When searching through the Internet, you will often see advertisements for Heartgard Plus but how do you know the best choice to make for your pet? This article will give you valuable tips on making the best choice for yourself.
Heartgard Plus is a monthly heartworm medication for dogs and cats. It is 100 percent effective against heartworms, and treats and prevents other deadly parasites. Plus, your pet will accept these chewable tablets, and consume the whole dose every time.
Heartgard Plus comes in three weight ranges; 0–25 lbs, 26–50 lbs, and 51–100 lbs. And it is the #1 choice of veterinarians for heartworm disease prevention.
For Cats
Heartgard is also used for the control of hookworms in cats. The usual dose for cats (5 pounds or less) is 55 mcg and for cats 6-15 pounds is 165 mcg. Side effects in cats include agitation, loss of appetite, staggering, dilated pupils, tremors, blindness and disorientation. The symptoms of overdose in cats may include disorientation, tremors, incoordination, and blindness.
Heartgard works not by totally preventing the presence of heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) in the host animal, but by eliminating the tissue stage of the worm and blocking development to harmful stages.
For Dogs
Dogs of any age can succumb to roundworms from an atmosphere contaminated by the feces of infected animals. Dogs over 6 months of age need to be examined for heartworm disease before being put on any medication. Dogs with roundworm and hookworm infections may magnify the risk of human exposure, especially in children.
Fortunately, prevention is a snap with Heartgard (ivermectin) Chewables or HEARTGARD Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), because dogs prefer the taste and texture of these Real-Beef Chewables thirty-seven to one over the next leading brand.
Generic Versions
Both products are available in generic forms (Iverhart Plus, Valueheart)--and at half the price! While the packaging, color or shape may differ, they contain the same actual drug and perform similarly.
Please note that both the Heartgard and its generics can be found in in hard tablets, not meat-flavoured chewables like Heartgard Plus. Both the generic and name brand versions contain the same ingredient, ivermectin, at the same dose. So these products are the same in terms of safety and effectiveness.
In Australia, generics (and the manufacturing facilities in which they are made) are rigorously inspected and tested in order to be registered and sale of the product allowed. So you can be assured of the quality of the product when buying it. When used as directed, it will ensure the same protection for your pet against heartworm infection, as Heartgard will.
Please note that the two products Heartgard and Heartgard Plus do not prevent the same symptoms. Heartgard prevents heartworms but does not control roundworms and hookworms like Heartgard Plus does.
Conclusion
The number of animals who have heartworms or signs of heartworms is alarming; you may not see the symptoms right away, but when you do, you should speak to your veterinarian immediately. Finding out all you can about treatment options could save your pet's and health in the long run.
