Heartgard

Brand Name
Heartgard Plus (Merial), Iverhart Plus (Virbac)

Generic Name
Ivermectin, Pyrantel pamoate

What is the most important information I should know about Heartgard Plus:
Heartgard Plus is a prescription medication available as beef flavored chewable tablets. The usual dose of Heartgard Plus in dogs up to 25 pounds is 68mcg/57mg (Blue box), for dogs 26-50 pounds is 136mcg/114mg (Green box), and for dogs 51-100 lbs 272mcg/227mg (Brown box). Dogs over 100 lbs are given a combination of tablets. The chewable tablets must be chewed and should not be swallowed whole. For dogs that normally swallow whole, the chewable tablets can be broken into pieces.

What is Heartgard Plus:
Heartgard Plus is given to dogs once a month for the prevention of heartworm disease. Heartgard Plus also protects against hookworms and roundworms in dogs. It is recommended by the American Heartworm Society that heartworm prevention be used year round. Heartgard Plus may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Heartgard to my pet:Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to the medication, any of its individual ingreedients, or to beef.

How should this medication be given:
Give Heartgard Plus exactly as directed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Heartgard Plus chewable tablets must be chewed. They should not be swallowed whole. Use with caution in collies. Heartworm testing should be performed prior to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off Heartgard Plus for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6 months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will result in a positive test result. Store Heartgard Plus at room temperature. Do not remove the tablet from its wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

What happens if I miss giving a dose:
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose the pet:Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea and incoordination in dogs.

What should I avoid while giving Heartgard Plus to my pet:Because humans can contract hookworm from animals, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on the pet and in the household and to not feed the pet rodents or uncooked meat or fish. To prevent reinfection, daily cleanup of stools is recommended.

What are the possible side effects of Heartgard Plus:
Side effects of Heartgard Plus are rare at the recommended heartworm prevention dose. Higher doses in dogs may cause tremors, dilated pupils, and loss of body weight and death.

What other drugs will affect Heartgard Plus:
Do not give Heartgard Plus to your pet if already taking another heartworm medication.

Where can I get more information:
Your pharmacist has additional information about Heartgard written for health professionals that you may read.

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12 MONTH Heartgard PLUS Green for Dogs 26 to 50 lbs

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