Heartgard

Heartworm disease is potentially a serious condition that could lead to grave death among pet animals particularly in dogs and cats. The parasite is carried by mosquito which injects it to healthy cats and dogs through their bites. The heartworm usually grows in heart, lungs and blood vessels of these pet animals until they grow into adult parasites that can significantly cause marked damage to the body system of dogs and cats thereby causing death once left untreated. Heartworm disease treatment can be expensive and difficult but the condition is highly preventable.

Preventive measure from heartworm disease is the administration of heartworm medicines to prevent parasitic growth of heartworm among pet animals. Heartworm medicines usually need a veterinarian’s prescription.

The Heartgard (Ivermectin) heartworm medicine is prescribed for both cats and dogs. The Heartgard for cats comes in chewable formulation and is effective against hookworm too. When the active ingredient Ivermectin is combined with pyrantel pamoate which is available as Heartgard Plus, it is also an effective preventive medicine against intestinal parasites such as hookworm and roundworm in dogs. The Heartgard heartworm medicine is usually given once a month all year round. Chewable forms need to be chewed and not swallowed whole. This heartworm medicine should be given with caution in Collies. Pet animals must be subjected to heartworm testing prior to the beginning of preventive therapy. Heartgard can be given when the pup and kitten is about 6 weeks old onwards.

Another heartworm medicine prescribed for both cats and dogs is the Interceptor. The active ingredient Milbemycin is effective against heartworm, hookworm, roundworms and whipworms. Given to cats and dogs from 6 weeks old, it is also safe for nursing or pregnant dogs.

The Revolution heartworm medicine is also an effective preventive topical medicine for both cats and dogs. With its active ingredient Selamectin, it is used for preventive treatment against heartworm and can treat ringworm and hookworm as well as kills fleas and ticks. It can control the infestations of ear mites and Sarcoptic Mange.

The Sentinel heartworm medicine is solely prescribed for dogs. It is used to control adult hookworm infection as well as for heartworm disease prevention. It is also effective against roundworms and whipworm infections. The active ingredient Milbemycin is combined with another ingredient Lufenuron which controls the development of flea eggs. This medicine however cannot kill adult fleas.

With all these available preventive heartworm medicine, your pet animals will surely be protected against the health danger of heartworm. Preventive measure must be taken immediately before risking your pet’s health with this deadly disease.

Tags: Dogs, Pet Health, Dog Meds, Heart Worms, Heartworms