Introducing ProHeart 12
Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital, Covington, Louisiana
October 2025
ProHeart 12 is a year-long heartworm prevention option for dogs.
ProHeart 12 (moxidectin) is an FDA-approved injectable medication for dogs 12 months of age and older that prevents heartworm disease for a full year. Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes, is a serious and potentially fatal illness where worms grow in a dog's heart and lungs. ProHeart 12 works by slowly releasing moxidectin, an antiparasitic drug, over the course of 12 months, and also treats existing larval and adult hookworm infections at the time of injection.
Key features and considerations
Convenience: The single annual injection eliminates the need for monthly dosing, which can improve compliance with heartworm prevention, according to PetMD.
Heartworm Protection: ProHeart 12 is 100% effective in preventing the development of heartworm disease for 12 months.
Hookworm Treatment: It is effective against both larval and adult stages of common hookworms, such as Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala.
Safety: While ProHeart 12 is considered safe for most dogs 12 months or older, it should not be administered to dogs that are sick, debilitated, underweight, have a history of weight loss, or have a known hypersensitivity to the drug.
Potential Side Effects: Possible side effects, though rare, include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, anorexia, and hypersensitivity reactions. Severe reactions, like facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or collapse, require immediate veterinary attention.
Pre-administration Testing: Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections before starting ProHeart 12, as the preventive does not kill adult heartworms and can cause serious adverse reactions in infected dogs. If a dog tests positive, the heartworm infection should be treated with an adulticide before administering ProHeart 12.
Limitations: ProHeart 12 does not protect against fleas or ticks, so a separate preventative for these parasites, such as Nexgard or Bravecto, is necessary.
Contact Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital at 985-888-1566 to get your pets ProHeart 12 shot today!