March 12, 2012
Posted in Heartworm Preventatives

The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round administration of a heartworm preventative for your pet.  Heartworm disease has been found across the United States in all 50 states, and treatment can be costly for you and dangerous for your dog.  Luckily, heartworm disease in your dog can be easily prevented with a simple, monthly dose of a heartworm preventative such as Heartguard.

How Does Heartguard Work?

Dogs acquire heartworm through a bite from a mosquito carrying immature heartworm larvae called microfilaria, which then develop into adult heartworms.  The active ingredient in Heartguard, ivermectin, kills heartworm larvae before they can grow into adult heartworms.  Heartguard Plus also includes the added ingredient pyrantel, which treats and controls roundworms and hookworms.  You can protect your dog against heartworm, roundworm and hookworm with a single monthly dose of Heartguard Plus.

How Do I Give Heartguard to My Pet?

Heartguard and Heartguard Plus come in a tasty beef-flavored soft chew that your dog will love. Simply select the correct dose of Heartguard based upon the weight of your dog, and give one of the chewable tablets to your dog once per month.  Most dogs look forward to Heartguard like a treat. It is important that your dog chew up the tablet, and not swallow it whole.

What are the Possible Side Effects of Heartguard?

Heartguard and Heartguard Plus are usually well-tolerated by pets, and side effects are uncommon. Rarely, pets may experience neurological symptoms or digestive upset after use of Heartguard.

What Else Should I Know About Heartguard?

Heartguard can be used for dogs 6 weeks of age or older.  If your pet has not been on a heartworm preventative, your dog should be tested for heartworm before starting Heartguard or Heartguard Plus.

Related posts:

1. Heartguard for Cats
2. Sentinel: Prevents Heartworm, Controls Fleas and More
3. Low-Cost Alternatives to Heartguard
4. Heartworm: Are Cats At Risk, Too?
5. Which Heartworm Preventative is Right for Your Pet?

Tags: Heartguard, Heartguard Plus, heartworm in pets, heartworm prevention