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Pet Medication Home -> Heartworm in Dogs
Heartgard Plus is The #1
Choice Of Veterinarians For Heartworm Disease Prevention! Heartgard
Plus also Treats and Controls Roundworms and Hookworms.
Two major mechanisms result in the signs
of Heartworm disease seen in dogs. The first is due to the damage
the worms cause to the arteries in the lungs (called the Pulmonary
arteries). The second is the mechanical obstruction of blood flow
that results from the inflammation and the number of worms present.
Inflammation of the arteries also occurs, and then you may notice
outward signs of the illness by your dog. This signs include coughing,
intolerance to exercise, nosebleeds, shortness of breath and even
a type of pneumonia.
Death can also occur as the arteries become congested
with the heartworms, their larvae, and the dead or dying worms.
The dead or dying worms also emits protein into your dog that is
more than their body can handle. This can cause problems in other
parts of their body besides their heart.
Many dogs can live for years even with heartworms
but it is always best to prevent the disease than to try to get
rid of the worms after they have started. Many times the medications
to rid your dog of the worms can cause death from the dying and
dead worms that are trapped in the arteries. Talk with your veterinarian
about the best ways to prevent heartworm disease from beginning
and you will sleep better knowing that your dog has the protection
he needs.
With a simple veterinary visit,
pet owners can obtain a heartworm treatment like Heartgard Plus
(ivermectin/pyrantel), the number one veterinarian-recommended heartworm
preventive. This simple monthly treatment protects against heartworm,
as well as controls intestinal parasites, like roundworms and hookworms.
Additionally, HEARTGARD Plus is the only heartworm treatment in
a real-beef Chewable that dogs and cats love to take and owners
prefer to give.
What the vet says
Heartgard
Plus is an extremely effective drug for the prevention of
parasites. Heartworms are present in most parts of the United
States and in many parts of North America. |
Heartgard Plus Is The #1 Choice Of Veterinarians
For Heartworm Treatment! Only Heartgard Plus Comes In A Real-beef
Chewable That Dogs and Cats Love. Heartgard Plus Also Treats And
Controls Roundworms And Hookworms. It Is Approved For Use In Puppies
As Young As 6 Weeks, Small Dogs Regardless Of Weight, Pregnant Or
Breeding Bitches, Stud Dogs, And Collies. Heartgard Plus Is 100%
Effective Against Heartworms, And Treats And Controls Other Dangerous
Parasites. 6 Oral Monthly Doses.
Heartgard Plus FAQ
Generic Name
Ivermectin (eye-ver-mek’-tin) Plus
Brand Name(s)
Heartgard Plus (Merial), Iverhart Plus (Virbac)
What is this medication used for
Heartgard Plus is an anthelminthic (dewormer) used for the prevention
of heartworm disease in dogs. When combined with pyrantel pamoate
it is also used for treating roundworm and hookworm in dogs.
How Heartgard Plus should be used
Heartgard Plus is given once a month year round for the prevention
of heartworm disease. The usual dose of Heartgard Plus in dogs up
to 25 pounds is 68mcg/57mg, for 26-50 pounds is 136mcg/114mg and
for 51-100 pounds is 272mcg/227mg. Dogs over 100 pounds are given
a combination of tablets. The chewable tablets should be chewed.
They are not meant to be swallowed whole. For dogs that normally
swallow treats whole, the tablet can be broken into pieces. As an
alternate to year round dosing, this medication can be given during
the mosquito season and for one month after the season ends.
What are the side effects of Heartgard Plus
The side effects of Heartgard Plus are rare at the recommended heartworm
prevention dose. Higher doses in dogs may cause tremors, dilated
pupils, and loss of body weight or death. Side effects in cats include
agitation, loss of appetite, staggering, dilated pupils, tremors,
blindness and disorientation.
What special precautions are there
Heartgard Plus should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use
with caution in Collies. Heartworm testing should be performed prior
to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off Heartgard
Plus for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6
months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will result
in a positive test result. Because humans can contract roundworm,
hookworm and tapeworm from animals, it is important to maintain
good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on
the pet and in the household and to not feed the pet rodents or
uncooked meat or fish. To prevent reinfection, daily cleanup of
stools is recommended.
In the event of an overdose
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms
of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, and incoordination in
dogs.
How should I store this medication
Keep this medication in the original box. Do not remove the tablet
from the wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Store this medicine
at room temperature. Keep this medication out of the reach of children
and pets.
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