Heartgard

Most pets especially dogs and cats are infested by parasites. One of these parasites is heartworms or Dirofilaria immitis which is a parasitic worm. Mosquito bites are the primary way of transmitting heartworms to its host. Once the worms have been transmitted, it will mature after several months.

The heartworm, a kind of filaria, resembles a spaghetti noodle. The heartworm is called as such because at the moment it fully matures, the parasitic worm travels and lodges itself in the heart of its host. Congestive heart disease could be the result of heartworms residing inside the heart of its host.

Sentinel is a drug that can be used to prevent heartworms. It is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals AG, a Basel, Switzerland-based multinational pharmaceutical company well known for its products such as Lamisil, an antifungal preparation medication.

Milbemycin oxime and lufenuron are the two ingredients that contribute to the efficacy of Sentinel. Milbemycin oxime is a combination of macrolides that act against nematodes and arthropods. Lufenuron, on the other hand, prohibits the development of insects.

Sentinel comes in the form of an oral tablet. It is given to dogs in order to prevent flea and heartworm infestations and to control and eradicate roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.

The drug comes in four sizes depending on its strength. The least is 2.3 milligrams per 46 milligrams while the highest dosage is 23 milligrams per 460 milligrams.

Sentinel is administered to dogs by itself or along with food.

The drug is given once a month. It is suggested that the drug be given on the day same as that of the previous month in order to be more effective.

Since Sentinel is used to prevent heartworms, appropriate testing should be done to dogs to determine infestation of the parasitic worm. Only uninfected dogs should be subjected to programs that prevent heartworm infestation.

Laws in several countries restrict the use of Sentinel in dogs except if ordered or administered by a registered and licensed veterinarian.

Some of the side effects experienced by dogs after being given milbemycin oxime and lufenuron are depression, vomiting, hypersalivation and weakness.

Puppies less than four weeks old and less than two pounds in weight should not be given Sentinel.

The drug is packaged in four different colors, depending on the dosage of the tablet. It comes in packs of 6 or 12 tablets.

Sentinel is not intended for human use and should be stored in a dry place with temperature ranging from 59 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tags: Dogs, Pet Health, Pets, Pet Meds, Cats