Dogs- Preventions
Based on AAHA-AVMA, CAPC, and CDC guidelines, all dogs should be on effective year-round prevention for heartworm, GI parasites, fleas, and ticks, considering risk of exposure.
Heartworm preventatives are all FDA-approved prescription products, and all are excellent at the prevention of heartworm but have variable efficacy for different GI parasites. For example, Heartgard Plus is only effective at killing adult roundworms and hookworms, while Sentinel Spectrum is effective at killing juvenile and adult roundworms and hookworms, as well as whipworms and tapeworms. Some heartworm preventatives also protect against fleas and ticks.
Generally for our dog patients, we typically recommend Sentinel Spectrum (monthly) and Bravecto (1-month or 12-weeks). These provide excellent coverage for heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, tapeworm, as well as fleas, ticks, and mites.