If you’re concerned about heartworm resistance lately, you’re not alone. We are, too! We’re watching the research closely, because we want you to understand what it means for your pet. You may have read our first article on the battle on heartworms. Again, we want to assure you that prevention still works when it’s used correctly. The challenge is making sure every pet stays fully protected, every month, without gaps.
Putting Up the Fight. What Resistance Means for Your Pet
Drug‑resistant heartworms aren’t a different species, and they’re not “stronger” in a dramatic way. The concern is that some heartworms can survive lower or inconsistent doses of certain preventives. When that happens, the surviving heartworms can spread to other pets through mosquitoes.
Time After Time: Why Dose and Timing Matter More Than Ever
One of the biggest drivers of resistance is subtherapeutic dosing. That can happen when a product doesn’t deliver a high enough concentration of medication, or when doses are missed or delayed. Moxidectin is one of the few preventives shown to reach the concentration needed to protect against both standard and resistant strains. Products like ProHeart® 6 and Simparica Trio® use moxidectin at levels proven to be effective, which is why at Town N Country, we recommend them for long‑term protection.
Be a Good Neighbor. Monthly Compliance Protects More Than One Pet
Heartworm prevention isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a community effort. When pets stay consistently protected, mosquitoes have fewer chances to pick up and spread resistant strains. This is why consistent, effective prevention matters for your pets, but also the pets next door and across the community.
A few simple habits make a big difference:
• Give preventives on time, every month.
• Set reminders.
• Use refill scheduling options.
• Let us know right away if you miss a dose.
• Keep up with annual heartworm testing, even for indoor pets
Reminder: Cats Need Protection Too
Some people think that cats don’t get heartworms, but they are at risk as well. Even a single heartworm can cause serious illness in cats, and there is no safe treatment once they’re infected. Prevention is the only line of defense.
Your Pet is Different. Choosing the Right Prevention Plan
Every pet’s lifestyle is different. Outdoor adventures, travel, boarding, and even the mosquito population around your home can influence which product is the best fit. We’re here to help you sort through the options and choose a plan that gives your pet the strongest protection possible.
If you have questions about resistant heartworms or want to review your pet’s prevention plan, we’re always happy to talk through it. Keeping your pet protected is a team effort, and we’re happy that you’ve chosen Town N Country to be part of that team!
