Heartgard Plus for Dogs
Generic Name
Ivermectin
Indications/Uses
Heartgard plus for dogs is a monthly heartworm medication. In dogs, the medication is found to be 100% effective in treating and preventing heartworm infections. They are available in tablet as well as chewable forms. The advantage of heartgard is that it can be safely administered to all breeds of dogs, including stud dogs and breeding bitches. The safety of heartgard plus in pregnant and nursing dogs has also been confirmed. Puppies six weeks and older can be safely treated with heartgard plus. Heartgard chewable tablets come in a meat flavor base, which makes it attractive for dogs and thus makes administration easier. The main ingredient of Heartgard plus is pyrantel pamoate.
Precautions
Heartgard plus for dogs is a monthly heartworm medication. In dogs, the medication is found to be 100% effective in treating and preventing heartworm infections. They are available in tablet as well as chewable forms. The advantage of heartgard is that it can be safely administered to all breeds of dogs, including stud dogs and breeding bitches. The safety of heartgard plus in pregnant and nursing dogs has also been confirmed. Puppies six weeks and older can be safely treated with heartgard plus. Heartgard chewable tablets come in a meat flavor base, which makes it attractive for dogs and thus makes administration easier. The main ingredient of Heartgard plus is pyrantel pamoate.
Side Effects
The common side effects noted in dogs are tremors, dilated pupils, and loss of body weight and even death. In certain cases of overdose, immediate side effects like stumbling, tremors, blindness, disorientation or weakness are noticed within 12 hours of administration.
Dosage Information
Heartgard plus is given once a month year round for the prevention of heartworm disease. Take care not to increase the dosage more than what is prescribed by the veterinarian. Over dosage can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of coordination. The dosage is usually prescribed as per body weight. It is 68mcg for dogs up to 25 pounds, 136 mcg for dogs up to 26-50 pounds and for dogs weighing 51-100 pounds, it is 272mcg. A combination tablet is usually administered in dogs over 100 pounds.
Brand Names
Heartgard (Merial), Heartgard Plus (Merial)