flea eggs.
Negatives:
- You will still need additional medication to protect your dog from ticks and adult fleas.
- Some dogs don’t like the taste or find this medication hard to chew.
#5. Interceptor Plus
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Interceptor Plus is another lower-cost alternative to the more popular heartworm medicines for Ba-Shars.
This chewable medication tends to be good for dogs with stomach issues with other heartworm treatments. Pet owners report lower instances of vomiting and diarrhea than with other medications.
If your dog has vomiting or diarrhea with other heartworm meds, Interceptor Plus is a good one to try. In addition to preventing heartworm disease, it kills adult hookworm, tapeworm, roundworm, and whipworm infections.
How it works:
- Milbemycin oxime prevents heartworm disease and kills intestinal parasites.
- Praziquantel treats parasites.
Positives:
- Lower-dose chewable is good for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- It kills adult worms and prevents heartworm disease.
Negatives:
- Some dogs don’t like the taste of this chewable.
#6. Iverhart Plus
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Consider Iverhart Plus if you’d like a reliable, proven heartworm medicine for Ba-Shars at a lower price. This reasonably priced chewable medication has the same ingredients as more expensive meds like Heartgard.
Iverhart Plus, like other heartworm medications, treats and controls hookworm infections and prevents heartworm disease. The chewable tablets are pork flavored, but the chalky texture can be hard for some dogs to swallow.
How it works:
- Ivermectin controls & prevents heartworm disease.
- Pyrantel kills roundworms and hookworms.
Positives:
- Low-cost alternative to Heartgard with the same ingredients.
Negatives:
- The large, chalky tablet can be hard for some dogs to take.
#7. Tri-heart Plus
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Tri-heart Plus is a great heartworm medicine for Ba-Shars that reject other chewable treatments. Most pet owners say their dogs eat this medicine just like a treat!
In addition, Tri-heart Plus is one of the least expensive options available. So, if you have multiple dogs or prefer a cheaper option, this is great!
How it works:
- Ivermectin controls & prevents heartworm disease.
- Pyrantel kills roundworms and hookworms.
Positives:
- Most dogs like this chewable tablet, even those that reject other meds.
- Price – Tri-heart Plus is the most cost-effective medication on our list.
Negatives:
- Some dogs experience an upset stomach when they first start this medicine.
Some additional info you need to know about heartworm disease and medication:
- It’s important to find the safest heartworm medicine for your Ba-Shar. So, you should always speak to your veterinarian before starting any medication, especially for heartworms.
- These preventive treatments are ONLY effective when given regularly. If you miss a dose or give it late, your dog is at higher risk of developing heartworm disease.
- There are injectable options that can be given in certain situations. If you think this would be better for your dog, talk to your vet!
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What kind of heartworm medicine do you use for your Ba-Shar?
Let us know in the comments below!