How it works: Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication used to prevent heartworms. Heartgard Plus also contains Pyrantel Pamoate, an anthelminthic, used to prevent roundworms and hookworms.
Cautions: Heartgard Plus chewable tablets should be chewed, not swallowed whole. The tablets may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole. Make sure that your dog eats the entire dose. It is important to give your dog Heartgard Plus every month year-round. Do not skip winter months as your dog may become infected. If you miss more than two months of dosage, please consult with your veterinarian as to whether to continue medication.
Brand Name Heartgard Plus (Merial), Iverhart Plus (Virbac), Tri-Heart Plus (Intervet)
Generic Name Ivermectin, Pyrantel pamoate
What is the most important information I should know about Heartgard Plus: Heartgard Plus is a prescription medication available as beef flavored chewable tablets. The usual dose of Heartgard Plus in dogs up to 25 pounds is 68mcg/57mg (Blue box), for dogs 26-50 pounds is 136mcg/114mg (Green box), and for dogs 51-100 lbs 272mcg/227mg (Brown box). Dogs over 100 lbs are given a combination of tablets. 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 Plus: Heartgard Plus is given to dogs once a month for the prevention of heartworm disease. Heartgard Plus also protects against hookworms and roundworms in dogs. It is recommended by the American Heartworm Society that heartworm prevention be used year round. Heartgard Plus 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 the medication, any of its individual ingredients, or to beef.
How should this medication be given: Give Heartgard Plus exactly as directed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Heartgard Plus chewable tablets must be chewed. They should not be swallowed whole. 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. Store Heartgard Plus at room temperature. Do not remove the tablet from its wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
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 incoordination in dogs.
What should I avoid while giving Heartgard Plus to my pet: Because humans can contract hookworm 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.
What are the possible side effects of Heartgard Plus: 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 and death.
What other drugs will affect Heartgard Plus: Do not give Heartgard Plus 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:
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Give Heartgard Plus Chewables once a month on the same day of each month year round.
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Heartgard Plus Chewables are for dogs only. Do not give to cats.
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Heartgard Plus Chewables should not be swallowed whole.
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Chewables may be broken and fed to dogs as pieces, or crumbled and mixed with food.
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Watch dog closely following dosing to be sure the entire dose has been swallowed. If it is not completely swallowed, give one more full recommended dose as soon as possible.
Tip: Do not remove chewable from its wrapper until ready to give to pet.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Puppies: (6 weeks of age and older)
Up to 25 lbs
Give 1 chewable every month (Blue Box)
26-50 lbs
Give 1 chewable every month (Green Box)
51-100 lbs
Give 1 chewable every month (Brown Box)
Over 100 lbs
Give combination of chewables based on weight
Cats:
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.
Heartguard is so much easier to give to our dogs than the generic. I have to break up the generic and force feed it to them. With heartguard, they gobble it down, so much easier.
Our parents own a nursery and it's located in a canyon where there are lots of wildlife and mom says where's there's wildlife there's lots of bugs and stuff that can hurt us. That's why mom and dad give us Heartguard Plus. We get so exited when mom goes to the cabinet, because it tastes soooo good. You should get your mom or dad to get you Heartguard Plus. Gotta go there goes a rabbit.
We've used Heartgard for all of our dogs for many years while living in an area where heart worms are endemic. We never had a problem with heart worms or had any problems from the medication. There was never a problem getting the dogs to take them; they seemed to consider them a tasty rtreat.
I gave my dog her heartguard last weekend instead of this weekend. Is that bad for her? I guess there's nothing I can do about it now, just want to know.
I'm sorry. There is no liquid Heartgard for dogs. There are other heartworm preventatives to consider such as Trifexis or Iverhart Plus both of which are given by mouth, or Advantage Multi or Revolution both of which are applied to the skin. You should discuss your pet's unwillingness to take Heartgard with your veterinarian.
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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