By: Caitlin Spillers, DVM
Heartworm disease is a very common and serious illness seen in veterinary medicine and can be fatal if not appropriately treated. If you would like to learn more, please see the following article on canine heartworm disease. Fortunately, there are many safe and reliable heartworm preventatives that can protect your pets from this disease.
ProHeart™ is an injectable heartworm preventative that can be used safely in dogs and is highly recommended by all of our Metro Paws doctors! The injection can last for 6 (ProHeart 6™) or 12 (ProHeart 12™) months, depending on the chosen dose. Since the dose of this injection is based off of weight, dogs must be at least 6 months of age to receive their first injection. At this age, their growth greatly slows and ProHeart 6™ successfully protects them for 6 months, accounting for a slower rate of continued growth. Dogs 1 year of age and older are eligible for ProHeart 12™, protecting them from heartworm disease for a full 12 months.
ProHeart™ contains the ingredient moxidectin (a heartworm preventative drug), which is carried by microspheres that are absorbed by your pet’s fat tissue. ProHeart™ achieves long-lasting protection by slowly releasing these microspheres, allowing for constant protection for your dog from heartworm disease.
ProHeart™ has many benefits including the convenience of a “no hassle” source of prevention that can be administered by your veterinarian at your dogs’ annual exam, as well as eliminating the risk of forgetting monthly doses. What may seem like a short delay in administering a monthly heartworm preventative can actually have catastrophic effects down the road.
ProHeart™ has a similar safety profile as other heartworm preventative options. While extremely rare, the most common side effects include allergic symptoms such as swelling, itchiness, or hives. If your dog experiences these symptoms after a ProHeart™ injection, please seek medical care immediately.
ProHeart™ is a safe and effective heartworm preventative for many dogs! Unfortunately, ProHeart™ is not labeled for use in cats (please ask your veterinarian about heartworm preventative options for cats). At your next visit, ask your veterinarian if ProHeart™ is a great choice to provide long term heartworm prevention to your dog!