Many dog parents are cognisant of the threat of heartworm disease and expend a form of heartworm prevention like Heartgard Plus to protect their dogs . It might be fourth dimension to have a talk with to your veterinarian if you ’re not already protecting your dog from common disease - causing parasite . The American Heartworm Society commend heartworm prevention for all dogs in the United States all year longPlus , the Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends broad - spectrum parasite ascendancy to prevent heartworms , intestinal parasites , fleas , andticksfor all hotdog in North America .
Heartgard Plus protects dog from heartworms , nematode worm , and hookworms and is one of the most popular product on the market . It does not protect against fleas and ticks , but there are additional products that can be given with Heartgard to extend full - spectrum protection .
What Is Heartgard for Dogs?
Heartgard andHeartgard Plusare monthly chewable heartworm prevention medications manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim ( BI ) . Each mastication is made frombeefand can be hold as a treat — most bounder really have intercourse the taste .
Heartgard curb ivermectin , a macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic drug good at killing heartworm larvae . Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin as well as pyrantel , an anthelmintic ( worm - down ) drug in the tetrahydropyrimidine class that killsroundwormsandhookworms . Most vets recommend Heartgard Plus over veritable Heartgard due to its extra parasite dominance . In addition , Heartgard Plus is more readily uncommitted and less expensive than unconstipated Heartgard .
Is Heartgard Safe for All Dogs?
Heartgard and Heartgard Plus are considered safe for most dog , including pregnant and breeding dog , but there are some exception . Ivermectin is not recommend for use in puppies under 6 weeks of age , so Heartgard should be start at this age and not earlier .
Some collie - type dog breeds and mixes have a gene mutation that makes them sensitive to ivermectin . ordinarily affect dog breeds includecollies , shelties , border collie , andAustralian shepherds . Heartgard and Heartgard Plus should be used with caution in these breed — it ’s recommended that collie - type dogs be observed for at least eight hours after Heartgard administration . Sensitive domestic dog are more potential to experience adverse reactions like depressive disorder , ataxia , tremors , drooling , coma , and even death . Some veterinarian will recommend using a unlike eccentric of heartworm bar for these dogs . However , there is aspecific testfor the mutant gene ABCB1 - 1Δ ( formerly called MDR1 ) .
What Are Potential Heartgard Side Effects in Dogs?
Most dogs on Heartgard and Heartgard Plus experience no side gist . In clinical trial run , inauspicious effect were rarefied . Vomiting or diarrhea were the most frequently report side effects and typically occurred within 24 hr of dosing . The following inauspicious reactions have been report following the use of Heartgard and Heartgard Plus :
Contact your vet if your wienerwurst experience these or any other undesired effects from Heartgard or Heartgard Plus .
Heartgard Dosage
Heartgard and Heartgard Plus should be given orally once per month at the commend lower limit acid of 6 micrograms of ivermectin per kilo and 5 milligram of pyrantel per kg of eubstance mass . For convenient dosing , Heartgard and Heartgard Plus are each available in three sizes based on weight range :
Dogs over 100 pound sign will get a brownish dose plus another back breaker equivalent to their weight over 100 pounds . So for example , a 115 - British pound dog would get a brown and a dingy dose , while a 140 - pound dog would get a brown and a green VD each calendar month .
Most dog like the discernment of Heartgard and will eat it as a treat . For picky dogs , the chew can be broken into pieces and mixed with food , but it ’s of import to verify the dog eat the entire dose . You may wish tohide the pillin a tasty treat orPill Pocket . If you overlook a monthly dose of Heartgard , give the next acid forthwith and resume a monthly schedule . reach your veterinarian if your dog misses two or more monthly loony toons — your dog might need a heartworm test in about six months ( it takes this foresighted for heartworm larvae to ripen enough to show up on a run ) .
Photo: Bogdan Sonjachnyj / Shutterstock
Heartgard vs. Other Heartworm Medications
Introduced in 1987 , Heartgard was the first monthly heartworm interference available for andiron . Dogs antecedently want daily pill to preventheartworm disease , so Heartgard really was a game - auto-changer . Similar heartworm prevention products have been introduced since then , but the name - recognition and longevity of Heartgard have made it one of the most democratic heartworm incumbrance on the market .
When it come fourth dimension to prefer the right heartworm prevention for your wiener , you ’ll obtain that there are many dissimilar sword and generics uncommitted . Some products only protect against heartworm disease and intestinalparasites , while others control additional constituent to foreclose flea and ticks . The following are just a few alternative products available to preclude heartworm disease and other parasites :
Dogs on Heartgard Plus will postulate additional treatment to keep fleas and ticks away . The following products are often paired with Heartgard :
Phew , that ’s a mountain of entropy ! It can be bad to decide on the right intersection , so talk to your vet about the skilful selection for your dog and your budget .
How Much Does Heartgard Cost?
The cost of Heartgard Plus generally ranges from $ 5–$8 per dose depending on the pad size , number of United States Department of State , and source of purchase . It comes in a large number of six or 12 , but most veterinarians sell individual STD for growing puppy . Heartgard Plus can be purchased directly from your vet , from your veterinary surgeon ’s on-line apothecary’s shop , or through an international on-line pharmacy with a valid prescription . Regular Heartgard ( ivermectin but no pyrantel ) is typically slightly more expensive despite contain only one drug .
Heartgard Plus cost less per dose when purchase in a 12 - pack ( compare to the six - pack or item-by-item doses ) . Although the price may be even humble via online chemist’s , BI may only guarantee the intersection if it was buy straight though your vet ( in the clinic or via their on-line chemist’s shop ) . Thesatisfaction guaranteemeans that BI will cover some or all veterinarian expense should your dog develop heartworm disease , hookworms , or nematode . However , your detent must have a history of electronegative heartworm and fecal run results . This is why it ’s effective to follow your vet ’s good word for annual physical examination and tests .
Do I Need a Vet Prescription for Heartgard?
Yes , Heartgard Plus is only uncommitted with a valid prescription from a veterinarian . It may be purchased straight through your veterinary surgeon ’s business office or an online pharmaceutics with a valid prescription .
Heartgard Drug Interactions and Warnings
In clinical trials , Heartgard Plus was considered safe when used along with several commonflea collars , shampoos and dip , anthelmintics ( antiparasitic drugs),antibiotics , steroid , andvaccines .
Some drug interaction have either been reported or are potentially harmful to dogs , including concurrent use of benzodiazepines and ketamine . Be trusted to tell your veterinary about all other medications and supplements that you give to your frump .
Prevention , Diagnosis , and Management of Heartworm(Dirofilaria immitis ) Infection in Dogs . American Heartworm Society .
Parasite Testing and Protection . Companion Animal Parasite Council .
