Q: What heartworm preventative should I use for my dog?

A: Heartworm preventative comes in all shapes and forms. The best product for your dog may be different for someone else's. If your dog will eat anything, you are in luck. There are multiple chewable products on the market. Some of them are for fleas, as well as heartworms. If they are picky eaters you may decide on a topical choice.

If you give your dog a heartworm pill and he spits it out behind your couch, and you find a pile of them six months later, your dog is unprotected. The topical products are safe and easy to use. If you have a dog with an undercoat, such as a German shepherd or a husky, the topical choice may not be as effective if you do not apply it directly to the skin. Most of the products available are given once a month.

For the forgetful owner, there is a shot that is every six months. You should have your dog tested annually to make sure they have been protected. Talk to your veterinarian to decide what product is best suitable for you and your dog.

There are different benefits available with different products. Heartworms are contracted from a mosquito and can be deadly. The adults live in the heart of your dog and cause damage to the heart muscle and valves. A mosquito bites the dog and ingests a microfilaria or baby heartworm out of the bloodstream. The heartworm goes through the larvae stage in the mosquito before it can be passed to another dog through a bite. There are usually no signs of your dog being heartworm positive until the heart has been damaged enough to cause problems. Preventing the heartworms is the safest and healthiest for your pet.

Dr. John Beck has a veterinary practice at Hillcrest Animal Hospital in Victoria.