As we step into 2024, ensuring the health and well-being of our furry companions remains a top priority for pet owners. One of the most critical aspects of canine health is the prevention of heartworm disease, a potentially fatal condition transmitted by mosquitoes. With a plethora of options available, selecting the best heartworm preventative can be a daunting task. At BuySmart.ai, we’ve meticulously analyzed the latest products to bring you the most effective and reliable heartworm preventatives for 2024.
Our evaluation criteria focus on five key factors: efficacy, parasite coverage, administration, scalability, and safety. Efficacy is paramount; we prioritize FDA-approved products with a proven track record of preventing heartworm disease. Additionally, comprehensive parasite coverage is essential, as many products also protect against other common pests like fleas and ticks. Ease of administration ensures that pet owners can consistently provide protection without hassle, while scalability allows for precise dosing tailored to dogs of various sizes. Lastly, safety is non-negotiable; we recommend products with a low LD50, indicating a high level of safety for your beloved pet. Read on to discover our top picks and make an informed decision to keep your dog healthy and heartworm-free.
Heartgard Plus Chewables: Best Comprehensive Worm Protection for Dogs
Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs 1-25 lbs, 6 Month Supply -- $51.09(Petco.com)
Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs 51-100 lbs Brown, 1 Month Supply -- $14.19(Chewy.com)
Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs 01-25 lbs 1 dose -- $6.93(petvm.com)
Why We Picked It
Heartgard Plus Chewables are widely trusted by veterinarians for their dual-action formula that not only prevents heartworm but also treats and controls roundworms and hookworms. This makes it a comprehensive monthly solution for your dog's parasitic health needs. The chewable form is highly palatable, making it easy to administer.
Who It's For
Heartgard Plus Chewables are best suited for dog owners who want a reliable, vet-recommended solution for preventing heartworm and treating other common intestinal worms. However, it may not be suitable for dogs with known allergies to the active ingredients, and it requires a prescription.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Prevents heartworm and treats roundworms and hookworms | ❌ Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to the active ingredients |
| ✅ Highly palatable chewable form | ❌ Requires a prescription |
| ✅ Widely trusted by veterinarians | ❌ Can be relatively expensive depending on the size and supply |
Interceptor Plus: Best Comprehensive Worm Protection for Dogs
Interceptor Plus Chewable Tablets for Dogs 50.1-100 lbs Blue - 3, 6, or ... -- $36.59(PetSmart)
Interceptor Plus Unipack, 50-100 Lbs For Dogs -- $12.78(PetMeds)
Interceptor Plus for Dogs 50-100 lbs 6 doses -- $58.85(petvm.com)
Why We Picked It
Interceptor Plus is a top choice for comprehensive parasite protection in dogs. It covers a broad spectrum of worms, including heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. The convenience of a monthly, flavored chewable makes it easy to administer, ensuring your dog stays protected year-round.
Who It's For
Interceptor Plus is best suited for dog owners looking for an all-in-one solution to protect their pets from multiple types of worms. However, it may not be suitable for dogs with a history of seizures, and it requires a prescription from a veterinarian.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Covers a broad spectrum of worms | ❌ Not suitable for dogs with a history of seizures |
| ✅ Convenient monthly, flavored chewable | ❌ Requires a prescription |
| ✅ Available in multiple pack sizes (3, 6, or 12 months) | ❌ May be more expensive compared to single-worm treatments |
Sentinel Spectrum: Best All-in-One Parasite Protection for Dogs
Sentinel Spectrum Chews for Dogs 50.1-100 lbs (6 Chews) -- $75.49(petvm.com)
Sentinel Spectrum for Dogs 50.1-100 lbs (1 Chews) -- $12.92(EntirelyPets Pharmacy)
Sentinel Spectrum 25.1-50 lbs, 6 Month Supply -- $64.49(VetRxDirect a Pet Pharmacy)
Why We Picked It
Sentinel Spectrum is a comprehensive monthly chewable treatment for dogs that not only prevents heartworms but also controls fleas and various gastrointestinal worms. Its unique formulation includes an ingredient that prevents flea eggs from hatching, making it a highly effective all-in-one solution for pet owners looking to protect their dogs from multiple parasites.
Who It's For
This product is best suited for dog owners who are looking for a convenient, all-in-one monthly treatment to protect their pets from heartworms, fleas, and gastrointestinal worms. However, it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget or who prefer non-prescription options.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Comprehensive protection against heartworms, fleas, and gastrointestinal worms | ❌ Higher price point |
| ✅ Convenient monthly chewable format | ❌ Requires a prescription |
| ✅ Prevents flea eggs from hatching | ❌ May not be suitable for dogs with certain health conditions |
Revolution (Selamectin): Best Comprehensive Parasite Protection
Revolution for Dogs, 40.1-85 lbs (6 Doses) -- $21.72(petvm.com)
Revolution for Cats -- $34.16(EntirelyPets Pharmacy)
Why We Picked It
Revolution (Selamectin) is a highly effective topical medication that provides comprehensive protection against a variety of parasites, including heartworms, fleas, ticks, and ear mites. Its broad-spectrum efficacy makes it a top choice for pet owners looking to safeguard their pets' health with a single, easy-to-apply solution. Despite requiring a prescription, its proven effectiveness and convenience make it a standout product in the market.
Who It's For
Revolution is best suited for pet owners who prefer a topical solution over chewable medications and are looking for a comprehensive parasite protection for their dogs or cats. It is ideal for pets that are comfortable with topical applications. However, it may not be the best fit for pets that are difficult to handle during application or for owners who prefer the convenience of oral medications.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Broad-spectrum protection against heartworms, fleas, ticks, and ear mites | ❌ Requires a prescription |
| ✅ Easy-to-apply topical solution | ❌ Not a chewable, which might be less preferable for some pets |
| ✅ Available for both dogs and cats | ❌ Application can be challenging for some pets |
Simparica Trio: Best All-in-One Parasite Protection for Dogs
Simparica Trio Chewable Tablets 44.1-88 lbs 6 doses -- $158.2(petvm.com)
Simparica Trio 6pk 11-22 Lbs Chew For Dogs -- $174.98(PetMeds)
Simparica Trio 44.1-88 lbs. Dogs, 6 Month Supply -- $195.48(Chewy.com)
Why We Picked It
Simparica Trio is a comprehensive monthly chewable tablet that offers protection against a wide range of parasites including heartworms, ticks, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms. Its fast-acting formula ensures quick relief and prevention, making it a convenient and effective choice for pet owners looking to safeguard their dogs' health.
Who It's For
Simparica Trio is best suited for dog owners who want an all-in-one solution for parasite prevention. It's ideal for those who prefer the convenience of a monthly chewable tablet and are looking for a product that covers multiple types of parasites. However, it may not be the best choice for those who are concerned about the long-term effects of newer products or who prefer non-prescription options.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Comprehensive protection against heartworms, ticks, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms | ❌ Newer product with less known long-term effects |
| ✅ Fast-acting formula for quick relief and prevention | ❌ Requires a prescription |
| ✅ Convenient monthly chewable tablet | ❌ Higher price point compared to some other options |
Trifexis: Best All-in-One Parasite Protection for Dogs
Trifexis Chewable Tablets for Dogs 60.1-120 lbs Brown, Size: 1 Count -- $24.81(PetSmart)
Trifexis Chewable Tablets for Dogs 5-10 lbs Pink, Size: 1 Count | PetSmart -- $21.53(Allivet Pet Pharmacy)
Trifexis 40.1-60 lbs for Dogs, 6 Chewable Tablets -- $146.41(Chewy.com)
Why We Picked It
Trifexis is a highly effective solution for pet owners looking to combine flea control with heartworm and intestinal worm prevention in a single, convenient monthly chewable tablet. It starts killing fleas within 30 minutes, providing quick relief for your dog. This dual-action formula makes it a top choice for comprehensive parasite protection.
Who It's For
Trifexis is best suited for dog owners who want an all-in-one solution for flea, heartworm, and intestinal worm prevention. However, it may not be ideal for dogs with a history of vomiting after medication, and it requires a prescription from a veterinarian.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Combines flea control with heartworm and intestinal worm prevention | ❌ Some dogs may experience vomiting after administration |
| ✅ Starts killing fleas within 30 minutes | ❌ Requires a prescription |
| ✅ Convenient monthly chewable tablet | ❌ Can be pricey, especially for larger dogs |
Iverhart Max: Best Comprehensive Parasite Prevention for Dogs
Iverhart Max Soft Chews 25.1-50 lbs Single Month(s) -- $8.5(EntirelyPets Pharmacy)
Iverhart Max for Dogs by Virbac, 50.1-100 lbs 6 ct -- $59.55(Valley Vet Supply)
Iverhart Max Soft Chews, Size: 6 Count | PetSmart -- $59.55(PetSmart)
Why We Picked It
Iverhart Max is a comprehensive monthly chewable treatment designed to prevent heartworm disease and manage common intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Its broad-spectrum efficacy makes it a reliable choice for pet owners looking to safeguard their dogs' health with a single, easy-to-administer product.
Who It's For
Iverhart Max is best suited for dog owners who need a multi-faceted parasite prevention solution. It is ideal for those who prefer a monthly treatment regimen and are comfortable obtaining a prescription from their veterinarian. However, it may not be the best choice for dogs that are particularly picky eaters, as it may not be as palatable as some other options.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Prevents heartworm disease | ❌ Requires a prescription |
| ✅ Treats and controls tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms | ❌ May not be as palatable as other options |
| ✅ Convenient monthly chewable format | ❌ Price can vary depending on the dog's weight and the number of doses |
Milbeguard: Best Affordable Parasite Prevention
MilbeGuard Flavored Tablets for Dogs and Cats, 6 Month Supply 51-100 lbs... -- $36.99(PetSmart)
MilbeGuard Monthly Flavored Parasite Prevention Tablets for Small Dogs (... -- $30.19(Petco.com)
MilbeGuard Flavored Tablets for Dogs 11-25 lbs & Cats 1.5-6 lbs - Blue (... -- $4.99(EntirelyPets Pharmacy)
Why We Picked It
Milbeguard is a highly effective monthly, flavored tablet designed to prevent heartworm disease and treat and control hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Its comprehensive parasite protection and affordability make it a strong contender in the pet health market, despite being a less well-known brand. The product's efficacy and cost-effectiveness earn it a spot among the top choices for pet owners looking for reliable parasite prevention.
Who It's For
Milbeguard is best suited for pet owners who are looking for an affordable and effective solution to protect their dogs and cats from a range of parasites. It is ideal for those who don't mind using a less well-known brand and are willing to obtain a prescription from their veterinarian. However, it may not be the best choice for pet owners who prefer more established brands or those who have difficulty obtaining prescriptions.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Comprehensive protection against heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms | ❌ Less well-known brand may concern some pet owners |
| ✅ Affordable pricing compared to other brands | ❌ Requires a prescription |
| ✅ Flavored tablets make administration easier | ❌ Availability may vary depending on location |
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or need further recommendations, feel free to reach out. Your pet's health is our priority!