Heartgard Plus

[joella]

Anka's previous owners gave us a dose of Heartgard plus that is due to be given tomorrow. They told us that she takes this monthly, and that the vet advised that she take it once a month for life.

Is this normal practice? Do most of you give your dogs heartworm medication on a monthly basis? Does this need to be purchased at the vet's or is it available elsewhere?

[Moo]

Yes, usually monthy, buy it at the vet.... Kirby takes Sentinel for fleas/worms monthly. Be sure to check for weight specifications on medications.

[erdog3]

Normal practice, you can give heartworm treatment in a variety of ways, that is just the dosage of Heartgard. Does it do all other worms, I am aware of ordinary Heartgard, that only does heartworm, but there are new preparations all the time, some do fleas and tics, some all worms etc.
Just give the dose as told, you can stop giving it without any complications, but if your area is prevelent for heartworm I would advise to keep on with treatment.
You can purchase it at pet shops and other places.
You can switch to another product, even injections are available now.

If you do stop treatment, you will have to have your dog retested later, by blood test, before recommencing treatment.
Better to continue on till you make any decisions.

[joella]

Thanks for all the info. The foil seal on the dose that I have says:

HEARTGARD Plus
272 MCG IVERMECTIN AND
227 MG PYRANTELASPAMOATE SALT

[erdog3]

I use Ivomec, Eprinex on the calves, It does all worms and treats mange as well. They are a group of macrocyclic lactone drenches.
It may treat fleas and tics too. Just check on the box if you have it, or go online and look up the product, that will tell you exactly what it treats.

Even the horses worm stuff if 100mg of Ivermectin. it does all worms and controls bot flies.

[Meisti]

Your are fine with ivermectin - unless you have a collie or collie-crossbreed, this is a great preventative drug.

[joella]

Thanks for the info! I don't remember us treating our dogs growing up for this, but maybe I was just too young to notice or something. I appreciate all the help!

[erdog3]

No, your not wrong in your thoughts, Heartworm treatment has only been around for a few years. Back in the netherlands, when we were kids it was not heard of.

[joella]

Ah, then that makes perfect sense!

[SalemWitchChild]

The breeder I got my collie from said to give Interceptor monthy. She didn't recommend anything else for them...Ask your vet is the best advice