Heartgard Plus Chewables Refill for Dogs
Brand: Boehringer Ingelheim
Heartgard Plus Chewables is a monthly beef-flavored medication prescribed to protect dogs against heartworm disease and treat common intestinal parasites like hookworms and roundworms.
This product is intended for dogs.
Overview
Heartgard Plus Chewables, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, serves as a cornerstone in preventative canine healthcare. It is a highly palatable, real-beef-flavored chewable tablet designed to simplify the process of year-round protection for dogs. Unlike older preventative options such as Diethylcarbamazine, which required daily dosing, Heartgard Plus offers a convenient once-a-month regimen. By utilizing a combination of ivermectin and pyrantel, this medication prevents the development of heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of Dirofilaria immitis larvae that a dog may have been exposed to in the preceding 30 days. Many owners compare it to alternatives like Iverhart Plus or Tri-Heart Plus because of the shared active ingredients and similar efficacy in parasite management. While not an injectable like ProHeart 6 or ProHeart 12, it remains a gold standard for oral prevention due to its high compliance rate among dog owners who find the beef flavor irresistible to their pets. It is important to note that this product is distinct from topical solutions like Advantage Multi for Dogs, which provide different coverage scopes. Unlike treatments like Immiticide, which are used for active heartworm adulticide therapy, Heartgard Plus is strictly a preventative. While other medications like Milbemax or older products like Filaribits Plus and Dimmitrol may offer different parasite control profiles, Heartgard Plus is specifically formulated to provide a broad safety margin for most breeds.
What It's For
- Heartworm Disease Prevention: Prevents the development of heartworm disease in dogs by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae.
- Roundworm Treatment and Control: Treats and controls common species of roundworms, specifically Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina.
- Hookworm Treatment and Control: Treats and controls hookworm infections, specifically Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, and Uncinaria stenocephala.
How To Use
Heartgard Plus is administered orally once a month throughout the year. The chewable is designed to be given as a treat; most dogs will consume it readily, but it can also be hidden in a small amount of food if necessary. It is critical to ensure the dog consumes the entire dose to receive the full therapeutic benefit. Because heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, year-round administration is recommended, even in colder climates, to ensure consistent protection and to eliminate any larvae acquired during intermittent warmer days. The dosage should be selected based on the dog's weight, with appropriate chewables available for small, medium, and large dogs. If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible and resume your monthly schedule. It is highly recommended to consult with your veterinarian for an annual heartworm test before starting or renewing your prescription, as administering heartworm preventative to a dog that already has an adult heartworm infection can lead to severe adverse reactions.
Precautions
Heartgard Plus is intended for use in dogs only. While it has a wide margin of safety, certain dog breeds, specifically Collies and related herding breeds, may have a genetic sensitivity to ivermectin at high doses. However, the dose used in Heartgard Plus is specifically formulated to be safe for these breeds when administered at the recommended label dosage. Always inform your veterinarian of your dog's breed history. Before beginning any heartworm prevention program, your dog must be tested for existing heartworm infection by a veterinarian. If a dog tests positive, the veterinarian will need to determine the best course of treatment, as standard preventatives are not designed to kill adult heartworms and may cause a reaction in heartworm-positive animals.
Key Benefits
- High Palatability: Made with real beef, which makes administration stress-free and pleasant for the dog.
- Proven Efficacy: Long-term clinical history of preventing heartworm disease and controlling common intestinal worms.
- Broad Coverage: Protects against both heartworm larvae and multiple species of hookworms and roundworms simultaneously.
- Convenience: A simple monthly schedule fits easily into a routine and ensures long-term protection.
Where to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is educational only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before using new products on your pet.
