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Heartgard Plus

Protecting your cat or dog from contracting an illness is an important part of their care. When you take your pet to the veterinarian, he will examine your pet and take a blood and fecal sample. These samples are used to check for issues with your pet's health, such as worms. If your pet tests negative for these worms, your veterinarian will likely ask you to give your pet Heartgard Plus as a preventive medication.

Uses for Heartgard Medication		Conditions Treated
Heartgard Plus contains small amounts of two different medications. These medications are meant to kill off heartworms and some small intestinal parasites as a means of prevention. If your dog is taking the medication regularly, any worms that do get into its system will be killed by the small dosage. Heartgard for dogs isn't meant to get rid of a widespread problem, which is why veterinarians test for the worms before administering the medication.		The main purpose of giving your dog this medication is to prevent the development of a heartworm infestation. These worms get into your dog's blood primarily through mosquito bites. In addition to giving your pet the prescribed amount of Heartgard Plus, protecting your pet from these insects can also decrease the chances of a heartworm infestation. This medication has also been proven to treat and prevent widespread infestation of intestinal parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms.

Dosing		Administration
Your veterinarian will give you the all clear to use this prescription medication after your pet tests negative for heartworms. The prescribed dosage will be based upon the size of your dog. This medication comes in three different strengths. The lowest dose is for dogs that weigh up to 25 pounds. The middle dosage is for weights between 26 and 50 pounds. The highest dose is for dogs over 50 pounds. Getting your dog weighed at the veterinarian will help you choose the right one.		Heartgard for dogs is easy for many dogs to take without intervention. The large tablets are made from a soft, chewable material that resembles a treat. The tablets are also beef flavored, which many dogs love. In most cases, you only need to give the tablet to your dog once a month in the same way you would give a treat. If your dog refuses to eat it, you can hide the tablet in your dog's food.

Side Effects

Any time you give your pet medication, there is a chance of side effects. While side effects from Heartgard Plus are rare, they can occur. Some of the side effects to watch for with this prescription medication include vomiting, diarrhea, staggering and dilated pupils. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms after ingesting this medication, it is important to seek help from your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Purchasing Heartgard Plus is an important part of ensuring the health of your dog. Administering this medication as instructed will help prevent heartworms, as well as intestinal parasites. When you purchase the medication be sure to ask about rebates. The manufacturer often offers these rebates as an incentive to protect your pet.

Please Note: EntirelyPets.com does not carry Heartgard Plus. The content on this page is for information and education purposes only. Consult with your Veterinarian for more information on Heartgard Plus.