April 23, 2009
Heartgard Prevents Heartworms
Getting a heartworm preclusive is one of the best things you can do for your dog's
happiness. However…if you’re like many pet owners, you likely have some questions. Here are a few answers to guide you as you narrow down your search.
Q: What is Heartgard?
A: Heartgard is a prescription that prevents heartworm disease in cats and dogs.
Q: How does Heartgard work?
A: Invermectin is the main component. Invermectin comes in contact with the parasite’s nerve transmission, paralyzing and killing the young heartworms (larvae).
Q: How frequently should I feed this medication to my pet?
A: Once every 30 days.
Note: you would do well to give your dog or cat her Heartgard medicine on the same day, every month. The heart
stickers, included in your purchase, will help you remember.
Q: What if I miss a dose?
A: If the amount of time between medications exceeds thirty days, The prodct's effectiveness may be lessened.
(Remember, Invermectin destroys budding heartworms. And missing medications could
enable the heartworms to grow to a point where the medication is less effective.)
For that reason, professionals advise testing your dog or cat for heartworms 61/2 months after the forgotten dose.
Q: What about fussy breeds like Collies, is this product okay for them?
A: Collies and other related breeds have shown sensitivity to Invermectin. However, the amount of Invermectin in Heartgard is nominal. And the maker, Murial, states that the medicine should be okay if used as
directed.
Q: How soon should I start my pet on Heartgard?
A: Heartgard destroys larvae your pet was subjected to within the last thirty days. So, if
you are going to give your pet a seasonal deterant, give it to her
one month after the first mosquito shows up.
Q: What about puppies?
A: You can start your puppy on the deterrant when he’s a minimum 6 weeks old.
Q: What if I want to protect my pet against other parasites like intestinal worms?
A: Consider looking into Heartgard Plus. along with Invermectin, it uses Pyrantel, which
anhilalates roundworms and hookworms as well as heartworms.
Q: cat or dog need to be tested before feeding him Heartgard?
A: Yes. Administering a heartworm deterrant to a dog or cat that already is infected heartworms
could cause a severe reaction that may be hazardous or even fatal for your pet.
That said you will also need to have a veterinarian’s prescription to purchase Heartgard.
You may also consider using a generic Heartgard.
This posting is based on information freely available in the popular press and medical journals that deal with [medical subject]. Nothing herein is intended to be or
should be construed to be any sort of medical advice. For medical advice the reader should consult with his or her physician or other m edical specialist.
