Dog & Cat Parasite Prevention Reference (Heartworm, Flea, Tick)
A quick reference for parasite prevention products and intestinal deworming schedules for dogs and cats.
Heartworm prevention
| Product | Coverage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Ivermectin (Heartgard) | Heartworm | Monthly oral |
| Milbemycin (Sentinel, Interceptor) | Heartworm + intestinal | Monthly oral |
| Selamectin (Revolution) | Heartworm + flea + ear mites | Monthly topical |
| Moxidectin (Advantage Multi, ProHeart 6/12) | Heartworm + flea + intestinal | Monthly topical or 6/12 mo injection |
Flea & tick
| Product | Coverage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Fluralaner (Bravecto) | Fleas + ticks | Every 12 weeks oral or topical |
| Afoxolaner (NexGard) | Fleas + ticks | Monthly oral |
| Sarolaner (Simparica Trio) | Fleas + ticks + HW + intestinal | Monthly oral |
| Lotilaner (Credelio) | Fleas + ticks | Monthly oral |
Intestinal parasites
| Schedule | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Puppies (high risk) | Every 2 weeks from 2 to 12 weeks; then monthly until 6 months |
| Adults | Quarterly minimum (CAPC recommendation); monthly if outdoor or hunts |
| Pyrantel pamoate | Round/hookworm; safe in pregnancy |
| Fenbendazole | Round/hook/whip/Giardia (3 days) |
| Praziquantel | Tapeworms (single dose) |
CAPC and ESCCAP both recommend year-round broad-spectrum parasite prevention for most pets. Heartworm test annually before re-starting prevention if any lapse > 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
Do indoor cats need parasite prevention?
Yes - even indoor cats are exposed to mosquitoes (heartworm), fleas brought in on shoes or other pets, and ingested intestinal parasites. CAPC recommends year-round broad-spectrum prevention for all cats regardless of lifestyle.
How often should I deworm an adult dog?
CAPC recommends a minimum of quarterly broad-spectrum deworming for adult dogs, monthly if the patient hunts, eats raw, lives with young children, or is otherwise high-risk. Many monthly flea/heartworm products include intestinal parasite coverage.
What if my pet missed a heartworm dose?
Resume the prevention immediately and re-test for heartworm 6 months later (heartworm has a 6-month pre-patent period). If more than one dose was missed in a known endemic area, antigen + microfilaria test is prudent.