Preventing heartworm disease in dogs is crucial for their long-term health and well-being. Heartworm disease, a serious and potentially fatal condition, is transmitted through a single mosquito bite and can cause significant damage to a dog’s lungs and heart. This comprehensive guide explores HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) chewables, a popular and trusted preventative. We will delve into how it works, its benefits, potential side effects, and essential information for pet owners. Understanding the intricacies of heartworm prevention is key to ensuring your canine companion remains healthy year-round.
What is HEARTGARD® Plus and How Does it Work?
HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) chewables are designed to combat heartworm disease, a threat that can be present in all 50 states. Beyond heartworm prevention, these chewables also treat and control three species of hookworms and two species of roundworms, common intestinal parasites in dogs. The product contains two active ingredients: ivermectin, which prevents the development of heartworm larvae, and pyrantel, which addresses hookworms and roundworms. The American Heartworm Society strongly recommends year-round, monthly heartworm disease prevention for all dogs.
Benefits of Using HEARTGARD® Plus
HEARTGARD® Plus offers several advantages for dog owners seeking effective parasite prevention:
- Comprehensive Prevention: It effectively prevents heartworm disease and treats existing hookworm and roundworm infections.
- Trusted Brand: Developed by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, HEARTGARD® brand products have been trusted by veterinarians and pet owners for over two billion doses.
- Palatable Chewables: These are tasty, real-beef chews that most dogs find appealing, making administration easier.
- Suitable for Puppies: HEARTGARD® Plus is safe for puppies as young as 6 weeks of age, with no minimum weight requirement.
Administration and Dosing
Administering HEARTGARD® Plus correctly is vital for optimal efficacy. The chewables are designed to be given once a month, on or around the same day each month. To prevent choking or intestinal obstruction, encourage your dog to chew the treat rather than swallow it whole. For dogs that tend to swallow treats quickly, the chewable can be broken into smaller pieces or mixed with a small amount of food. It is important to ensure the dog consumes the entire dose.
If a dose is missed, immediate treatment with HEARTGARD® Plus and resumption of the regular dosing schedule are recommended to minimize the risk of adult heartworm development.
What to Discuss with Your Veterinarian
Before starting your dog on HEARTGARD® Plus, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. All dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections before beginning a preventive program, as HEARTGARD® Plus is not effective against adult heartworms. Infected dogs require treatment to remove adult heartworms and microfilariae before starting on a preventive regimen. Your veterinarian will also ensure your dog has a current annual heartworm test on file to obtain a prescription.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Information
While HEARTGARD® Plus is generally well-tolerated, some side effects have been reported. In clinical trials, vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours of dosing was rarely observed. Other reported adverse reactions include depression/lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions, and hypersalivation.
It is crucial to keep HEARTGARD® Plus in a secure location out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency veterinary medical treatment immediately.
Important safety considerations include:
- Allergic Reactions: Avoid using HEARTGARD® Plus if your dog has a known allergic reaction to ivermectin or pyrantel.
- Existing Infections: Do not administer HEARTGARD® Plus to dogs with active heartworm infections without prior treatment, as severe adverse reactions can occur.
- Species Specificity: HEARTGARD® Plus is formulated specifically for dogs and should never be given to cats or other animals.
Understanding Heartworm Disease and Other Parasitic Threats
Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms (Dirofilaria immitis) transmitted through infected mosquitoes. The larvae migrate through the dog’s body, eventually reaching the heart and lungs, where they mature into adult worms. Early signs of heartworm disease can be subtle, including a persistent cough, lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. As the disease progresses, it can lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen and severe respiratory issues.
Hookworms and roundworms are other common intestinal parasites. Hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin or be ingested from contaminated soil, while roundworm larvae can be transmitted from mother to offspring through the placenta or milk, or from ingesting contaminated soil.
Reducing the Risk of Parasitic Infections
The most effective strategy to protect your dog involves a multi-faceted approach:
- Year-Round Prevention: Administer a monthly, broad-spectrum heartworm preventive like HEARTGARD® Plus that also targets hookworms and roundworms. The American Heartworm Society emphasizes year-round protection, as mosquito activity can occur even in cooler months, and intermittent treatment leaves dogs vulnerable.
- Regular Testing: Ensure your dog receives an annual heartworm test. This is a requirement for obtaining a prescription for heartworm preventives.
- Mosquito Control: Reduce potential mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating standing water and minimizing outdoor exposure during peak mosquito feeding times.
Storage and Product Availability
HEARTGARD® Plus chewables should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F – 77°F (20°C – 25°C), with permissible excursions between 59°F – 86°F (15°C – 30°C). Protect the product from light.
The chewables are available in three sizes for dogs up to 100 pounds, with specific dosing combinations for larger dogs. They come in packs of 1, 6, or 12 monthly doses.
For specific product inquiries, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health can be reached at 1-888-637-4251.
References
- Lynn RC, Duquette RA. Chapter 6. Antiparasitic Drugs. In: Bowman DD, ed. Georgis’ Parasitology for Veterinarians. 11th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2021: 286-348.
- HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Chewables [Freedom of Information Summary; NADA140-971]. Duluth, GA: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.
- Current Canine Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Heartworm Infections in Dogs 2024. American Heartworm Society. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/images/pdf/2018-AHS-Canine-Guidelines.pdf. Accessed May 10, 2022.
- Data on file at Boehringer Ingelheim
- Data on file at Boehringer Ingelheim
- Carithers D, Miro G. Pet Owner Educational Atlas: Parasites. Zaragosa, Spain: Grupo Asis; 2012.
- Heartworm Basics. American Heartworm Society. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics. Accessed February 11, 2025.
- Weigh the Costs Infographic. American Heartworm Society. https://d3ft8sckhnqim2.cloudfront.net/images/infographics/0010-weigh-the-costs.jpg. Accessed February 11, 2025 .
- What are the signs of Heartworm disease? [Source details same as reference 7]
- Do you need a prescription for HEARTGARD® Plus chewables? [Implied from context and veterinarian discussion]
- Do HEARTGARD® Plus chews only prevent Heartworm disease? [Source details same as reference 1]
- Do HEARTGARD® Plus chewables need to be used all year even when it is cold outside? [Source details same as reference 3]
- How long does a dose of HEARTGARD® Plus chews last & how often should I treat my dog? [Source details same as reference 2]
- How should I give HEARTGARD® Plus chewables to my dog? [Source details same as reference 2]
- What happens if I miss giving a dose of HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Heartworm Disease Preventative Chewables for Dogs? [Extrapolated from general dosing guidelines]
- What is the best way to protect my dog from heartworm disease, hookworms and roundworms? [Implied from overall product benefits]
- What are HEARTGARD® Plus chewables side effects? [Source details same as reference 1]
- What is the best number to call regarding any specific HEARTGARD® Plus chewables questions? [Provided in the original text]
