New Pet Parasite Prevention Options

Parasites in pets are serious business. Some parasites, such as heartworms, can be deadly. Others, like fleas, are mostly just frustrating. Luckily, in modern veterinary medicine we have several options for pet parasite prevention, which will effectively prevent most parasite infections in our pets.

While there are many options for pet parasite preventatives, we have been somewhat limited in the way these had to be administered. Recently, two new parasite preventative options have come onto the market. These are changing the face of veterinary parasite prevention.

NexGard

Until earlier this year, if you wanted to protect your dog from fleas AND ticks, you needed to use a topical application of a product such as Frontline Plus. While these products are usually effective when used correctly, they can be a problem for pets with sensitive skin or those who bathe or swim frequently.

NexGard is a newer flea and tick preventative in a chewable form – the first on the market. Its main ingredient, afoxolaner, is an effective option for many dogs.

Advantages of NexGard include:

• Tasty beef-flavored chew (Yum!)
• Convenient once-a-month dosing
• Kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours
• Proven to be safe, even when given with other medications
• Can be given to puppies as early as 8 weeks of age

NexGard is also a good option for dogs that are at light risk for tick exposure. Because the tick has to bite before it dies with NexGard, there are more fast-acting options for those pets that are frequently exposed to ticks. For those that just need protection against the occasional tick, though, NexGard is an excellent option. This is especially true if you don’t like to see that greasy spot on your pet’s neck.

ProHeart 6

Heartworm disease is a serious problem for pets. This deadly parasite is just what it sounds like, a worm that lives in the heart. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, and it is very important for pets in this area of the country to be on a preventative medication to reduce the risk of contracting heartworms.

In the past, pet owners have had the option of administering a monthly oral medication such as HeartGard or applying a topical preventative such as Revolution. We now have a third option for dog owners. ProHeart6 is an injectable heartworm preventative that offers the following benefits:

• Six months of continuous heartworm protection
• Decreases the possibility of lapses in protection
• A good option for pets who are difficult to medicate
• Also treats hookworm infections
• Proven safe and effective, including for pregnant/nursing pets

It is extremely important to protect your pet from parasites. With all of the options out there it can be difficult to know what product might be best.

If you are interested in starting your pet on these new parasite preventatives, or if you have any other questions, please give us a call so we can help you to decide which anti-parasite products are best for your pets.