Heartgard Plus is the #1 choice of veterinarians for heartworm disease prevention! Only Heartgard Plus comes in a real-beef chewable that dogs love. Heartgard Plus also treats and controls roundworms and hookworms. It is approved for use in puppies as young as 6 weeks, small dogs regardless of weight, pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs, and Collies. Heartgard Plus is 100% effective against heartworms and treats and controls other dangerous parasites. 6 and 12 oral monthly doses.

Brand Name(s)
Heartgard Plus by Merial of France

What is this medication used for
Ivermectin is an anthelminthic (dewormer) used for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs. When combined with pyrantel pamoate it is also used for treating roundworm and hookworm in dogs.

Availability
Heartgard Plus available as beef flavored chewable tablets also contains the anthelminthic (dewormer) pyrantel pamoate.

How this medicine should be used
Ivermectin Plus is given once a month year round for the prevention of heartworm disease. The usual dose of Heartgard plus in dogs up to 25 pounds is 68mcg/57mg,for 26-50 pounds is 136mcg/114mg and for 51-100 pounds is 272mcg/227mg. Dogs over 100 pounds are given a combination of tablets. The chewable tablets should be chewed. They are not meant to be swallowed whole. For dogs that normally swallow treats whole, the tablet can be broken into pieces. As an alternate to year round dosing, this medication can be given during the mosquito season and for one month after the season ends.

What are the side effects
The side effects of ivermectin are rare at the recommended heartworm prevention dose. Higher doses in dogs may cause tremors, dilated pupils, and loss of body weight or death. Side effects in cats include agitation, loss of appetite, staggering, dilated pupils, tremors, blindness and disorientation.

What special precautions are there
This medication should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use with caution in Collies. Heartworm testing should be performed prior to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off ivermectin for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6 months since microfilaria take 6 months to mature and will result in a positive test result. Because humans can contract roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm 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.

In the event of an overdose
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, and incoordination in dogs. The symptoms of overdose in cats may include disorientation, tremors, incoordination, and blindness.

How should I store this medication
Keep this medication in the original box. Do not remove the tablet from the wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets.