which veterinarians offer heartworm injections for dogs?

"A veterinary clinic with a veterinarian administering a heartworm injection to a dog. The dog is lying calmly on an examination table, with a heartworm chart on the wall. The clinic is clean and well-lit, with medical equipment in the background."

Heartworm injections, specifically for treating dogs diagnosed with heartworm disease, are typically administered as part of a multi-step treatment protocol. These injections contain a medication called melarsomine, which is used to kill adult heartworms in infected dogs. Not all veterinarians may offer this service, as it requires specific expertise, equipment, and handling of the medication.

Here’s a breakdown of where and how to find veterinarians that offer heartworm injections:

1. Veterinary Clinics with Heartworm Treatment Protocols

  • General Veterinarians: Many general veterinarians can administer heartworm treatment, including melarsomine injections, though not all might be equipped or experienced in managing the complex care that heartworm treatment entails.
  • Specialty Practices: Veterinarians with a specialty in internal medicine or parasitology may offer more comprehensive treatment for heartworm disease.

2. Animal Hospitals & Veterinary Centers

  • Emergency and 24/7 Animal Hospitals: Larger animal hospitals, especially those with emergency services, are more likely to have experience with heartworm treatment.
  • Board-Certified Internal Medicine Specialists: These specialists have advanced training in the treatment of complex conditions like heartworm disease.

3. Veterinary Practices in Your Area

  • Search by Location: You can start by searching for veterinary practices in your area that specifically advertise heartworm treatment services. Many clinics will mention heartworm treatment on their websites.
  • Contact Your Vet: If your regular vet doesn’t offer heartworm injections, ask if they can refer you to a local clinic or specialist that does.

4. Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations

  • Some shelters and rescues, particularly those with a large intake of heartworm-positive dogs, may offer heartworm treatment services at discounted rates. They often work with experienced veterinarians who are familiar with the injections.

5. Online Veterinary Directories

  • Websites like American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Vetstreet, or Pets Best allow you to search for local veterinarians. You can filter for heartworm treatment services or call ahead to confirm.

6. State or Local Veterinary Associations

  • Some state veterinary associations or local humane societies can provide lists of trusted veterinarians experienced in heartworm treatment.
"A close-up of a veterinarian administering a heartworm injection to a calm dog lying on an examination table. The focus is on the injection site on the dog's lower back. Medical equipment is visible in the background, and a heartworm prevention poster is hanging on the wall. The scene conveys a professional and caring clinic atmosphere."

Where Can I Get Heartworm Injections for My Dog?

Knowing which veterinarians give heartworm injections for dogs is crucial for protecting your dog from heartworm disease. Dog heartworm prevention and treatment are essential components of your canine’s healthcare; these injections are an important part of that care. This complete guide will give you everything there is to know about administering the heartworm injection procedure, where to get the right veterinarian, and answer general questions pet owners ask.

What Is Heartworm Disease and Why Is Heartworm Injection Relevant?

Heartworm disease is a serious illness caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected dogs. If untreated, these worms can grow as long as 14 inches and can cause significant damage to your dog’s heart and lungs. The disease is transmitted through bites from Aedes mosquitoes and is a serious illness that can be deadly if not managed appropriately.

Heartworm injections are used in the treatment of active heartworm infection. There are currently no oral medications approved to treat heartworms in dogs—only an injectable drug called melarsomine, which is administered directly into your dog’s muscles. It involves a series of injections given in a precise dosage and order to kill adult heartworms.

In contrast to preventive medications—used to avoid heartworm infection—the injections are given when a dog already has an active infection. This treatment process is critical to help restore your dog back to their overall health. But to treat the infection with these injections, it takes careful planning and follow-up treatment to ensure that the worms are completely eradicated without further damaging your dog.

How Do Heartworm Injections Function?

Generally, heartworm disease treatment includes a two-part series of injections. The initial injection kills some of the adult heartworms, and the second injection kills off the rest of the worms. The injections are usually given in the lower back muscles (lumbar region) of dogs. After each injection, your dog needs to take it easy to limit complications because dead worms can lead to blockages in the lungs or other vital organs.

The injections can take a toll on your dog’s body, particularly if they are older or have had the disease for a long time. Your veterinarian may also recommend strict cage rest or limited activity during treatment so the body can cope with the rapid death of the worms.

Where Can I Find Heartworm Injections for Dogs?

Here are some of the best ways to find a veterinarian that provides heartworm injections:

Veterinary Clinics

Many normal vet clinics will give heartworm injections (but not all of them). Be sure to check with your local clinic to see if:

  1. They have the knowledge and the melarsomine injection to provide this treatment.
  2. Some smaller clinics might not treat heartworms, instead referring you to a specialist.

Specialized Veterinary Centers

Larger veterinary hospitals or animal centers, especially those that focus on either internal medicine, cardiology, or infectious disease, are more likely to have the ability to manage heartworm cases and will administer the injections. Since complicated cases of heartworm infection require the most current equipment and expertise, hospitals are often the best option.

Specialist Clinics

If your dog suffers from heartworm at an extreme level, you may need to get in touch with a veterinary cardiologist or an internal medicine specialist. These veterinarians are trained to treat complicated cases of heartworm disease, and they can provide the latest treatments.

Veterinary Referral Networks

Your primary vet may not offer heartworm-injection services, in some cases. In that case, they’ll send you to a network of trusted specialists or advanced veterinary clinics.

which veterinarians offer heartworm injections for dogs

What are the Risks of Heartworm Injections?

The heartworm shots have some risks associated with their use, sometimes the risks can be higher in older dogs or dogs with a more severe heartworm infection. Here are some of the potential risks:

  • Potential Side Effects of the Drug: Some dogs react mildly or moderately to the melarsomine injection, with swelling or soreness at the injection site.
  • Rest: Dogs must be on strict rest after the injections to avoid complications. Excess exercise or excitement can cause serious and possibly deadly complications.
  • Dead Worms Complications: When heartworms die, they can cause blockages in your dog’s lungs or heart. This is why post-treatment monitoring is so important.

Table 1: Comparison of Heartworm Injection Providers

Veterinary Clinic Type

Services Provided

Recommended For

Pros

Cons

Local Veterinary Clinics

Routine care, heartworm testing, and vaccinations

Standard heartworm cases

Affordable, convenient, accessible

Lack of experience on hard cases

Veterinary Hospitals

Following treatment care, total heartworm treatment

Severe heartworm infections, long-term to prevent heartworm in cats

Specialists on-site, advanced equipment

Increased price, reduced wait times

Specialty Animal Clinics

Concentrated heartworm care, cardiology or internal attention

Complicated or advanced heartworm infections

Expert, custom care

Expensive, requires referral

Veterinary Referral Networks

Access to specialists and higher level of care

When local clinic has little experience

Specialized care, multiple options

Stretched out over time, longer journeys

"A veterinarian clinic focusing on heartworm treatment, showing a veterinarian giving a heartworm injection to a dog. The dog is lying on an examination table with the injection being administered to the lower back. Heartworm treatment charts and medical equipment are visible in the bright and clean background, highlighting the professionalism of the environment."

More to Consider When Treating Heartworm

  • Age Considerations: Heartworm therapy is generally safe in adult dogs, but puppies and senior dogs have an increased risk. Your vet is your best resource for age-specific concerns.
  • Age: Older dogs may need a modified treatment regimen. Be sure to talk to your vet about your dog’s overall health before starting heartworm injections.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure: Although the heartworm injection is critical for treating heartworm infection, prevention is always better than cure. Discuss preventive treatments, such as monthly heartworm pills or topical treatments, with your vet—these are very effective at stopping the disease before it starts.

Frequently Asked Question Section: Heartworm Injections for Dogs

What Do Heartworm Injections for Dogs Cost?

Heartworm injections costs can also differ based on where you live, your vet’s clinic, and your dog’s situation. In general, the total treatment process will set you back anywhere from $500 to $1,000 on average.

Are heartworm injections dangerous for my dog?

Heartworm injections are usually safe, but they do come with risks, especially in older dogs or dogs with severe infections. Before starting any treatment, always discuss possible side effects with your veterinarian.

How long does heartworm injection treatment take?

The heartworm treatment process is generally a 30-day procedure. This includes the administration of two injections a few days apart, followed by a recovery period.

How do I know if my dog needs heartworm treatment?

If a blood test shows your dog has a heartworm infection, the pooch needs heartworm injections to kill the parasites. If your dog has active heartworm disease, your vet will walk you through the treatment process.

Does the injection prevent heartworm?

No, heartworm injections are used to treat existing infections. Monthly heartworm prevention is recommended.

Are there natural treatments for heartworm disease?

Currently, there are no natural treatments that have been shown to be effective at curing heartworm disease. Prevention through oral medications, or a monthly topical option, are still the best courses of action to keep your dog heartworm-free.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Dog from Heartworm Disease

The first step in protecting your pet’s health is knowing which veterinarians can provide heartworm injections for dogs. Keep in mind that heartworm disease can be very serious, but with proper care and treatment, your dog can fully recover! Be sure to seek advice from a trusted vet, and follow up with post-care treatment for the best outcome possible.

For more heartworm prevention information or help finding a vet for heartworm shots, go to our site at PetCareHeave.com.