Heartgard Plus for Dogs: Dosage, Efficacy & Safety Guide

Did you know that approximately 80% of
dogs in the US are at risk of getting worm infestations? Worms like heartworms,
hookworms, and roundworms are the most common culprits and can lead to serious
health problems in dogs. Therefore, veterinarians recommend deworming dogs
regularly with a trusted deworming treatment such as Heartgard Plus.

Heartgard Plus is a monthly chewable
tablet that prevents canine heartworm disease and treats and controls common
intestinal parasites. However, following the correct dosage is crucial to
ensure maximum efficacy and safety for your dog. In this article, you will gain
an in-depth understanding of the recommended dosage, efficacy, and safety of
Heartgard Plus.

Heartgard Plus

Proven Protection for Heartworms & Intestinal Worms

Heartgard Plus is a
vet-recommended choice of worming treatment for dogs. It is the #1
dog-preferred, real beef-flavored chew that prevents the deadly heartworm
disease, as well as treats and controls five species of intestinal worms. With
its two powerful ingredients, Ivermectin and Praziquantel, Heartgard Plus
ensures your dog remains safe from heartworm disease and effectively treats and
controls 3 species of hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala,
and Ancylostoma braziliense) as well as 2 species of roundworms (Toxocara canis
and Toxascaris leonina).  

Dosage

What is the correct dosage for administering Heartgard
Plus?

Heartgard Plus is available as easy-to-administer chewable tablets. One flavorful Heartgard Plus chewable protects against worms for a full month. It should be administered orally at monthly intervals at the recommended minimum dose level of Ivermectin 2.72 mcg/lb body weight and Pyrantel 2.27 mg/lb body weight.

It is available in color-coded packs in the
following dosage strengths based on the dog’s weight:

Dogs
over 100 lbs should be given a brown dose and another dose equivalent to their
weight over 100 lbs.

Important note: All dogs should be tested/treated for heartworm disease before taking Heartgard Plus. A negative heartworm disease test is required to administer Heartgard Plus to dogs. This is because the chewable can only prevent the heartworm disease and not treat it if the dog is already infected prior to administration.

Also,
if your dog is new to Heartgard Plus, please keep these things in mind:

• The initial Heartgard
  Plus dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s first exposure
  to mosquitoes.
• The final dose
  must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s last exposure to
  mosquitoes.
• When replacing
  another heartworm preventive product in a heartworm disease preventive program,
  the first dose of Heartgard Plus must be given within a month of the last dose
  of the former medication.

Efficacy

How effective is Heartgard Plus for dogs?

When administered
as per the recommended dosage, Heartgard Plus is effective against the tissue
larval stage of heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) for 30 days, preventing their
development to adult stage. The chew is also effective against multiple species
of hookworms and roundworms.

Safety

Is Heartgard Plus safe for all dogs?

HeartGard Plus is suitable for
dogs of all breeds and sizes starting from 6 weeks of age and demonstrates a
wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level, including pregnant,
breeding, and stud dogs. Generally, it is well-tolerated, and side effects are
rare, but there are some exceptions. Certain dog breeds may even be sensitive
to ivermectin and pyrantel. Side effects may include
vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, hypersalivation, etc.

In clinical trials, it was
considered safe when administered along with common flea collars, shampoos,
dips, antibiotics, anthelmintics, and vaccines. However, although HeartGard
Plus is a safe treatment when used as directed, you must consult your
veterinarian prior to administration to get personalized safety advice for your
dog.

Bottom Line

Heartgard Plus is a #1
dog-preferred, real beef-flavored chew designed to keep your dog safe from the
deadly worms. Although generally safe for most dogs, it is crucial to follow
the correct dosage and seek advice from your veterinarian before administering
the treatment, especially for breeds that may be sensitive to the ingredients.
Following your vet’s personalized advice will help ensure the safety and
effectiveness of Heartgard Plus for your furry friend.

David joined CanadaVetCare in 2013 as a product analyst and veterinary assistant. Being a passionate pet lover and keen animal health researcher, David had always found ways and solutions to help pet parents to improve their pets’ health. He is always happy to answer pet health-related queries and recommending pet parents for the right pet product for their furry companions.