Puppy Medication Schedule 2025: Worm, Flea & Heartworm Guide 🐶
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Puppy Medication Schedule 2025: Worm, Flea & Heartworm Guide 🐶
By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc
When raising a healthy puppy, parasite control and preventive care are crucial. Below is a breakdown of commonly used medications and how they are typically administered, based on age. Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance for dosage and timing.
1. Milpro / Milbemax
Purpose: Controls intestinal worms, heartworm, and other parasites.
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8 weeks to 4 months: Give every 2 weeks.
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4 months to 6 months: Give once per month.
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6 months onwards: Give every 3 months.
💡 Tip: Even if your puppy is on another wormer, Milpro/Milbemax provides comprehensive coverage against a wide range of intestinal parasites and should not be skipped without vet approval.
2. NexGard Spectra
Purpose: Monthly chewable that protects against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms.
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Administration: Once every month, year-round.
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Benefit: Easy to give as it is a tasty chew.
💡 Tip: Consistency is important. Giving NexGard Spectra late can leave your puppy unprotected.
3. Bravecto
Purpose: Flea and tick prevention.
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Administration: Once every 12 weeks (every 3 months).
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Note: Bravecto does not prevent heartworm, so additional protection is needed if using this instead of NexGard Spectra.
4. ProHeart SR12 Injection
Purpose: Heartworm prevention (long-acting injection).
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Administration: Once every 12 months, typically alongside annual vaccinations.
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When to use: If you choose Bravecto for flea/tick prevention instead of NexGard Spectra, ProHeart SR12 covers heartworm since Bravecto does not.
Key Points to Remember
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Vet supervision is essential: All medications should be started according to your vet’s recommendation and based on your puppy’s age, weight, and health condition.
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Regular check-ups: Puppies grow quickly, and their dosage requirements may change. Vet visits allow monitoring of growth, reactions to medications, and adjustments if necessary.
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Consistency matters: Missing doses can leave your puppy vulnerable to parasites. Always follow the recommended schedule.
✅ By following this schedule, you can provide comprehensive parasite prevention and support your puppy’s healthy growth.
