Heartworm Prevention with Zoetis
As dog owners, it is our responsibility to protect our furry companions from various parasites, including heartworms. The world of veterinary medicine has been continuously evolving, introducing us to numerous preventive solutions against this dreaded disease. One such notable contributor to this progress is Zoetis, a leading global animal health company. In this article, we will explore the spectrum of Zoetis’ heartworm prevention offerings, which are pioneering a path towards a healthier future for our pets.
The Evolution of Heartworm Prevention
For decades, heartworm prevention involved monthly oral medications. However, adherence to this regime proved challenging for some dog owners. To overcome this problem, Zoetis introduced ProHeart 6 in 2001, a bi-annual injectable solution providing dogs with a 6-month heartworm preventive shield. This marked a pivotal shift in heartworm prevention, moving from monthly treatments to extended-release injections.
ProHeart 12 – Revolutionizing Heartworm Prevention
Fast forward to 2019, Zoetis broke new ground with ProHeart 12, an injectable heartworm preventive solution that provides an entire year of protection for dogs 12 months of age and older. ProHeart 12 contains moxidectin, which is released slowly over 12 months, ensuring consistent protection against heartworms. This once-a-year treatment eliminates the need for monthly reminders, potentially improving compliance rates and ensuring better health outcomes for pets.
Other Zoetis Offerings: Multi-Protection Options
Zoetis has also developed other innovative products that offer comprehensive protection. One such product is Simparica Trio, a monthly chewable tablet that not only guards against heartworms but also protects dogs from ticks, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms. Zoetis’s Revolution Plus, another multi-parasite preventive solution for cats, also provides a broad-spectrum protection, addressing a significant gap in feline parasite prevention.
Zoetis’s Contribution to Heartworm Research
Beyond product development, Zoetis has also shown its commitment to advancing heartworm research. In 2018, the company awarded $200,000 in research grants to scientists focusing on different aspects of heartworm disease, furthering our understanding of this critical health threat to our pets.
Conclusion
The advent of extended-release injectables like ProHeart 12 has undoubtedly simplified heartworm prevention, making it easier for dog owners to ensure the health of their pets. Simultaneously, products like Simparica Trio and Revolution Plus provide comprehensive parasite protection, highlighting Zoetis’ mission to empower veterinarians and pet owners alike. As we continue to see advancements in this field, one thing is for sure: Zoetis will remain at the forefront, championing the cause of heartworm prevention and overall pet health.
FAQs
Q1: What makes ProHeart 12 unique in the realm of heartworm prevention?
ProHeart 12 stands out due to its injectable format and extended duration of effectiveness. It provides 12-month continuous protection against heartworm disease in a single dose. This eliminates the need for monthly administrations, reducing the chances of missed doses and enhancing compliance. The active ingredient, moxidectin, is released slowly into the dog’s system over the year, offering steady and consistent protection.
Q2: How does Zoetis’ Simparica Trio serve as a comprehensive parasite preventative?
Simparica Trio is a monthly oral preventive solution that shields dogs from a wide array of parasites. It includes three active ingredients: sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel. These elements work together to protect dogs from heartworm disease, ticks and fleas, and intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms. By targeting multiple parasites simultaneously, Simparica Trio provides comprehensive protection in a single, convenient chewable tablet.
Q3: How is Zoetis contributing to the field of heartworm research?
Zoetis is deeply committed to advancing scientific understanding of heartworm disease. They have invested in research grants, supporting teams of scientists working on diverse aspects of heartworm disease. This not only aids in creating more effective preventives but also improves diagnostic methods and treatment protocols. Zoetis’ contributions extend beyond product development, showcasing their dedication to enhancing overall pet health.
Q4: What is Zoetis’ Revolution Plus, and how does it contribute to feline parasite prevention?
Revolution Plus is a topical solution developed by Zoetis that offers six-in-one parasite protection for cats. It combines two active ingredients, selamectin and sarolaner, to safeguard cats against fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms. Despite being applied externally, it offers internal parasite protection, demonstrating its broad-spectrum efficacy. It addresses a critical need in feline healthcare, as comprehensive, easy-to-administer parasite preventive solutions for cats are not as common.
Q5: Why is adherence to heartworm prevention crucial, and how does Zoetis help improve it?
Adherence to heartworm prevention is crucial because heartworm disease can be fatal to pets, and treatment for an established infection can be challenging and expensive. Consistent prevention is the most effective way to protect pets. Zoetis improves adherence through their extended-release products like ProHeart 12, which requires just one annual dose. Their oral preventives like Simparica Trio are also palatable and easy to administer, enhancing the likelihood of regular use.
Q6: What is the role of moxidectin in ProHeart 12, and how does it work?
Moxidectin is the active ingredient in ProHeart 12 and serves as a potent anti-parasitic agent. When administered, it’s released gradually into the dog’s bloodstream over 12 months. It targets the larvae of the heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, which are transmitted to the animal via a mosquito bite. By killing these larvae, moxidectin prevents the establishment and progression of heartworm disease.
Q7: Are there any side effects associated with Zoetis’ heartworm prevention products?
As with any medication, side effects can occur but are usually rare. Some dogs might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including decreased appetite or diarrhea, after receiving ProHeart 12 or Simparica Trio. In rare cases, injection site reactions with ProHeart 12 or neurological signs with Simparica Trio may occur. Always consult with your veterinarian to discuss potential risks and benefits before starting any new medication.
Q8: How does Zoetis ensure the safety and efficacy of its heartworm prevention products?
Zoetis ensures the safety and efficacy of its products through rigorous testing and studies as per regulatory standards. These investigations evaluate the products’ performance in preventing heartworm disease, their safety in dogs of varying ages, breeds, and health statuses, and any potential side effects. Only after comprehensive evaluation and approval from regulatory authorities are these products released to the market.
Q9: What is the significance of a yearly injectable like ProHeart 12 in veterinary practice?
The introduction of a yearly injectable heartworm preventive like ProHeart 12 is significant as it has the potential to improve compliance drastically. It eliminates the need for monthly administrations, thereby reducing the risk of missed doses. For veterinary practices, it simplifies the logistics of reminder systems and provides a platform for a comprehensive annual health check, fostering an environment for better overall pet healthcare.
Q10: Are Zoetis’ heartworm prevention products suitable for all dogs and cats?
Zoetis’ heartworm prevention products are designed to be safe and effective for most pets. However, individual health status, age, and breed of the pet could influence the suitability of a product. For instance, ProHeart 12 is approved for dogs 12 months of age and older. Simparica Trio is for dogs aged 8 weeks and older, weighing at least 2.8 lbs. Always consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate product for your pet’s specific needs.
Q11: Can ProHeart 12 and Simparica Trio be used in pregnant or lactating dogs?
Zoetis recommends consulting a veterinarian before using ProHeart 12 or Simparica Trio in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. While these medications have been tested and found to be safe in most dogs, specific scenarios like these may require additional consideration and veterinary guidance.
Q12: How does Zoetis contribute to client education about heartworm disease prevention?
Zoetis aids in client education by providing comprehensive product information, educational materials, and client handouts. These resources highlight the importance of heartworm prevention, explain the risks of heartworm disease, and guide pet owners on how to use their products correctly. Zoetis believes that informed clients are more likely to adhere to heartworm prevention strategies, enhancing overall pet health outcomes.
Q13: How can a pet owner switch from another heartworm preventative to a Zoetis product?
Transitioning to a Zoetis heartworm preventative should be done under the guidance of a veterinarian. Usually, the new preventive can be started when the next dose of the old preventive is due. However, your vet may recommend a heartworm test before the switch, especially if there has been any lapse in protection.
Q14: Do Zoetis heartworm preventatives also protect against other parasites?
Yes, many Zoetis heartworm preventatives also offer protection against other common parasites. For instance, Simparica Trio prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls ticks and fleas, roundworms, and hookworms. Similarly, Revolution Plus for cats not only prevents heartworm disease but also protects against fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms.
Q15: What should a pet owner do if a dose of a Zoetis heartworm preventative is missed?
If a dose is missed, it’s recommended to administer the heartworm preventative as soon as possible and then continue on the regular schedule. However, if several doses have been missed, a veterinarian should be contacted. They may recommend a heartworm test before restarting the preventive, as the pet could have been exposed to heartworms in the absence of protection.
