Heartgard--heartworm Prevention for Dogs & Cats

Purchasing a heartworm preventative is one of the best things you can do for you pet's health. If you're trying to decide where to purchase Heartgard Plus (or some other alternative), here are a few suggestions that will help you narrow down your search.

Heartgard is a veterinary prescription designed for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. It is fitted for use in canines of all weights, sizes, and breeds of dogs-including Collies and other potentially ivermectin-sensitive breeds, as the amount of ivermectin in a directed dose of Heartgard is considerably less than the amounts needed to cause harmful reactions. It is also used for the prevention of hookworm in cats.

Generics

Invermectin is the chief component used in Heartgard. Thus, Heartgard can be replaced with any generic prescription that has the same dose of Ivermectin. Iverhart is the generic equivalent to Heartgard. Iverhart Max is the generic version of Heartgard Plus with an added icomponent that stops and prevents tapeworms. Valuheart is one more generic that offers significant savings.

%BODY%

For Dogs

Dogs over six months old should be examined scanned for heartworm disease before using any medication, and tested annually thereafter. Dogs are a very oral breed of creature. Dog toys are frequently hauled around in a dog's mouth. For dogs, Heartgard is available in a once-monthly tablet or beef flavored chewable and has ivermectin as the chief icomponent. For dogs that normally swallow treats whole, the tablet can be broken into pieces. Heartgard is so easy to give many dogs will think it's a treat.

For Cats

Heartgard for cats is available in a once-monthly chewable tablets and assists in the elimination and prevention of hookworms as well as heartworms. The prescription is approved for use in cats of any weight, six weeks of age and older. The typical dose for cats five lbs and under is 55 mcg and for cats 6-15 lbs is 165 mcg. Side effects in cats include agitation, loss of appetite, staggering, dilated pupils, tremors, blindness and disorientation.

Heartgard is completely safe to use on your cat or dog regardless of weight, breed or whether or not they are pregnant. It is 100% effective in the fight against heartworms; and it subordinated roundworms as well. But it is available only through a licensed veterinarian.

The number of animals who have heartworms or signs of heartworms is alarming; you may not see the symptoms right away, but when you do, you should speak to your veterinarian immediately and ask if Heartgard is right for your pet. Finding out all you can about treatment options could save your pet's and health in the long run.