Heartgard and Heartgard Plus are considered safe for most dogs, including pregnant and breeding dogs, but there are some exceptions. Ivermectin is not recommended for use in puppies under six weeks of age, so Heartgard should be started at this age and no sooner.
The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of HEARTGARD: Depression/lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions and hypersalivation.
One of the most common questions heard by our veterinarians during an annual wellness exam is, “Does my pet really need heartworm prevention?” To put it simply: yes! Even if your pet is considered “indoors-only,” all cats and dogs should be on a heartworm prevention medication.
The Risk of Heartworm Disease is Real
And just one bite from an infected mosquito can transmit this potentially deadly disease to your dog. The risk is real. That's why vets recommend using monthly heartworm disease prevention all year long.
The treatment for heartworm disease is not easy on the dog or on the owner's pocket book. Treatment can be potentially toxic to the dog's body and can cause serious complications, such as life-threatening blood clots to the dog's lungs.
Commonly affected dog breeds include collies, shelties, border collies, and Australian shepherds. Heartgard and Heartgard Plus should be used with caution in these breeds—it's recommended that collie-type dogs be observed for at least eight hours after Heartgard administration.
Nexgard will kill the fleas on your dog, while Heartgard will prevent heartworm. If your dog isn't prone to flea allergies and you don't live in an area with a lot of fleas, then you may not need to use both products. Nexgard alone may be enough to protect your dog from fleas and ticks.
Heartgard (ivermectin) has been discontinued. Please talk to your veterinarian about Heartgard PLUS Chewables for Dogs (Ivermectin and Pyrantel) or other heartworm preventatives. Prevents heartworm in dogs. Convenient monthly treatment.
It is also imperative to have your pet tested yearly for heartworms while on preventative. Heartworm preventatives are highly effective, but dogs can still become infected.
Melarsomine. Melarsomine is the only FDA-approved adulticide therapy for heartworm disease. The AHS-recommended protocol, which is considered safer and more effective than alternative protocols, consists of an initial injection followed one month later by two injections spaced 24 hours apart.
Most of the monthly heartworm medicines have a safety factor of at least 15 days of protection if a dose is missed. This means that if you're just a week or two late, your pet is likely still within that window of protection and would be unlikely to become infected during that time.
Heartworm Prevention Is the Best Treatment
The American Heartworm Society recommends that you “think 12.” Have your dog tested for heartworms every 12 months and provide 12 months of preventative care.
Her own cursory investigation demonstrated that Heartgard Plus had an approximate 20-percent failure rate, the lawsuit says.
If you forget a month of preventative, make sure to give the next 2 doses on time to "catch up" for that missed month. If you miss several months in a row, you should give your vet a call for advice on when to plan for the next heartworm test and how to get started back on preventatives.
Why Is Heartworm Preventative So Expensive? The big drug companies that sell heartworm preventative make a healthy profit off of their products and are not about to help owners find a cheaper option. I do not have stocks in these companies, do not market their products, and do not mind if you find an alternative.
Preventing heartworm disease with heartworm medicine
Many pet owners use a preventative like Heartgard Plus, but there is a generic equivalent to Heartgard Plus, which is Iverhart Max. Both products prevent heartworm disease and also control roundworms, hookworms.
Interceptor is safe for use in lactating dogs, while Heartgard Plus has not been proven safe for nursing mother dogs. Interceptor is also safe for use in cats, while Heartgard Plus is formulated for dogs only (although Heartgard for Cats is a cat-friendly option). Interceptor offers added protection against whipworms.
Simparica is an excellent choice for flea and tick protection. The monthly chew also comes with an option for heartworm protection, too, as Simparica Trio.
If you have a breeding dog, a pregnant dog, or a puppy between 6 and 8 weeks old, Heartgard Plus is the safest option. If you're hoping to find a broad-spectrum product that protects against fleas and ticks while it defends against internal parasites, Simparica Trio is the clear winner.
NexGard kills adult fleas rapidly before they can lay eggs, helping to prevent infestation of the environment. Regular monthly treatment is recommended to keep your pet and home flea free.
Heartworm disease, as the name suggests, are worms that infect the heart. In Australia, the prevalence of heartworm disease is highest in subtropical/tropical areas (Darwin up to 100%, Brisbane 34%) and northern temperate areas (Sydney 25%). Dogs are the most important hosts, but cats may also be susceptible.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that herbs such as garlic, black walnut and wormwood, and the homeopathic heartworm nosode, may actually prevent as well as treat infection.
Heartworm in dogs is prevalent across Australia and can be a serious and potentially fatal condition. Knowing how to prevent heartworm is essential for all dog owners. Luckily, there is plenty you can do to keep your pooch safe and healthy.