Heartgard

Heartgard is a veterinary drug available for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. It is produced by the animal health company Merial. The product works not by totally preventing the presence of heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) in the host animal, but by eliminating the tissue stage of the worm and blocking development to harmful stages.

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For dogs, Heartgard is available in a once-monthly tablet or beef flavored chewable and contains ivermectin as the active ingredient. HeartgardPlus is also available, which in addition to ivermectin contains pyrantel pamoate, an anthelmintic which controls roundworms and hookworms.

Heartgard is approved for use in dogs 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 lower than amounts needed to cause adverse reactions.

Heartgard for cats is available in a once-monthly chewable tablets and aids in the removal and control of hookworms as well as heartworms. The product is recommended for use in cats of any weight, 6 weeks of age and older.

Both dogs and cats should be tested for existing heartworm infections prior to beginning medication. While cats with existing heartworm infection can safely be given the medication, it is recommended that dogs be treated by other means before starting a preventative program.

Heartgard is available only through a licensed veterinarian. Iverhart is the generic equivalent to Heartgard. [1]