For: Dogs (6 weeks of age or older and no weight requirement)
Benefits:
•
Highly effective in preventing heartworms
•
A convenient and tasty chewable for easy administration
•
Delicious beef flavor that most dogs will eat
How it works: Heartgard prevents heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae for a month after infection.
Studies have indicated that certain dogs of the herding breeds are more sensitive to the effects of ivermectin administered at elevated dose levels due to the MDR1 gene. For a full list of dog breeds that may be affected, click here.
Cautions:
Can cause sensitivities in herding dog breeds. It is important that you give your pet this preventative every month. If you miss more than two monthly doses, we recommend calling your vet before continuing the medication. Also, note that side effects are rare at the recommended heartworm prevention dose. Higher doses in dogs may cause tremors, dilated pupils, loss of body weight, and death. Side effects in cats include agitation, loss of appetite, staggering, dilated pupils, tremors, blindness and disorientation.
More Information:
Brand Name Heartgard Chewable (Merial)
Generic Name Ivermectin
What is the most important information I should know about Heartgard Chewable: Heartgard Chewable is a prescription medication available for dogs as beef flavored chewable tablets. The usual dose of Heartgard Chewable for dogs up to 25 pounds is 68mcg (blue box), for dogs 26-50 pounds is 136mcg (green box) and for dogs 51-100 pounds is 272mcg (brown box). The chewable tablets must be chewed and should not be swallowed whole. For dogs that normally swallow whole, the chewable tablets can be broken into pieces.
What is Heartgard Chewable: Heartgard chewable is given once a month for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs. It is recommended by the American Heartworm Society that heartworm prevention be used year round. Heartgard may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Heartgard to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to Heartgard, ivermectin, or to beef.
How should this medication be given: Give Heartgard exactly as directed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Heartgard chewable tablets must be chewed. They should not be swallowed whole. Use with caution, Collies and other herding dog breeds have been known to have adverse reactions to invermectin administered at elevated dose levels. Heartworm testing should be performed prior to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off Heartgard Chewables 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. Store Heartgard chewable at room temperature. Do not remove the chew from its wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Keep this medication away from children and pets. In addition, Dog Heartgard Chewables has shown a wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level in dogs including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and puppies aged 6 or more weeks.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea and lack of coordination in dogs.
What should I avoid while giving Heartgard to my pet: To help with compliance and not missing a monthly dose, use the handy red heart reminder stickers included with the medication.
What are the possible side effects of Heartgard: Side effects of Heartgard are rare at the recommended heartworm prevention dose. Higher doses in dogs may cause tremors, dilated pupils, and loss of body weight and death.
What other drugs will affect Heartgard: Do not give Heartgard to your pet if already taking another heartworm medication.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Heartgard written for health professionals that you may read.
Directions:
•
Dog Heartgard Chewables are a once-a-month chewable tablet available by prescription for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs.
•
It is recommended by the American Heartworm Society that heartworm prevention be given year-round.
Tip: Do not remove the chew from its wrapper until ready to give. Dog Heartgard Chewables must be chewed. They should not be swallowed whole. For dogs that normally swallow whole, the chewable tablet can be broken into pieces. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
Dogs Up to 25 lbs
Give 1 chewable tablet (68mcg-blue box) once a month
26-50 lbs
Give 1 chewable tablet (136mcg-green box) once a month
51-100 lbs
Give 1 chewable tablet (272mcg-brown box) once a month
Over 100 lbs
Give the appropriate combination of chewable tablets once a month
Cats:
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.
Heartgard Blue Chewables (for Dogs 1-25 lbs):
Active Ingredient
Amount
Ivermectin
68 mcg
Heartgard Green Chewables (for Dogs 26-50 lbs):
Active Ingredient
Amount
Ivermectin
136 mcg
Heartgard Brown Chewables (for Dogs 51-100 lbs):
Active Ingredient
Amount
Ivermectin
272 mcg
Dog Heartgard Chewables
4.6
5
53
54
Works great!
My dog had problems with the Heartworm medication he was on, but he did fine with Heartgard Chewables. He liked the taste and chewed it all up without any problems. Iverhart Max seemed to give him diarrhea and vomiting everytime he had to take it.
04/22/2013
We've been giving Sasha Heartgard chewables for 7 years now and have had no problems, either with her taking them (a real treat for her!) or with her health. 1-800-PetMeds makes it all very easy.
03/12/2013
Shopping w/PetMeds is the best.
Lucky seems to think that his 'med' is a treat
02/04/2013
the best for heart worm preventative
Heartguard "non plus" in my opinion is the best Heartworm preventative to use because it has proven effective with way way less "Ivwermectin" than the products typically labeled plus that cover a multitude of other infections that are not near as serious to remedy. My shelter dog had a serious case of Heartworm when I got her and I knew it. 3 months of Heartguard, then the nasty shots, cured her and she is now a very healthy dog. I give her one Heartguard "non plus" every 30 days until 30 days past mosquitoes
11/23/2012
Molly takes her medicines once a month and thinks it is a treat. I do recommend this product to my friends.
10/17/2012
I need to know. My dog is allergic to soy, pork, carrots, rice and several other things.
Answer: Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) supplied by the manufacturer, each chew also contains propylene glycol and non-hazardous inert ingredients. 1 year, 1 month ago by Gary, Dir. of Pharmacy Services
maybe a topical preventative would be a good option.....such as revolution or advantage multi Suggest these 2 products to your vet to see if they agree.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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