How do I Give Heartgard Tablets?
Mosquitoes carry a variety of harmful parasites that can pass to humans as well as animals. For dogs, mosquitoes can transfer potentially fatal parasites called heartworm larvae, or dirofilaria immitis. To combat this parasite, dog owners and veterinarians use an oral preventative medication called Heartgard. Heartgard is also available for cats and administered in the same manner.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Schedule your pet for an examination with a licensed veterinarian. Request the veterinarian to administer a heartworm test. If the results are negative, your pet can begin taking preventative medication to combat the risk of heartworm disease. Obtain a prescription from your veterinarian, who will select the appropriate dose based on the weight of your pet. Usually, you can purchase Heartgard at your veterinary clinic. However, there are websites where you can place orders, such as Doctors Foster and Smith, or 1800petmeds.com.
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2
Administer Heartgard tablets to your pet within 30 days of its heartworm test. Mark the day you administered the tablet on your calendar with one of the enclosed stickers in the Heartgard starter pack. Administer the medication on the same day each month to help ensure effectiveness. You may choose to administer Heartgard only during times of the year when mosquitoes are present. If you do, administer the medication at least 30 days before mosquito season and no more than 30 days after the last possible exposure to mosquitoes.
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3
Hide the Heartgard tablet in cheese, peanut butter or meat if your dog resists taking the medication.
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4
Take your pet to the veterinarian annually to renew the Heartgard prescription and have your pet tested for heartworms.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not split tablets; the dose is effective when administered in its entirety. Do not administer Heartgard meant for dogs to cats or vice versa.
The makers of Heartgard caution that dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment with Heartgard, which is not effective against adult dirofilaria immitis.
Infected dogs must be treated to remove adult heartworms and microfilariae before initiating a program with Heartgard.
