Heartgard is one of the major medications available for dogs and the treatments of heartworm disease, roundworms and hookworms. All of these illness can be very lethal if not treated as soon as possible. Heartgard has become the number one brand for treatment of these diseases and recommended by most veterinarians.
Here is a breakdown of the different Heartgard products and how each works.
Heartgard for Heartworm Disease
As taken from the Heartgard web site… “Pet owners can use HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), the #1 veterinarian-recommended preventive available for dogs2 to help prevent heartworm disease. In an unprotected dog, heartworm larvae, transmitted by a bite from an infected mosquito, mature and migrate to the heart. Year-round treatment is recommended by the American Heartworm Society and the Companion Animal Parasite Council3.”
Other useful information on heartworm disease:
Heartgard for Roundworms and Hookworms
As taken from the Heartgard web site… “Treating your dog with HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) as directed can eliminate pre-existing populations of roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma braziliense) and reduce the incidence of re-infection by these parasites.HEARTGARD Plus is approved for use in puppies as young as 6 weeks of age. Monthly administration can reduce the risk of re-infection by reducing the burden of roundworm eggs and hookworm larvae in your dog’s environment.”
Heartgard Plus
As taken from the Heartgard web site… “When given monthly as directed, HEARTGARD Plus is effective in helping to prevent heartworm disease in dogs. Each bite from an infected mosquito can introduce new heartworm larvae into your dog’s bloodstream and reinfect an unprotected dog. Use of HEARTGARD Plus every month as directed kills immature heartworms introduced to the dog in the last 30 days, preventing the development of adult heartworms.HEARTGARD Plus also kills canine roundworms and hookworms in the dog’s intestinal tract.”
Where to Buy Heartgard Products
Heartgard is a product of Merial, which is also a producer of many other well known dog medications. FrontLine, OraVet, PureVax and Previcox are all released within the Merial product line.
Should your dog be showing signs or symptoms of any of the illnesses listed above, the most important step is to bring your dog to the vet, who will then access the situation and prescribe the right treatment for your dog. All Heartgard products can be prescribed by your veterinarian, or purchased at your local specialty pet stores, such as Costco and Petco.
