Heartworm diseaseaffects domestic dog of all ages and is seen in all 50 states [ 1 ] . Heartworm is convey by mosquitoes . Just one bite from an infected mosquito can transmit this potentially deathly disease to your dog .
Heartgard and Heartgard Plus are two of the top vet - recommended heartworm disease preventive for dog . But what are the combat-ready ingredient and is Heartgard safe for domestic dog ?
Here ’s what you necessitate to cognise regarding the safety of Heartgard and Heartgard Plus so that you’re able to make informed decisions for your dog .
What Is Heartgardfor Dogs?
Heartgard is a medication that is used toprevent heartworm disease in weenie . Heartgard hold ivermectin and only prevents heartworm disease . Heartgard Plus contains both ivermectin and pyrantel , and is intended to foreclose heartworm disease , as well as kickshaw and control hookworms and roundworms .
dog are infect with heartworm larvae from the sting of an infected mosquito . Ivermectin prevent heartworm disease by targeting and vote down any unripened heartworm larva that may have been beam to your dog via mosquito bite .
Pyrantel , the other alive ingredient in Heartgard Plus , is an intestinal dewormer that killshookwormsandroundworms . Most preferred parent and veterinarians prefer using Heartgard Plus vs. Heartgard because of the extra protection against enteral parasites that are also transmittable to human beings .
Is Heartgard Safe for Dogs?
Heartgard , when appropriately prescribed through a veterinarian , is dependable for most dogs . Your veterinarian will take several cistron into story when order heartworm prevention to your dog , include your domestic dog ’s breed , concurrent wellness conditions , and which parasites your dog need aegis from . If your veterinarian has any concerns about the prophylactic of Heartgard in your wienerwurst , they may want to run some rake tests before prescribing it . cad with seizuresanddogs with kidney diseasemust be valuate by a veterinarian before they are prescribed any heartworm prevention , including Heartgard Plus . Your veterinary surgeon is best suited to determine the idealistic heartworm prevention for your dog . If yourdog has liver disease , kidney disease , or a raptus disorder , babble out with your veterinary about options for heartworm prevention .
Heartgard Plus has shown to be very safe when the recommended dose is administered to most dogs , including pregnant dogs , breeding dogs , he-man blackguard , and puppies who are honest-to-goodness than 6 week of long time .
As advert to begin with , ivermectin is one of two active ingredients in Heartgard Plus . Ivermectin is secure for most dogs when it is used at the correct dose and under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian . However , not all dogs can take ivermectin . Some herd dog breeds are more sensitive to ivermectin due to a chromosomal mutation in their MDR1 gene . This can admit :
In dog who have the MDR1 mutation , ivermectin can cross the blood - brain barrier and cause severe wit equipment casualty that can be lethal . There is a simplegenetic testavailable to see if dogs have the mutation that have sensitiveness to ivermectin . In general , the dose of ivermectin contain in heartworm bar is far below the toxic dose and view good even in sensible strain . However , if you have business organization , talk to your veterinarian .
Heartgard for Dogs:Precautions to Consider
Heartgard Plus has been prescribed to millions of dogs and used safely without any side force . The huge majority of detent who get Heartgard Plus do not experience side effects .
Can Heartgard Plus causediarrhea in dogs ? Clinical trials testing the safety gadget of Heartgard in dogs showed that about 1 percentage of dog experienced disgorgement or diarrhea after disposal [ 2 ] . favored parent have cover some untoward effects after give Heartgard Plus to their dog . Heartgard Plus for weenie side effects reported in some dogs admit :
If you discover any side effects after giving Heartgard Plus to your cad , consult with your local veterinary , local emergency clinic , or the Pet Poison Hotline as soon as possible . Most side effects will resolve within a day or two , but some may require emergency treatment .
Heartgard should only be used in dogs who have tested negative for heartworm disease . Heartgard products are not effectual against adult heartworms . Therefore , frump who are taint must be treated to take away adult heartworms and microfilariae that are disperse in the blood before using Heartgard as monthly heartworm prevention [ 3 ] .
The rubber of Heartgard Plus has also been tested and render to be secure in dogs when ease up at the same time as many treatments , including :
The fixings in Heartgard can , however , have negative interaction with certain medicine and herbs , so be sure to tell your veterinary about anything you are yield your dog before they are prescribed Heartgard , include vitamins , herb , and supplement .
Some dogs who gobble their treats whole can be at risk for drop dead on the chewable tablet . If this is the case for your wiener , break up the pad before administering it .
It is possible to o.d. a bounder on Heartgard Plus , so never double up doses to “ charm up ” or give your dog more than the prescribed amount . If your dog accidentally overdoses on Heartgard Plus , call your local vet , the pinch clinic , or the Pet Poison Hotline immediately for financial backing . If you miss a dose of Heartgard Plus and it is longer than 30 days since the last dot was render , call your veterinary for advice .
In general , Heartgard Plus is safe and well tolerated by most domestic dog , and since its innovation has saved unnumberable life from heartworm disease . In addition , Heartgard Plus goody and assure enteral parasite in dogs that are also public health concerns for man . Heartgard Plus should not be used in all dogs , however , and should only be dictate and administer under the oversight of a licenced vet .
