Heartgard

Heartworms can kill dogs. A lot of cases were documented wherein the worms has attacked a dog’s organs including the kidneys, the lungs, the eyes, the liver, the arteries and the dog’s brain. In most cases, adult heartworms just reside in the dog’s heart for several years. After which, the dog may die due to congestive heart failure because its heart cannot function correctly.

In order to treat heartworms in dogs, Ivermectin, known as the brand name Heartgard is used. To maximize the potency of the anti-parasitic agent, a new formulation was developed in the form of Heartgard Plus. What does Heartgard Plus do?

Because Heartgard Plus has Ivermectin, it is effective against the larvae forms of the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. The dog should take Heartgard Plus right after suspected infection with heartworm. If the dog already has the adult forms of the heartworm, these adult forms should be removed and killed first by an arsenic-based drug before proceeding to the Heartgard Plus therapy.

In addition to Ivermectin, Heartgard Plus also contains Pyrantel Pamoate, which is an effective anti-parasitic agent. The drug pyrantel pamoate is even used in other mammals, including human beings to fight several types of worm infections. In dogs, Heartgard Plus, because of pyrantel pamoate, is also effective against eliminating other forms of worms such as roundworms and hookworms. Most roundworms and hookworms are transmitted through ingestion or by passing through the skin from the soil.

Like kids, dogs don’t like the taste of their medicines. Heartgard Plus has this problem solved by formulating the medication in a chewable tablet form. In a chewable tablet form, it is easier to mix the medicine with food in order to have the dog take its medication. Here’s a reminder when giving Heartgard Plus to dogs. Make sure the dog has taken the complete dose. In case part of the dose was lost, re-administration of the lost dose is necessary to ensure complete eradication of the parasites.

Heartgard Plus is also formulated in a beef-flavored tablet. This is why just wrapping the tablet with some food can easily mask the active ingredient’s odor and taste.

You also have to remember that when the dog is taking Heartgard Plus, the dog’s health should be in great condition. Drug therapy can cause stress to the dog’s organs and if the dog is weak, this can be dangerous. Also, after the therapy with Heartgard Plus, the dog should also rest to help its body remove the dead parasites.

Tags: Pets, K9, Pet Meds, Heart Worms, Heartworms