Heartgard for Dogs

If you've recently adopted a rescued dog, there is the chance that your dog may have a heartworm infection. Though most every shelter tests dogs for heartworm, in some cases the infection may not show up until six months after first contact with the parasite. Because of this, it's essential to have your dog on a regular heartworm preventive medication. Heartgard is one of the most common anti-heartworm medications that's prescribed by veterinarians.

The Active Ingredient in Heartgard

The main active ingredient in Heartgard is called Ivermectin. Ivermectin is a common antiparasitic medication that is used in veterinary medicine. In the majority of compositions, Ivermectin is used to treat parasitic infections relating to worms. Since Ivermectin does not cross the blood-brain barrier in most mammals, this makes it an ideal antiparasitic agent. However, at high doses, Ivermectin can pass the blood-brain barrier, with toxic results.

How to Use Heartgard

In the majority of cases, Heartgard is used as a preventive medication to keep your dog from getting heartworm. Heartworm in dogs can be a life threatening condition, so it's essential that you keep your dog on a regular schedule with Heartgard. However, in some cases, Heartgard may be used in combination with other methods to treat an existing infestation with heartworms. Never try to use Heartgard to treat a heartworm infection on your own! Since the treatment for heartworm requires your veterinarian's expertise, always consult your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog has a heartworm infection.

How Heartgard is Administered

Unlike some other pet medications, Heartgard for dogs has a slightly unique feature for administration of the dosage. Heartgard is available in a chewable form, which is marketed as being a “Real-Beef” chewable. Most dogs will eat the Heartgard chewable dosage voluntarily, without any intervention required on the part of their owner.

Can Heartgard be Toxic to Dogs?

For the majority of dogs, Heartgard does not have a high rate of toxicity, and has minimal side effects. However, there are certain dogs which may be affected by Heartgard. Some dog breeds have a mutation within their MDR1 gene, which means that they are extremely sensitive to the toxic side effects which may occur with Ivermectin. Since Ivermectin is the main active ingredient in Heartgard, it's best for your veterinarian to assess these risks. Breeds which are more prone to this type of gene mutation are the Australian Shepherd, the Smooth Collie and the Rough Collie.