Heartgard Plus Chewable Tablets for Dogs 26-50 lbs

Product Information

Heartgard Plus Chewable Tablets for Dogs 26-50 lbs is given monthly as a chewable tablet. The combination of worming medications (Ivermectin and Pyrantel pamoate are highly effective in preventing heartworm disease and also aid in preventing and treating some intestinal parasites.

What is Heartgard Plus? Heartgard Plus is a worming medication that contains Ivermectin and Pyrantel pamoate. It is given as a chewable tablet once a month and is effective in preventing canine heartworm. Heartgard Plus also helps to treat and control intestinal parasites such as hookworms and roundworms.

Heartgard Plus Chewables are formulated for: Dogs. This medication is approved for dogs and puppies over 6 weeks of age and is considered safe for pregnant/breeding females.

What are the benefits of Heartgard Plus? Heartgard Plus for dogs 26-50 lbs provides protection against heartworm disease in dogs which can be deadly. Certain intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms are also effectively treated with this medication. Heartgard Plus only needs to be given once a month in order to be effective. Each tablet contains beef flavoring making it highly palatable and readily accepted by most dogs.

How does Heartgard Plus work? Heartgard Plus is highly effective in the prevention of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease because it works to kill immature heartworms introduced to your dog within 30 days. This prevents the development of adult heartworms. This medication is also equally effective in controlling and preventing hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, A. brasiliense, and Uncinaria stenocephala) and roundworms (ascarids - Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) which can potentially be deadly to pets and humans. The two active ingredients that are responsible for the effectiveness of Heartgard Plus are Ivermectin and Pyrantel pamoate. Ivermectin disturbs the parasite's nerve transmission resulting in paralysis and death of the immature heartworms (larvae). Pyrantel pamoate also blocks the parasite's nerve transmission which paralyzes and kills intestinal worms (roundworms and hookworms).

How is Heartgard Plus administered? Heartgard Plus is most effective when given by mouth (orally) once a month (every 30 days). Tablets should be chewed so you may need to break the tablet into smaller pieces if your dog is a "gulper". This medication should always be given during mosquito season (spring/summer months) although most veterinarians recommend using it year-round. A heartworm test is mandatory prior to starting your dog on this medication. Your veterinarian will recommend the proper protocol for your dog so speak with him/her about administering this medication and about periodic heartworm testing. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember but never give two doses at once. If too many doses have been missed, repeating a heartworm test prior to restarting medication may also be necessary.

What results can I expect? Heartgard Plus effectively kills immature heartworms that your dog has been exposed to within 30 days of giving this medication which should prevent him/her from developing an adult heartworm infection. This medication also works to kill and control hookworms and roundworms which are common intestinal parasites that are found in dogs.

What form(s) does Heartgard Plus come in? Heartgard Plus for dogs 26-50 lbs is a beef-flavored tablet that is chewable.

Common Brand Name: Heartgard Plus (Merial)

Generic Name: Ivermectin, Pyrantel Pamoate

Uses: Heartgard Plus is a chewable tablet that is given once a month in order to prevent heartworm disease and control and treat hookworms and roundworms which are common intestinal parasites that can sometimes cause problems in dogs.

Dose and Administration: Heartgard Plus chewable tablet with beef flavoring that is given every 30 days (monthly). The dose your dog needs is based on his/her body weight. Heartgard Plus should not be swallowed whole and may broken into pieces should this be necessary. If your dog has missed more than one monthly dose of this medication, check with your veterinarian. It may be necessary to recheck a heartworm test in order to restart this medication again. Do not give two doses at once. Heartgard Plus should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for. Do not split tablets. If the interval between doses is longer than one month, the efficacy of the drug may be reduced.

Possible Side Effects: Heartgard Plus is generally safe but may cause some side effects including vomiting and diarrhea. Incoordination, convulsions, and drooling are rare but possible especially if this medication is given at high doses. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog displays any unusual symptoms once he/she starts this medication.

Precautions: Collies and other herding breeds should take this medication cautiously. If your veterinarian has prescribed this medication to any of these breeds, you should monitor your dog closely for at least 8 hours after giving this medication for weakness, staggering, dilated pupils, trembling, drooling, or pressing the head against a wall. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see these signs. This medication should not be given to puppies less than 6 weeks of age. Heartworm testing is mandatory prior to starting Heartgard Plus. Your veterinarian is the best person to ask regarding testing recommendations.

Drug and Food Interactions: Tell your veterinarian if your dog is taking any medications, including vitamins, supplements, and other heartworm medications because interactions are unlikely but may be possible. No known food or drug interactions have been reported with Heartgard Plus.

Storage: Heartgard Plus should be stored at room temperature and does not require refrigeration. Keep this medication out of reach of children.