Let’s talk about prevention vs. treatment when it comes to heartworm and tick-borne diseases.
Monthly preventatives are one option—but they’re not the only thing to consider. A helpful question is:
What would I be comfortable with if my pet did get sick?
Lyme disease is typically treated with about a month of antibiotics. Many pets recover well, but it’s still something we’d rather avoid if possible.
Other tick-borne diseases, like anaplasma and ehrlichia, are also commonly seen in our area. These infections are often treated with a course of antibiotics—most commonly doxycycline—over several weeks. Many pets respond well when treated early, but symptoms can vary from mild (like lethargy or joint pain) to more serious issues involving the immune system or blood cells. In some cases, pets may require additional monitoring or supportive care, especially if the infection has been present for a while.
Heartworm disease is a different story. Unlike intestinal parasites, heartworms don’t live in the gut. They grow and reside in the blood vessels of the heart and lungs, which is why infection can affect circulation and breathing and requires a much more involved treatment process.
Treatment is long and involved—it can take several months and includes multiple injections, medications, and very strict activity restriction to keep pets safe while the worms are being eliminated.
When it comes to prevention, there are a few options we commonly recommend. For heartworm prevention, medications like Iverhart (ivermectin) or Heartgard (a brand-name version of ivermectin) are widely used and effective. For flea and tick prevention, NexGard, which contains the active ingredient afoxolaner, is a popular choice that helps protect against the parasites responsible for transmitting many of these diseases.
We also understand that some pet owners feel hesitant about giving monthly preventatives. Common concerns include worries about potential side effects, wanting to avoid “unnecessary” medications, or preferring a more natural approach to their pet’s care. These are valid feelings, and it’s important to have open conversations about them.
Our goal isn’t to take a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather to help you weigh the risks and benefits. Prevention means giving medication regularly to avoid a potential disease, while treatment means addressing an illness after it occurs—often with more intensive medications and stricter protocols.
In Wisconsin, we often take a seasonal approach to prevention. We typically recommend starting preventatives in March and continuing through November, when mosquitoes and ticks are most active. A good rule of thumb is to continue prevention until you’ve seen the last mosquito or tick of the season—and then give one more month of prevention after that. During the coldest winter months, many pets can take a break, depending on their lifestyle and risk factors.
Neither path is completely “easy,” which is why we focus on helping you find the right balance for your pet, your lifestyle, and your comfort level.
At Holistic Veterinary Options, we’re here to guide you through those decisions with a thoughtful, individualized approach.