Heartgard Plus for dogs is a highly effective parasitic treatment designed to protect your canine companion from a range of harmful parasites. This treatment targets heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms, ensuring comprehensive protection with a single monthly dose. Safe for puppies as young as 6 weeks old and weighing at least 1 pound, Heartgard Plus provides peace of mind for dog owners with its reliable efficacy.
Heartgard Plus demonstrates outstanding effectiveness against heartworm disease when administered monthly. It starts working quickly to protect against heartworms, ensuring your dog remains healthy and heartworm-free. In addition to heartworm prevention, Heartgard Plus is highly effective against roundworms and hookworms, boasting significant reductions in these intestinal parasites, contributing to your dog’s overall health and well-being.
The active pharmaceutical ingredients in Heartgard Plus are ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate. Ivermectin works by interfering with the parasite’s nerve and muscle function, effectively preventing heartworm infection. Pyrantel pamoate, on the other hand, causes spastic paralysis in worms, making it effective in treating and controlling intestinal worm infestations, including roundworms and hookworms.
By administering Heartgard Plus monthly, you can ensure your dog remains protected from these harmful parasites, maintaining their health and vitality. With its proven safety and efficacy, Heartgard Plus is a trusted choice for pet owners who want the best for their furry friends.
Directions
- Check your dog’s weight before starting treatment to ensure the correct dosage.
- Give the Heartgard Plus chewable tablet directly to your dog as a treat or mix it with their meal.
- Ensure your dog consumes the entire Heartgard dose.
- The minimum dose starts with 6 mcg/kg of body weight for dogs.
- Do not split the tablet; administer it whole to maintain the correct dosage.
- Heartgard should be administered once a month, year-round, to provide continuous protection.
Dosage
Administer Heartgard Plus according to the following dosage table:
| Dog’s Weight (lbs) | Heartgard Tablet Strength (mcg) | Pack Color |
| Up to 25 | 68 mcg Ivermectin, 57 mg Pyrantel Pamoate | Blue |
| 26 – 50 | 136 mcg Ivermectin, 114 mg Pyrantel Pamoate | Green |
| 51 – 100 | 272 mcg Ivermectin, 227 mg Pyrantel Pamoate | Brown |
Benefits
- Prevents heartworm disease with monthly administration.
- Controls and treats roundworms and hookworms.
- Safe for puppies as young as 6 weeks old.
- Safe for breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs, ensuring continuous protection across different life stages.
Safety
- Heartgard Plus is strictly recommended for veterinary use only.
- Keep the product away from children.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while administering the product.
- After treatment, immediately wash your hands with soap and water.
- Store at a controlled room temperature of 68-77° F (20-25° C).
Warnings
- Before starting the treatment, consult your vet if your dog has a history of neurological disorders.
- If your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or decreased appetite, contact a vet immediately.
Heartgard Plus – Common Questions from Pet Owners
- What is Heartgard Plus and what does it do?
Heartgard Plus is a monthly chewable medication for dogs that helps prevent heartworm disease while also treating and controlling certain intestinal worms, including roundworms and hookworms. - How does Heartgard Plus work to prevent heartworm disease?
After ingestion, Heartgard targets early-stage heartworm larvae transmitted by mosquitoes. By interrupting the parasite’s life cycle early, it prevents the larvae from developing into harmful adult worms. - Does Heartgard Plus treat existing heartworm infections?
No. Heartgard is a preventive, not a curative treatment. It does not kill adult heartworms. Its purpose is to stop new infections by targeting heartworm larvae acquired during the previous month.
- How often should Heartgard Plus be given?
Heartgard Plus should be given once a month to provide continuous protection. - How long does each dose last?
Each chew provides approximately 30 days of protection, which is why consistent monthly dosing is important. - Can Heartgard Plus be given with food?
Yes. It can be given with or without food, and many dogs accept it easily due to its chewable form. - What if I miss a dose?
If a dose is missed, it should be given as soon as possible. Long gaps between doses may reduce protection.
- Is Heartgard Plus safe for puppies?
Heartgard Plus can be used in puppies from 6 weeks of age, as long as the correct dosage is selected based on weight. - Is Heartgard Plus safe for all dog breeds, including Collies?
Heartgard Plus has been widely used across many breeds, including herding breeds such as Collies. When given at the recommended dose, it is considered safe for the vast majority of dogs. - What side effects may occur?
Most dogs tolerate Heartgard Plus well. In rare cases, mild digestive upset or lethargy may be observed. - Can pregnant or breeding dogs use Heartgard Plus?
Yes. When used as directed, it is generally considered safe for pregnant, breeding, and nursing dogs.
- Is heartworm testing required before starting Heartgard Plus?
Dogs with an unknown prevention history or older puppies are commonly tested for heartworms before starting monthly prevention. - Can dogs with heartworms use Heartgard Plus?
Dogs that already have adult heartworms require veterinary evaluation before any preventive is administered. Heartgard alone is not a treatment for active heartworm infections. - Does Heartgard Plus replace regular vet visits?
No. Routine veterinary checkups and testing remain important even when using monthly preventatives.
- Is Heartgard Plus prescription-only in the United States?
Yes. In the U.S., Heartgard Plus is typically sold as a prescription veterinary medication. - Should Heartgard Plus be given year-round?
Yes. Many veterinarians recommend year-round use because heartworm transmission can occur whenever mosquitoes are present. Continuous protection helps prevent gaps that could increase the risk of infection. - Can Heartgard Plus be used with flea and tick treatments?
Yes. It is commonly combined with separate flea and tick products as part of a broader parasite prevention routine. - Is a prescription required to purchase Heartgard Plus at AnipetShop?
No prescription is required when purchasing Heartgard Plus from AnipetShop. Products are supplied from Australia, where certain pet parasite prevention products are available for purchase without a prescription under local regulations. Orders are shipped directly from the source country. Pet owners should follow product directions and consult a veterinarian if they have any questions about suitability for their dog.