How to Cut the Cost of Pet Care

Ivomec will keep your dog heartworm free at minimal cost

It is possible to cut the cost of basic pet care, without reducing the quality of care. Products used by farmers and vets for large animals such as horses, cattle and swine often contain the same ingredients as products marketed for small animals. An adjustment to the quantity used based on your pet's weight and sometimes a change in the application method are all that's required to provide heartworm prevention, regular deworming and protection from fleas for your dog or cat at a much lower cost. If used properly, these products are safe and effective.

Things You'll Need

• Ivomec (ivermectin) Injection for Cattle and Swine, 1% Sterile Solution
• Plastic syringe
• Needle
• Strongylecare Horse Dewormer
• Frontline Topical Flea Treatment for Large Dogs

Instructions

Ivomec for Cattle and Swine, 1% Sterile Solution

1. Protect your dog against heartworm with Ivomec for Cattle and Swine. Do not use Ivomec on a cat without your vet's approval. Ivomec requires one mL of liquid per 110 pounds of weight and comes in a 50 mL bottle. For heartworm prevention, a medium sized dog, such as a Golden Retriever, will only require one half mL of the preventative, once per month.

2. Attach a needle to a syringe by turning the needle casing until it fits snugly into the syringe, causing the two to function as one unit. Remove the protective cover from the needle and remove the cap from the bottle of Ivomec.

3. Insert the tip of the needle into the rubber top of the bottle and draw the contents of the bottle into the syringe. Pay attention to how many mL you are drawing and draw only as many as your pet requires according to his or her body weight.

4. Never inject the medication directly into your dog, instead, remove the needle and squirt the liquid into your dog's mouth or add it to their food. Cover the needle with its protective cap before disposing of it in a trash can or other container used for that purpose.

StrongyleCare Horse Dewormer

1. Provide general deworming for your cat or dog with StrongyleCare Horse Dewormer. Purchase the paste formula which comes in a plastic syringe.

2. Press the syringe and administer a pea-sized amount for medium to large dogs and only a third that amount for cats and small dogs.

3. Using your finger, apply the paste to your pet's gums. He or she will swallow the paste.

Frontline Topical Flea Treatment for Large Dogs

1. Buy Frontline topical flea treatment for the largest size dog and reduce the dosage as needed for your smaller dog or cat.

2. Open the packet containing the flea treatment and pour it into a bottle. One packet for the largest size dog should treat two Golden Retrievers, four Australian Shepherds and eight Toy Poodles. One half mL of Frontline will also safely treat your cat and keep him or her free of fleas for 30 days.

3. Draw the proper amount of Frontline into a syringe and apply to the back your pet's neck and upper back.

Tips & Warnings

• Never inject Ivomec directly into your dog. Administer only the amount of Frontline appropriate for your pet's body weight. Too much flea treatment could be toxic for your pet.

References

• PetDoc