For use in animals only. Heartgard Plus Chew for Dogs, 26-50 lbs. is a heartworm preventative that kills heartworms and also helps treat and control roundworms and hookworms. It comes in a delicious once-a-month, real-beef chew that dogs love and is safe for puppies 6 weeks and older. Head back to the dog park, reassured that your dog is protected from nasty parasites with this heartworm preventative that's trusted over 2 billion times! Your furry friend must have a current heartworm test result on file with your veterinarian in order to be prescribed heartworm medication. Please visit your veterinarian to have this test performed annually to protect your four-legged friend.
Heartgard Plus Chew for Dogs (26-50 lbs)
HEARTGARD Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Chewables contain two active ingredients, ivermectin and pyrantel, that work together to prevent heartworm disease and treat and control hookworms and roundworms. For dogs and puppies 6 weeks of age and older regardless of weight.
In clinical field trials with HEARTGARD Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours of dosing was rarely observed (1.1% of administered doses). The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of HEARTGARD Plus: Depression/lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions and hypersalivation.
In clinical trials, many commonly used flea collars, dips, shampoos, anthelmintics, antibiotics, vaccines and steroid preparations have been administered with Heartgard Plus in a heartworm disease preventive program
HEARTGARD Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Chewables are well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD Plus, digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, contact your veterinarian or refer to the full prescribing information.
What are the Key Benefits of Heartgard Plus?
Vet-recommended heartworm preventive Effectively prevents heartworms For dogs 6+ weeks of age and older, no weight requirement Also treats and controls roundworms & hookworms Only given once a month Delicious real-beef chew that dogs love.
How does Heartgard Plus work?
Heartgard Plus contains two active ingredients that work together to prevent heartworm disease and treat and control hookworms and roundworms.
What is heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease in dogs (dirofilariasis) is a serious and potentially fatal disease. Heartworms spend their adult lives in the pulmonary arteries. The adult worms can cause lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries.
How do dogs get heartworms?
Heartworms are transmitted from one dog to another by mosquitoes, which pick up tiny immature heartworms, called microfilariae, when they bite an infected dog. Larvae develop and are then transmitted to another dog when that dog is bitten by the infected mosquito.
Where are dogs at risk for heartworm infection?
All dogs are at risk for heartworm disease, no matter where they live—heartworms don't discriminate based on geography. In the past, heartworm disease in the United States was primarily limited to the South and Southeast regions. However, it is now found in all 50 states, in Canada, and is spreading to new areas each year. The American Heartworm Society notes that uncared-for dogs and certain wildlife can be carriers of heartworms. Mosquitoes blown great distances by the wind and the transportation of infected pets to different geographic locations can all contribute to the spread of heartworm disease.
What are the signs of heartworm infection?
Signs of heartworm disease can be subtle and difficult to detect until its later stages. As the disease progresses, signs begin to appear. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice coughing, difficulty breathing, sluggishness and less energy for exercise in your dog. Adult heartworms cause serious harm to your dog's heart, lungs and certain internal organs. Left untreated, heartworm disease can result in loss of consciousness and death.
How are dogs tested for heartworm infection?
The most common method for heartworm testing is for a veterinarian to collect a small blood sample from a dog and evaluate the sample using a specialized test kit to detect the presence of adult heartworms.
How can heartworm disease in dogs be prevented?
Pet owners can use Heartgard Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), the #1 veterinarian-recommended preventive on the market to help prevent heartworm disease. Heartgard Plus kills tissue larval stages of heartworms and helps prevent them from developing into adults and causing heartworm disease. In an unprotected dog, heartworm larvae mature into adults and ultimately migrate to the arteries of the lungs.
How long do I have to give my dog Heartgard Plus?
Monthly use of Heartgard Plus is essential because it cannot be determined with certainty when the threat of mosquitoes has passed. Talk to your veterinarian for dose and regimen recommendations.
Can heartworm disease be treated?
Although it is possible to treat heartworm disease if a dog becomes infected, it is difficult, expensive and risky, particularly in dogs that have begun to exhibit clinical signs of infection.
What if my dog becomes infected with heartworms?
There are treatment options available to kill adult heartworms in dogs that have become infected. Treating dogs with heartworm disease starts with a thorough physical examination by the veterinarian. The veterinarian will then discuss treatment options with you. Typically, the dog is hospitalized during the treatment period. Because there is a risk of blood clots or worm debris blocking blood vessels from adult heartworm treatment, the dog must then remain quiet in close confinement for another 4 to 6 weeks after treatment. A second round of treatment may be required for some dogs. The veterinarian may also give your dog a treatment to rid it of the immature larvae that are circulating through the blood stream.
Is Heartgard Plus safe to use in any breed of dog?
Heartgard Plus is safe and effective in any breed of dog when used as directed.
Can my dog "get" heartworm disease directly from an infected dog?
No, the way dogs become infected is via a bite from a mosquito that is carrying heartworm larvae.
Are nursing puppies immune to heartworm disease if the mother is receiving Heartgard Plus?
No. Puppies that are nursing may become infected. Heartgard Plus can be used in puppies as young as 6 weeks of age—and puppies benefit from the ability of Heartgard Plus to treat and control roundworms and hookworms.
What is the best number to call regarding any specific product questions?
For any specific product questions, please call Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health’s customer service line number at 1-888-637-4251.
Recommended Dosage
Remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card. Return the card with the remaining chewables to its box to protect the product from light. Because most dogs find HEARTGARD Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) palatable, the product can be offered to the dog by hand. Alternatively, it may be added intact to a small amount of dog food. The chewable should be administered in a manner that encourages the dog to chew, rather than to swallow without chewing. Chewables may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole. Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes after administration to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended.
Storage Instructions
Store between 68 F - 77 F (20 C - 25 C). Excursions between 59 F - 86 F (15 C - 30 C) are permitted. Protect product from light.