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Pet Medication Home -> Roundworm and Hookworm Disease
Heartgard Plus is The #1
Choice Of Veterinarians For Heartworm Disease Prevention! Heartgard
Plus also Treats and Controls Roundworms and Hookworms.
SPRING INTO ACTION: PROTECT YOURSELVES
AND YOUR PETS THIS SEASON
Family and friends risk contracting
potentially dangerous roundworm and hookworm diseases from untreated
dogs or cats
February 18
Duluth, GA. — Many pet owners view the arrival of spring and
summer as an opportunity to spend more time outside with their dogs
and cats, but rarely do they take into consideration the increased
presence of warm-weather nuisances, such as hookworms and roundworms,
which can be potentially dangerous to both pets and family members.
A recent survey found that nearly half of dog owners, 42 percent,
do not know that hookworms and roundworms can transmit harmful diseases
to family and friends.
Hookworm and Roundworm Disease Transmission
Untreated dogs and cats can contract roundworm and hookworm infections
by playing in public spaces, such as sand boxes or dog runs, and
from being around other animals' waste. Pets of any age, especially
young ones, are most vulnerable to these common worm infections
and can unknowingly be a source of infection for humans.
According to a nationwide study of dog shelters published by Auburn
University and supported by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, nearly 36 percent of dogs nationwide and 52 percent
of dogs from the southeast states are infected with worms that can
potentially cause human diseases.
People, particularly small children, may be infected through contact
with contaminated feces, soil, sand, plant life or other objects.
Because small children's play habits bring them into closer contact
with objects that may be contaminated by pets, and because their
immune systems are not fully developed, they are more susceptible
to infection than adults. Children are most vulnerable in areas
where they play alongside pets, such as sandboxes and playgrounds.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an
estimated 10,000 cases of toxocariasis (animal to human infection
caused by roundworms) occur every year in the United States.
Dogs infected with roundworms and hookworms can suffer from abdominal
discomfort, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe weight loss or even
sudden death. However, in most instances, dogs may be infected without
showing signs of illness.
Children infected by roundworms can suffer from a condition called
ocular larva migrans, which may result in permanent visual or neurological
damage. Hookworms generally migrate through the skin tissue, causing
inflammation in the affected areas and leaving an extremely itchy,
winding red "trail." One species of hookworm has been
known to penetrate into deeper tissues and cause more serious damage
to the intestine and other organs. Although the conditions are treatable,
prevention is a better strategy.
Dangers of Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is another common worm disease that is transmitted
by infected mosquitoes and can be potentially fatal to dogs and
cats. Heartworms migrate through the tissue and inhabit the hearts
and lungs of infected dogs and cats, causing serious health problems
that may eventually lead to heart failure and death.
Hookworm and Roundworm Disease Prevention
Following are a few simple steps pet owners should take before
heading outside with their dogs and cats this spring and summer:
- Visit the veterinarian to learn about the potential dangers
posed by heartworms, roundworms and hookworms.
- Ask the veterinarian for products like Heartgard® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel)
that provide dogs with a comprehensive treatment against roundworm
and hookworm infections and also protect against heartworm disease.
About HEARTGARD Plus
HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), when used as directed,
is 100 percent effective against heartworm disease in dogs and also
treats and controls gastrointestinal parasites, which may be transmitted
to people. HEARTGARD Plus is the number-one choice among veterinarians
and is approved for all breeds, even pregnant or breeding dogs,
and puppies 6 weeks of age or older. For protection against heartworms
and treatment and control of other internal parasites, HEARTGARD
Plus should be administered orally at monthly intervals.
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 Disease Prevention! Only Heartgard Plus Comes In A
Real-beef Chewable That Dogs 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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