Heartgard For Pets
Getting a heartworm preventative is one of the wisest things you can do for your cat’s
wellbeing. However…if you’re like many pet owners, you probably have some inquiries.
Below are a few answers to guide you as you narrow down your research.
Q: What is Heartgard?
A: Heartgard is a prescription made for the prevention of heartworm disease in cats and dogs.
Q: How does it work?
A: Invermectin is the main component. It comes in contact with the parasite’s nerveous
system, and then paralyses and kills the immature heartworms (larvae).
Q: How frequently should I administer this medicine to my cat or dog?
A: 1 time every 30 days.
Note: you should try to feed your dog or cat his Heartgard medicine on the same day, every month. The stickers, included in your purchase, will help you remember.
Q: What if I forget a dose?
A: If the time between medications exceeds thirty days, Invermectin’s effectiveness might be lessened.
(Remember, Invermectin kills budding heartworms. And missing medications could
enable the heartworms to grow to a point where the medication is less effective.)
That said, professionals advise testing your pet for heartworms
six and a helf months after the missed dose.
Q: What about fussy breeds like Collies, is this dewormer okay for them?
A: Collies and other related breeds have shown sensitivity to Invermectin. But, the dose of Invermectin in Heartgard is nominal. And the maker, Murial, states that the does should be safe if given as
directed.
Q: When should I begin giving my pet Heartgard?
A: Heartgard destroys larvae your dog or cat was exposed to within the last thirty days. So, if
you are planning to give your dog or cat a seasonal preclusive, feed it to her a month after the first mosquito makes an appearance.
Q: What about puppies?
A: You can start your puppy on the preventative when he’s a minimum 6 weeks old.
Q: What if I want to protect my pet against other parasites like intestinal worms?
A: Consider Heartgard Plus. In addition to Invermectin, it uses Pyrantel, which destroys hookworms and roundworms in addition to heartworms.
Q: dog or cat need to be tested before giving her Heartgard?
A: Yes. Feeding a heartworm preventative to a dog or cat that already has heartworms
could cause a severe reaction that might be harmful or even fatal to your animal.
That said you will also need to have a veterinarian’s prescription to buy procure Heartgard.
You may also consider using a generic Heartgard.
This posting is based on information freely available in the popular press and medical journals that deal with [medical subject]. Nothing herein is intended to be or
should be construed to be any sort of medical advice. For medical advice the reader should consult with his or her physician or other m edical specialist.