Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Heartgard Plus offers protection against heartworms while also treating and controlling roundworms and hookworms in dogs.
This medication is administered monthly and requires a prescription from a veterinarian. Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin, which is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication effective in preventing heartworms. Additionally, it contains pyrantel, an anthelminthic agent used for the prevention of roundworms and hookworms.
Uses and Dosage
Remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card, ensuring to return the card with the remaining chewables to its box to shield the product from light exposure.
Heartgard Plus is generally well-liked by most dogs and can be offered directly by hand or added intact to a small portion of dog food. Encourage the dog to chew the chewable rather than swallowing it whole. For dogs that typically swallow treats whole, the chewable may be broken into pieces for easier consumption.
Ensure that the dog consumes the entire dose, and observe treated animals for a few minutes after administration to confirm that the full dose is ingested and not rejected. If any portion of the dose is suspected to be lost, redosing is advised.
Heartgard Plus should be administered monthly during periods when mosquitoes, potential carriers of infective heartworm larvae, are active. The first dose must be administered within 30 days after the dog’s initial exposure to mosquitoes, with the final dose given within 30 days after the dog’s last exposure to mosquitoes.
When transitioning from another heartworm preventive product, the first dose of Heartgard Plus should be administered within 30 days of the last dose of the previous medication.
Prolonged intervals between doses exceeding 30 days may reduce the effectiveness of ivermectin. To ensure optimal performance, administer the chewable once a month on or around the same day each month. If treatment is delayed, immediate administration of Heartgard Plus and adherence to the recommended dosing schedule minimize the risk of adult heartworm development.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if your pet experiences any serious side effects:
- lethargy
- anorexia
- mydriasis
- ataxia
- staggering
- convulsions
- hypersalivation
Caution
- Before initiating treatment, test both puppies and adult dogs for heartworm infection.
- The pet should chew the tablet rather than swallow it whole for optimal effectiveness.
- The monthly tablet dose should be continued consistently throughout the year. Skipping treatment during winter months is strongly discouraged, as pets may still be susceptible to infections during this time.
- If a dosage is missed for more than two months, seek guidance from a veterinarian for further treatment.
- Collie breeds, including Border Collies, and certain other breeds are sensitive to ivermectin. Prior consultation with a veterinarian is advised before administering this treatment, or consider exploring alternative options to ivermectin for parasite treatment.
Form and Strength
Heartgard Plus Green is available in the following forms and strengths:
- ivermectin and pyrantel tablet:
- 136 mcg / 114 mg
FAQ
Do you need a prescription for Heartgard Plus Green?
Your dog will need an annual negative heartworm test and a prescription for Heartgard Plus Green from your licensed veterinarian.
Can Heartgard Plus Green be given to pregnant dogs?
Heartgard Plus Green has shown a wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level in dogs, including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and puppies aged 6 or more weeks.
Resources
- https://petmedmart.com/product/heartgard-plus/
- https://www.1800petmeds.com/Heartgard+Plus+Chewables+6pk+Green+26-50+lbs-10001.html
- https://www.canadavet.com/heartgard-plus-dog-medium-26-50lbs-green
- https://www.drugs.com/pro/heartgard-plus.html#:~:text=HEARTGARD%C2%AE%20Plus%20(ivermectin%2Fpyrantel,development%20of%20the%20adult%20stage
- https://www.canadapetcare.com/heartgard-plus-chewables-for-medium-dogs-26-50lbs-green-pack-455.aspx
- https://www.chewy.com/heartgard-plus-chew-dogs-26-50-lbs/dp/173231
