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One of the more recent developments that have frustrated both veterinarians and animal guardians alike is the removal of the non-flavored Heartgard tablet. While in the vast majority of cases this is not an issue, as most pets love the Heartgard chewable tablet, some pets may have a chronic skin issue and need to eliminate common flavors and meats from the diet, like beef (the flavoring used in the Heartgard chewable tab). As a result, this forces animal guardians to use a topical means of heartworm prevention like Revolution. Hopefully with enough marketing pressure by vets and animal guardians alike, the non-chewable form will be back soon. |
Another common question I get from guardians is what to do if they miss a dose of Heartgard. Generally speaking, it is okay to start up the preventative right away if a dose is missed. In fact, in most circumstances, Heartgard lasts for at least 45 days in preventing heartworms, so there is usually no need to worry or retest before redosing. Simply resume the normal once monthly schedule.
Another hot topic in recent years is whether Heartgard can be used to treat heartworms rather than the expensive series of injections given at the vet office to heartworm-positive dogs. While it is usually preferable in most cases to treat a heartworm positive dog with the approved injectable medication Immiticide at the local vet, another alternative in pets that are at risk for treatment reactions or for those clients who can’t afford the Immiticide treatment protocols, I recommend using Heartgard monthly for at least 1-2 years.
Because many heartworm positive dogs are also positive for another parasite called Wolbachia, a 3-4 week course of Doxycycline is often used at the same time. I have seen many cases eventually turn heartworm-negative when Heartgard is used this way continuously year round. Obviously if a pet has advanced signs of heartworm disease, such as heart failure, abdominal fluid retention, etc., it is best to use the approved Immiticide for treatment in most cases.
Lastly, I’m also frequently asked about side effects or risks associated with Heartgard. While the drug company claims the amount of Ivermectin is too small to cause a reaction in sensitive breeds, like Collies and related breeds, I will usually prefer to use monthly Interceptor. Although rare digestive or neurological reactions can occur with any heartworm preventative medication, I haven’t found Heartgard to be more of a risk to give certain breeds that suffer from seizure disorders or to dogs that are on phenobarbitol
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2 Comments
we rescued a Maltese mix, she was unable to breed anymore so she was dumped at the shelter to be put down, we were told she was 3 yr. but later her papers showed 7 yr., do you think they checked her for heartworms? I have never put a dog on heartworm medicine, how do animals get heartworms? how do you know if your dog has heartworms? I am fighting fleas, my little dog has never had fleas and now even with Advantix I cannot get rid of them and she is suffering. We sprayed in and out, lauandered everything but 6 weeks later its still a nightmare for her.
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
I would use foggers or products like knockout from 1800petmeds. Fleabusters is another good one you can find on line. Much of fleda life cycle occurs in home. you can also treat home with exterminator as ideal. HEartworms are transmitted by mosquito bite. HEartworm is detected by simple blood test at your veterinarian. If negative, your vet can write script for monthly heartworm prevention interceptor or heartguard to fill at 1800petmeds.
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I’ve had our pooch on heartgard for years, and we’ve never had a problem. We live around a lot of mosquitoes, too. They come flocking every summer when it gets muggy out. I’ve heard interceptor is good to, but would personally choose heartgard, if you were asking me to choose, since I’ve personally used it.
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
March 13th, 2011 at 11:32 am
Heartguard and interceptor are both excellent products. Some clients prefer one over the other. I find that dogs seem to like the heartguard chewable better in terms of taste and palatability but dogs will eat the interceptor as well. Interceptor also has protection against whipworms while heartguard I find is more protective against hookworms. Both are equally as effective in my experience for heartworms.
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