Heritage Animal Hospital | ProHeart 12: One Injection, Year-Round Heartworm Protection

ProHeart 12: One Injection, Year-Round Heartworm Protection – Is It Right for Your Dog?

March 13, 2025

Golden adult dog purebred labrador lying on the floor in the living room at home against the background of the sofa.

Hey fellow dog lovers! We all know how important it is to protect our furry friends from heartworm disease, but keeping up with monthly heartworm shots can be a real challenge. That’s where ProHeart 12 comes in—a single injection that offers a whole year of protection! But is it the right choice for your dog? Let’s dive in.

What is ProHeart 12 and How Does it Work?

Imagine saying goodbye to those monthly pills or topical treatments! ProHeart 12 is an injectable heartworm preventative administered by your vet. It contains moxidectin, a powerful ingredient that’s slowly released into your dog’s system over 12 months. This continuous release means consistent protection against heartworm disease, caused by those nasty parasites transmitted by mosquitoes.

The Perks: Why Pet Owners Love ProHeart 12

Convenience is King: Let’s face it: life gets busy. Remembering monthly medications can slip our minds. ProHeart 12 eliminates that stress with just one annual injection.
Improved Compliance: Consistent protection means healthier dogs! You no longer have to worry about missed doses, ensuring your pup is always shielded from heartworms.
Hookworm Help: Bonus! The ProHeart 12 heartworm shot for dogs also treats existing hookworm infections at the time of injection.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your dog is protected for a full year is a huge relief.

Note: Proheart 12 does not protect against fleas and ticks, so a monthly preventative for these parasites is still appropriate, but a missed dose of heartworm preventative can be fatal. Proheart 12 eliminates this risk.

The Safety Stuff: What You Need to Know

Like any medication, ProHeart 12 has important safety considerations:

Vet Visits are a Must: The ProHeart 12 heartworm shot must be administered by a veterinarian. This ensures proper dosage and allows your vet to assess your dog’s overall health.
Heartworm Testing: Annual testing is still a must. Like monthly preventatives, this is a preventative medication. If your pet has heartworms, they need to be treated.
Potential Side Effects: While generally safe, some dogs may experience mild side effects like vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea. Serious reactions are rare, but it’s always good to be aware.
Not for Every Pup: ProHeart 12 is generally for healthy dogs 12 months and older. Your vet will determine if it’s suitable for your dog, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.

Questions to Ask Your Vet:

Is ProHeart 12 right for my dog’s breed, age, and health?
What are the potential risks and benefits for my specific dog?
What are the common side effects, and what should I watch for?
How does this interact with any other medications or vaccinations my dog is receiving? (Proheart 12 has been tested with hundreds of medications with no side effects—but let’s discuss.)
What is the best plan for heartworm testing moving forward?

Our Takeaway:

ProHeart 12 offers a fantastic option for pet owners seeking convenient, year-round heartworm protection. However, it’s crucial to have an open conversation with your veterinarian. We can help you weigh the pros and cons and decide if ProHeart 12 is the best choice for your beloved companion. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

More information from the manufacturer: