Heartgard (ivermectin) is a medication used to prevent heartworm disease in dogs that are at least 6 weeks old.

Heartgard comes in chewable tablets of 3 dosage strengths for dogs of varying weights. The medication should only be used by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Directions

Heartgard should be administered to your dog as your veterinarian has directed, who will determine an appropriate dosage for your dog.

Heartgard for dogs is given by mouth once monthly during the period of the year when mosquitoes, which can potentially carry infective heartworm larvae, are active.

Administer the initial dose within 30 days after your dog’s first exposure to mosquitoes; administer the final dose within 30 days after your dog’s last exposure to mosquitoes.

Encourage your dog to chew the tablet instead of swallowing it whole. The tablet can be broken into pieces and administered to dogs that normally swallow treats whole. You may also add the chewable to a small amount of dog food. Ensure that your dog consumes the full dose; redosing is recommended if any of the dose was lost.

Heartgard chewables should be kept out of light exposure and at temperatures between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). Keep away from children and other animals.

You may refer to the medication leaflet that accompanies the Heartgard prescription for further instructions for use.

Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.

Ingredients

Ivermectin is the active ingredient in Heartgard pet medicine.

Contraindications

According to the most recent Prescribing Information, there are no contraindications.

Cautions

• Before your dog begins Heartgard therapy, tell your veterinarian about your dog’s:
• Medications
• Allergies
• Current health problems
• Past medical history
• Breeding, pregnancy or nursing status
• Heartgard is not for human use.
• Your dog should be tested for existing heartworm infection prior to starting Heartgard. If your dog is infected, treatment is required to eliminate adult heartworms and microfilariae before Heartgard is started.
• Heartgard is not effective at clearing microfilariae. Dead or dying microfilariae may be the cause of a mild hypersensitivity-type reaction, particularly involving a transient diarrhea, that has occurred in clinical trials with ivermectin after some dogs with circulating microfilariae received treatment.

Side Effects

Heartgard side effects include but are not limited to depression, lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, dilated pupils, coordination problems, staggering, convulsions, and hypersalivation.

Immediately contact your veterinarian if your dog has any side effects.

Here, you can buy Heartgard online with a valid prescription from your veterinarian!

Reference

1. Heartgard. Duluth, GA: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.; 2018.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....

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