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Directions:
Heartgard (Ivermectin) is given once a month year round for the prevention of heartworm disease. The usual dose of ivermectin in dogs up to 25 pounds is 68mcg, for 26-50 pounds is 136mcg and for 51-100 pounds is 272mcg. Dogs over 100 pounds are given a combination of tablets. The usual dose of ivermectin in cats 5 pounds or less is 55mcg and for cats 6-15 pounds is 165mcg. The tablets are not chewable. As an alternate to year round dosing, this medication can be given during the mosquito season and for one month after the season ends.
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Cautions:
The side effects of ivermectin are rare at the recommended dosage.
Invermectin (nuheart/heartgard) should not be given to collies, border collies, Australian Shepards, Shetland sheepdogs and Old English Sheepdogs as they have a “mutant” gene which causes them not to be able to metabolize the medication properly which leads to the drug reaching toxic levels in the brain.
This medication should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use with caution in Collies. Heartworm testing should be performed prior to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off ivermectin for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6 months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will result in a positive test result. Because humans can contract roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm from animals, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on the pet and in the household and to not feed the pet rodents or uncooked meat or fish. To prevent reinfection, daily cleanup of stools is recommended.
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Only available by prescription.
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