Heartworm preventative refers to medications or treatments that are used to prevent heartworm disease in pets, particularly dogs and cats. Heartworm is a serious condition caused by parasitic worms called Dirofilaria immitis that live in the blood vessels of the lungs and can cause severe health problems for animals.
Heartworm preventative medications work by killing or repelling the larvae of the heartworm before they have a chance to mature into adult worms, thus preventing an infestation from occurring in the first place. These treatments are typically administered monthly through the use of chewable tablets, topical applications, or injections.
By using heartworm preventative medications regularly, pet owners can protect their animals from this potentially life-threatening condition and help ensure a healthy, happy life for their pets.