Do Worming Tablets Cover Heartworm?

Understanding Worming Tablets

What Are Worming Tablets?

Worming tablets are commonly used medications designed to eliminate internal parasites in pets, especially dogs and cats. These meds typically target intestinal worms, helping to keep your pet healthy, active, and free of worm-related diseases. Order Dog & Cat Worming Tablets!

Common Intestinal Parasites They Treat

Roundworms

These are the most common worms found in dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens. They can cause bloating, diarrhea, and poor coat condition.

Tapeworms

Often transmitted through fleas, tapeworms can be spotted in your pet’s stool or around their rear end. They look like small, white rice grains.

Hookworms

Tiny and dangerous, hookworms feed on blood from your pet’s intestines. They can lead to anemia and serious health issues.

Whipworms

These nasty little parasites settle in the large intestine and cause inflammation, weight loss, and diarrhea.

What is Heartworm?

Heartworm Explained

Heartworm is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, which lives in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets. Unlike intestinal worms, heartworm doesn’t stay in the digestive tract—it’s much more dangerous.

How Heartworm Is Transmitted

Heartworm is spread through mosquito bites. A mosquito bites an infected animal, picks up microfilariae (immature worms), and then transfers them to another animal through another bite.

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Pets

Persistent cough

Fatigue after moderate activity

Decreased appetite

Weight loss

Swollen belly (due to fluid accumulation)

Why Heartworm Is So Dangerous

Heartworm can lead to heart failure, lung disease, and even death if left untreated. Unlike intestinal worms, the treatment for heartworm is costly, painful, and high-risk.

Do Standard Worming Tablets Treat Heartworm?

The Critical Difference Between Heartworm and Intestinal Worms

Here’s the truth: standard dewormers do NOT treat heartworm. They target worms in the intestines—not those in the bloodstream or organs like the heart and lungs.

Medications That Do and Do Not Work for Heartworm

Most over-the-counter worming tablets you pick up for regular deworming (like for tapeworms or roundworms) do not cover heartworm. Even if a tablet says “broad spectrum,” check the label or ask your vet to be sure.

Why Heartworm Requires Special Prevention

Heartworm needs medications that can kill larvae (microfilariae) before they mature. These include ivermectin, milbemycin oxime, moxidectin, or selamectin—all specific heartworm preventives.

Common Heartworm Preventatives

Monthly Chewable Tablets

Examples: Heartgard Plus, Interceptor

Easy to give and often flavored for dogs.

Also protect against some intestinal worms.

Spot-On Treatments

Examples: Revolution, Advantage Multi

Applied to the skin, often monthly.

Good for pets who hate pills.

Injectable Options

ProHeart 6 or 12: Given by vets, protects for 6–12 months.

Great for forgetful pet parents.

Popular Brands for Heartworm Protection

Heartgard Plus

Revolution

Advantage Multi

Simparica Trio (covers fleas, ticks, AND heartworm)

Combined Dewormers That Include Heartworm Prevention

Broad-Spectrum Worming Solutions

Some products combine both intestinal worm and heartworm protection in one convenient tablet or chew.

Examples of Multi-Parasite Protection

Simparica Trio – Fleas, ticks, heartworm, and some intestinal worms

Interceptor Plus – Heartworm, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms

Revolution Plus (for cats) – Fleas, ticks, ear mites, heartworm, and intestinal worms

When and How Often Should You Give Heartworm Medication?

Monthly Schedules

Heartworm preventives must be given every 30 days without fail. One missed dose can allow larvae to mature.

Seasonal Considerations

While mosquitoes are more common in warm weather, vets recommend year-round prevention to stay safe.

FAQs About Worming and Heartworm Medication

Can You Use Both at Once?

Yes! In fact, many heartworm preventives also tackle some intestinal worms. But in cases where they don’t, separate meds are fine.

Is There an All-in-One Pill?

Yes, products like Simparica Trio and Interceptor Plus offer all-in-one protection.

Are Natural Remedies Effective?

There’s no scientific proof that natural remedies prevent or treat heartworm. Stick with vet-approved medication.

Conclusion

To wrap it up—most worming tablets do not cover heartworm. That’s a common and dangerous misconception. If you’re only giving your dog or cat a standard dewormer, you might be leaving them vulnerable to a life-threatening parasite. Always read the label, talk to your vet, and ensure your pet is fully protected with a heartworm-specific preventive. Prevention is not just an option—it’s a responsibility.