What are the pros and cons of oral versus topical heartworm medication?

What's the difference between the oral and topical heartworm medications? The oral treatments come as pills or tasty chewable tablets to give your dog once a month. They are highly effective and some also protect against other parasitic worms.

But if fussy Lucy won't take pills, there are topical treatments. You apply a drop or so to her skin between the shoulder blades once a month. These also control fleas and some control ticks too. They are easy to apply, but if part of the dose gets stuck on her fur or gets washed away, Lucy might not be protected. Or another pet might lick off the medication, which is not good for either of them.

Many veterinarians are prescribing heartworm meds for cats too - designed especially for felines.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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