Heartgard Deworming Medications
The effects of heartworm disease can be devastating for a pet and its owner. However, Heartgard, a commonly used medication, prevents heartworms before they even become an issue. Heartgard Plus for dogs contains heartworm preventive, and it also treats and controls roundworm and hookworm disease. Heartgard for cats treats hookworms as well as heartworms.
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Heartworm Details
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A pet can get heartworm disease as a result of being bitten by an infected mosquito. The severity of the disease that afflicts the animal depends on how many worms are present, according to PetMD, as well as how long he has been infested with worms and how he responds to treatment. According to Heartgard Plus, signs of heartworm disease might not appear in the earlier stages of the disease. Symptoms of heartworm disease can include shortness of breath, coughing and decreased energy. Heartworm disease can be serious and potentially fatal.
Features
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Heartgard contains the active ingredient ivermectin and is available in several package sizes. According to Heartgard Plus, it works by killing heartworms infecting the animal within the past 30 days. It is a chewable, meat-flavored tablet given once per month and is intended to prevent heartworm disease. It is available in different dosage strengths, with doses based on the pet's weight. All breeds and sizes of dogs and cats can take Heartgard.
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Benefits
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The key benefit to using Heartgard deworming medication is the prevention of heartworm disease, which is expensive and difficult to treat. By comparison, using Heartgard is simple and inexpensive. According to The Dog Health Guide, studies indicated that Heartgard Plus was close to 100 percent effective. Heartgard is also considered to be generally safe for all breeds of dogs and cats. Heartgard use can bring peace of mind for the pet's owner, in knowing that she is helping to prevent a serious disease from striking her animal.
Warnings
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Animals must be tested for heartworms before starting Heartgard. According to PetPlace, ivermectin (the active ingredient in Heartgard) should not be used in dogs who have heartworm disease, except in cases where a veterinarian is closely monitoring the dog's illness. There are some possible side effects with Heartgard, which include rare digestive and neurological symptoms, according to Heartgard Plus.
Considerations
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Pet owners who want to purchase Heartgard medication need a prescription to do so. Many veterinarians' offices sell Heartgard, as do various online sources. Some online sellers might have more reasonable prices than local stores do. Because heartworm disease is widespread geographically, pet owners in many areas give Heartgard to their furry companions.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by gajatz from Fotolia.com
