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  • HOME
  • DOG BREEDS

    🐕 A - F

    • Australian Shepherd
    • Beagle
    • Boxer
    • Border Collie
    • Cocker Spaniel
    • Corgi
    • Dachshund
    • French Bulldog

    🐩 G - M

    • German Shepherd
    • German Shepherd Wolf
    • Goldendoodle
    • Greyhound
    • Havanese
    • Husky
    • Labradoodle
    • Maltese
    • Mastiff
    • Miniature Husky
    • Miniature Schnauzer
    • Morkie

    🐶 N - Z

    • Pitbull
    • Pomchi
    • Pomeranian
    • Pomsky
    • Poodle
    • Shih Tzu
    • Shorkie
    • Yorkie

    More Articles on Breeds

    Best Dog Food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks DogStruggles

    10 Best Dog Foods for Rhodesian Ridgebacks

    10 January 2022
    11 Smartest Small Dog Breeds Featured Image

    11 Smartest Small Dog Breeds

    10 January 2022

    Stages of Husky Puppy Development

    10 January 2022
    german shepherd belgian malinois featured on dogstruggles

    German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois – Traits & Comparisons

    10 January 2022
    boxer beagle

    Beagle Boxer Mix – The Complete Boggle Dog Guide!

    10 January 2022
  • DOG FOOD
    • BY BREED
      • For American Bulldogs
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Basenjis
      • For Beagles
      • For Blue Heelers
      • For Border Collies
      • For Boxer Puppies
      • For Bull terriers
      • For Cavalier King Charles
      • For Chihuahua Puppies
      • For Cocker Spaniels
      • For Corgi Puppies
      • For Dachshunds
      • For Dalmations
      • For Dobermans
      • For French Bulldog Puppies
      • For German Shepherd Puppies
      • For German Shorthaired Pointers
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • For Havanese
      • For Hunting Dogs
      • For Jack Russells
      • For Maltipoo
      • For Maltese Puppies
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Morkies
      • For Pomeranians  
      • For Poodles
      • For Husky Puppies
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pugs
      • For Rhodesian Ridgebacks
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Shichons
      • For Saint Bernards
      • For Weimaraners
      • For Yorkies
    • COMPARISON
      • Annamaet
      • Bil-Jac
      • Canine Caviar
      • Evolve
      • Instinct
      • Brands on a Budget
      • Organic Brands
      • Nature’s Logic
      • Nulo
      • Orijen
      • Performatrin Ultra
      • Pro Pac
      • Royal Canin vs Blue Buffalo
      • Sojos
      • Taste of the Wild vs Blue Wilderness
      • Victor
      • Victor Dog Food vs Diamond Naturals
      • Weruva
      • Whole Earth Farm
    • FOR A PURPOSE
      • For Arthritis
      • For Bad Teeth
      • Dehydrated Dog Food
      • High-Calorie
      • High Fiber for Anal Gland Problems
      • Hypoallergenic Foods
      • For IBD 
      • Legume Free
      • Limited Ingredient Foods
      • Low Protein
      • Low Sodium
      • Ollie Dog Food Reviews
      • To Prevent Gas
      • Puppy Milk Replacer
      • For Picky Dogs
      • For Seizures
      • For Sensitive Stomachs
      • For Skin Allergies
      • For Yeast Infections
    • TREATS
      • Dentastix vs Greenies: Which is Better?
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Puppy Training
      • For Yorkies
  • DOG MEDICINE
    • Antihistamines for Allergies
    • Aspirin
    • Benadryl
    • Dewormers
    • DNA Tests
    • Dramamine
    • Ear Cleaners
    • Gabapentin
    • Glucosamine
    • Heartgard
    • Melatonin
    • Nexgard vs Frontline
    • Prednisone
    • Toothpastes
    • Tramadol
    • Trifexis vs Comfortis
    • Xanax
    • Zyrtec
  • DOG SUPPLIES
    • BEDS
      • Bedding for Kennels
      • Bedding for Puppies
      • Chew Proof beds
      • Elevated beds
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Beagles
      • For Bernese Mountain Dogs
      • For Border Collies
      • For Boston Terriers
      • For Boxers
      • For Bulldogs
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Cockapoos
      • For Cocker Spaniels
      • For Corgis
      • For Coton De Tulears
      • For Dachshunds
      • For Dobermans
      • For English Mastiffs
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Rhodesian Ridgebacks
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Siberian Huskies
      • For Weimaraners
      • For Whippets
      • For Vizslas
      • For Yorkies
      • Heated Beds
      • Luxury Beds
      • Orthopedic Beds
      • Waterproof Beds
    • BRUSHES
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Boxer Dogs
      • For Corgis
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Havanese
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Maltese
      • For Maltipoos
      • For Poodles
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Saint Bernards
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Yorkies
    • COLLARS
      • Bark Collars
      • For Chihuahuas
      • Citronella Bark Collars
      • For Dobermans
      • For German Shepherds
      • Leather Collars
      • Reflective Collars
    • CLIPPERS
      • For Airedale Terriers
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Bichon Frise
      • For Border Collies
      • For Coton De Tulears
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Havanese
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Lhasa Apso
      • For Maltese
      • For Matted Hair
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Old English Sheepdogs
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Portuguese Water Dogs
      • For Shih Tzus
    • CRATES
      • Crate Covers
      • For Beagles
      • For Border Collies
      • For Boston Terriers
      • For Boxers
      • For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Dachshunds
      • For Dobermans
      • For English Bulldogs
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • For Huskies
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • Revol Crate
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Separation Anxiety
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Weimaraners
      • Crate Water Bottle
      • Wooden Dog Crates
      • For Yorkies
    • HARNESSES
      • For American Bulldogs
      • For Beagles
      • For Boxers
      • For Bulldogs
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Dachshunds
      • For French Bulldogs
      • Freedom No Pull
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • K9 Harness
      • For Pugs
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Shih Tzu
      • For Siberian Husky
      • For Yorkies
    • LEASHES
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Running
      • Retractable
    • MUZZLES
      • Basket Muzzles
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Pitbulls
    • NAIL CLIPPERS
      • For Cockapoos
      • For Golden Retrievers
    • TOYS
      • Balls
      • Chew Toys for Pit Bulls
      • For Border Collies
      • For Corgis
      • For Dalmations
      • Frisbees
      • Interactive Toys
      • Playpens
      • For Pomeranians
      • Pools
      • Puppy Chew Toys
      • For Shih Tzus
      • Squeaky Toys
      • Tug Toys
    • SHAMPOO
      • For Bulldogs
      • Flea Shampoos
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Huskies
      • Hypoallergenic Shampoos
      • For Maltese
      • Natural Shampoos for Sensitive Skin
      • Oatmeal Shampoos
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Puppies
      • For Shih Tzu
      • For Yorkies
    • Boston Terrier Sweater
    • Dog Camping Tents
    • Hunting Vests
    • Flea Carpet Powder
    • Strollers
    • Training Books
    • Pet Hair Vacuums
  • BLOG
    • Can My Dog Eat That?
      • Biscuits
      • Cheerios
      • Chia Seeds
      • Cinnamon
      • Crackers
      • Dairy
        • Cheese
        • Vanilla Ice Cream
      • Eggs
      • Falafel
      • Fruit
        • Apples
        • Avocado
        • Bananas
        • Blackberries
        • Coconut
        • Mangoes
        • Strawberries
        • Tomatoes
        • Zucchini
      • Honey
      • Hot Sauce
      • Instant Noodles
      • Meat
        • Chicken Bones
        • Chicken Skin
        • Ham Bones
        • Salami
        • Sausage
        • Steak
        • Trout
        • Tuna
        • Turkey
      • Oatmeal
      • Peanut Butter
      • Pink Salt
      • Pita Bread
      • Pizza Crust
      • Popcorn
      • Potato
      • Sunflower Seeds
      • Vegetables
        • Beans
        • Brussel Sprouts
        • Carrots
        • Green Peppers
        • Lettuce
        • Onions
        • Truffles
        • Yellow Squash
    • Cats vs. Dogs
    • Exotic Dog Breeds
      • African
      • Chinese
      • Cleanest
      • Curly Haired
      • English
      • Fastest
      • Long-Legged
      • Small White
      • Smartest Small Breeds
    • Guides
      • Benefits and Risks of a Raw Diet
      • Can I Give My Dog Aspirin?
      • Does CBD Work for Dogs? 
      • Dogs Insurance Will Not Cover
      • Fixing Your Dogs Fear of Bathing
      • Guide to Crate Training a Puppy
      • Guide To Dog Digestion
      • How Long Does It Take To Groom a Dog?
      • How Often Can I Bathe My Dog With Flea Shampoo
      • How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?
      • Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
      • Why Does My Dog Pee On My Bed?
    • GPS Chips
    • How To Guides
      • Keep Dog Off Bed
      • Leash Train a Dog That Won’t Walk
      • Make a Leash Out of Paracord
      • Make a Leather Collar
      • Measure a Dog For a Muzzle
      • Put a Dog Tag on a Collar
      • Sedate a Dog for Grooming
      • Sharpen Nail Clippers
      • Stop Dog from Digging
      • Store Dry Dog Food Long Term
      • Train Dog for Protection
      • Train Dog to Sit Down
      • Wash a Dog Bed With Stuffing
    • Superpowers Dogs Have
    • Why Do Dogs
      • Cough
      • Eat Grass
      • Eat Socks
      • Hump The Air
      • Keep Licking Their Paws
      • Look Sad
      • Penises Stay Out
      • Put Their Ears Back
      • Sleep So Much
      • Wag their Tail
      • Watch TV
    • Why Walking Your Dog is Good for You
  • ABOUT US
  • HOME
  • DOG BREEDS

    🐕 A - F

    • Australian Shepherd
    • Beagle
    • Boxer
    • Border Collie
    • Cocker Spaniel
    • Corgi
    • Dachshund
    • French Bulldog

    🐩 G - M

    • German Shepherd
    • German Shepherd Wolf
    • Goldendoodle
    • Greyhound
    • Havanese
    • Husky
    • Labradoodle
    • Maltese
    • Mastiff
    • Miniature Husky
    • Miniature Schnauzer
    • Morkie

    🐶 N - Z

    • Pitbull
    • Pomchi
    • Pomeranian
    • Pomsky
    • Poodle
    • Shih Tzu
    • Shorkie
    • Yorkie

    More Articles on Breeds

    Best Dog Food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks DogStruggles

    10 Best Dog Foods for Rhodesian Ridgebacks

    10 January 2022
    11 Smartest Small Dog Breeds Featured Image

    11 Smartest Small Dog Breeds

    10 January 2022

    Stages of Husky Puppy Development

    10 January 2022
    german shepherd belgian malinois featured on dogstruggles

    German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois – Traits & Comparisons

    10 January 2022
    boxer beagle

    Beagle Boxer Mix – The Complete Boggle Dog Guide!

    10 January 2022
  • DOG FOOD
    • BY BREED
      • For American Bulldogs
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Basenjis
      • For Beagles
      • For Blue Heelers
      • For Border Collies
      • For Boxer Puppies
      • For Bull terriers
      • For Cavalier King Charles
      • For Chihuahua Puppies
      • For Cocker Spaniels
      • For Corgi Puppies
      • For Dachshunds
      • For Dalmations
      • For Dobermans
      • For French Bulldog Puppies
      • For German Shepherd Puppies
      • For German Shorthaired Pointers
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • For Havanese
      • For Hunting Dogs
      • For Jack Russells
      • For Maltipoo
      • For Maltese Puppies
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Morkies
      • For Pomeranians  
      • For Poodles
      • For Husky Puppies
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pugs
      • For Rhodesian Ridgebacks
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Shichons
      • For Saint Bernards
      • For Weimaraners
      • For Yorkies
    • COMPARISON
      • Annamaet
      • Bil-Jac
      • Canine Caviar
      • Evolve
      • Instinct
      • Brands on a Budget
      • Organic Brands
      • Nature’s Logic
      • Nulo
      • Orijen
      • Performatrin Ultra
      • Pro Pac
      • Royal Canin vs Blue Buffalo
      • Sojos
      • Taste of the Wild vs Blue Wilderness
      • Victor
      • Victor Dog Food vs Diamond Naturals
      • Weruva
      • Whole Earth Farm
    • FOR A PURPOSE
      • For Arthritis
      • For Bad Teeth
      • Dehydrated Dog Food
      • High-Calorie
      • High Fiber for Anal Gland Problems
      • Hypoallergenic Foods
      • For IBD 
      • Legume Free
      • Limited Ingredient Foods
      • Low Protein
      • Low Sodium
      • Ollie Dog Food Reviews
      • To Prevent Gas
      • Puppy Milk Replacer
      • For Picky Dogs
      • For Seizures
      • For Sensitive Stomachs
      • For Skin Allergies
      • For Yeast Infections
    • TREATS
      • Dentastix vs Greenies: Which is Better?
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Puppy Training
      • For Yorkies
  • DOG MEDICINE
    • Antihistamines for Allergies
    • Aspirin
    • Benadryl
    • Dewormers
    • DNA Tests
    • Dramamine
    • Ear Cleaners
    • Gabapentin
    • Glucosamine
    • Heartgard
    • Melatonin
    • Nexgard vs Frontline
    • Prednisone
    • Toothpastes
    • Tramadol
    • Trifexis vs Comfortis
    • Xanax
    • Zyrtec
  • DOG SUPPLIES
    • BEDS
      • Bedding for Kennels
      • Bedding for Puppies
      • Chew Proof beds
      • Elevated beds
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Beagles
      • For Bernese Mountain Dogs
      • For Border Collies
      • For Boston Terriers
      • For Boxers
      • For Bulldogs
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Cockapoos
      • For Cocker Spaniels
      • For Corgis
      • For Coton De Tulears
      • For Dachshunds
      • For Dobermans
      • For English Mastiffs
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Rhodesian Ridgebacks
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Siberian Huskies
      • For Weimaraners
      • For Whippets
      • For Vizslas
      • For Yorkies
      • Heated Beds
      • Luxury Beds
      • Orthopedic Beds
      • Waterproof Beds
    • BRUSHES
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Boxer Dogs
      • For Corgis
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Havanese
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Maltese
      • For Maltipoos
      • For Poodles
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Saint Bernards
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Yorkies
    • COLLARS
      • Bark Collars
      • For Chihuahuas
      • Citronella Bark Collars
      • For Dobermans
      • For German Shepherds
      • Leather Collars
      • Reflective Collars
    • CLIPPERS
      • For Airedale Terriers
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Bichon Frise
      • For Border Collies
      • For Coton De Tulears
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Havanese
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Lhasa Apso
      • For Maltese
      • For Matted Hair
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Old English Sheepdogs
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Portuguese Water Dogs
      • For Shih Tzus
    • CRATES
      • Crate Covers
      • For Beagles
      • For Border Collies
      • For Boston Terriers
      • For Boxers
      • For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Dachshunds
      • For Dobermans
      • For English Bulldogs
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • For Huskies
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • Revol Crate
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Separation Anxiety
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Weimaraners
      • Crate Water Bottle
      • Wooden Dog Crates
      • For Yorkies
    • HARNESSES
      • For American Bulldogs
      • For Beagles
      • For Boxers
      • For Bulldogs
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Dachshunds
      • For French Bulldogs
      • Freedom No Pull
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • K9 Harness
      • For Pugs
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Shih Tzu
      • For Siberian Husky
      • For Yorkies
    • LEASHES
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Running
      • Retractable
    • MUZZLES
      • Basket Muzzles
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Pitbulls
    • NAIL CLIPPERS
      • For Cockapoos
      • For Golden Retrievers
    • TOYS
      • Balls
      • Chew Toys for Pit Bulls
      • For Border Collies
      • For Corgis
      • For Dalmations
      • Frisbees
      • Interactive Toys
      • Playpens
      • For Pomeranians
      • Pools
      • Puppy Chew Toys
      • For Shih Tzus
      • Squeaky Toys
      • Tug Toys
    • SHAMPOO
      • For Bulldogs
      • Flea Shampoos
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Huskies
      • Hypoallergenic Shampoos
      • For Maltese
      • Natural Shampoos for Sensitive Skin
      • Oatmeal Shampoos
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Puppies
      • For Shih Tzu
      • For Yorkies
    • Boston Terrier Sweater
    • Dog Camping Tents
    • Hunting Vests
    • Flea Carpet Powder
    • Strollers
    • Training Books
    • Pet Hair Vacuums
  • BLOG
    • Can My Dog Eat That?
      • Biscuits
      • Cheerios
      • Chia Seeds
      • Cinnamon
      • Crackers
      • Dairy
        • Cheese
        • Vanilla Ice Cream
      • Eggs
      • Falafel
      • Fruit
        • Apples
        • Avocado
        • Bananas
        • Blackberries
        • Coconut
        • Mangoes
        • Strawberries
        • Tomatoes
        • Zucchini
      • Honey
      • Hot Sauce
      • Instant Noodles
      • Meat
        • Chicken Bones
        • Chicken Skin
        • Ham Bones
        • Salami
        • Sausage
        • Steak
        • Trout
        • Tuna
        • Turkey
      • Oatmeal
      • Peanut Butter
      • Pink Salt
      • Pita Bread
      • Pizza Crust
      • Popcorn
      • Potato
      • Sunflower Seeds
      • Vegetables
        • Beans
        • Brussel Sprouts
        • Carrots
        • Green Peppers
        • Lettuce
        • Onions
        • Truffles
        • Yellow Squash
    • Cats vs. Dogs
    • Exotic Dog Breeds
      • African
      • Chinese
      • Cleanest
      • Curly Haired
      • English
      • Fastest
      • Long-Legged
      • Small White
      • Smartest Small Breeds
    • Guides
      • Benefits and Risks of a Raw Diet
      • Can I Give My Dog Aspirin?
      • Does CBD Work for Dogs? 
      • Dogs Insurance Will Not Cover
      • Fixing Your Dogs Fear of Bathing
      • Guide to Crate Training a Puppy
      • Guide To Dog Digestion
      • How Long Does It Take To Groom a Dog?
      • How Often Can I Bathe My Dog With Flea Shampoo
      • How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?
      • Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
      • Why Does My Dog Pee On My Bed?
    • GPS Chips
    • How To Guides
      • Keep Dog Off Bed
      • Leash Train a Dog That Won’t Walk
      • Make a Leash Out of Paracord
      • Make a Leather Collar
      • Measure a Dog For a Muzzle
      • Put a Dog Tag on a Collar
      • Sedate a Dog for Grooming
      • Sharpen Nail Clippers
      • Stop Dog from Digging
      • Store Dry Dog Food Long Term
      • Train Dog for Protection
      • Train Dog to Sit Down
      • Wash a Dog Bed With Stuffing
    • Superpowers Dogs Have
    • Why Do Dogs
      • Cough
      • Eat Grass
      • Eat Socks
      • Hump The Air
      • Keep Licking Their Paws
      • Look Sad
      • Penises Stay Out
      • Put Their Ears Back
      • Sleep So Much
      • Wag their Tail
      • Watch TV
    • Why Walking Your Dog is Good for You
  • ABOUT US
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View All Result
Dog struggles
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Home Dog medicine

Heartgard for Dogs: Dosage and Side Effects

Sarah Robinson by Sarah Robinson
8 January 2022
in Dog medicine
vet giving tablet to white dog
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How much do you love your dog?

If there was a condition that was common, easy to catch, and deadly, whilst treatment against it could put your dog’s life in danger, wouldn’t you move heaven and earth to protect your dog against it?

This is exactly what Heartgard for dogs can do for the canine companion in your life.

Heartgard is a preventative treatment to protect dogs against a deadly blood-borne parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, perhaps better known as Heartworm.

Heartgard for dogs is highly efficient and yet even so there are still rules to play by to keep your pet safe, such as the nature of heartworm.

But to appreciate these rules and to understand how best to use Heartgard, let’s get a measure of heartworm and the devastating damage it can cause your pet.

1. The Life and Times of Heartworm

The heartbreaker behind the whole story is a tiny worm, called Dirofilaria immitis.

This unpleasant parasite is relatively unusual in that it matures slowly, the practical upshot of which is that dogs may not show signs of infection for many months or years.

Indeed, the average age for a dog to become sick with heartworm is two to eight years of age.

cute puppy

But back to the beginning and how heartworm infects your dog.

Dirofilaria travels between hosts (in this case dogs) in the digestive tract of a mosquito.

When that mosquito bites it introduces the infectious larval form of Dirofilaria into your dog.

For a golden period of around two months, those larvae can be killed by a preventative, such as Heartgard.

If however, you miss that step through moment then the consequences are serious…and costly.

After two months those larvae are now young adult worms, and these youngsters are like mini Super worms as they are invulnerable to both preventatives and drugs that kill adults.

They survive and grow for around five months, by the end of which time they are adults.

The adult worms cause major heartache by plugging the heart and major blood vessels, in the same way, that grease plugs a drain.

The heart can’t work properly, the dog shows signs of fatigue, and will eventually go into heart failure.

sad dig

The glimmer of light is that adult worms can be killed by a drug called melarsomine (Immiticide) but the bad news is those dying worms cause a whole new raft of problems including pneumonia, and so the dog isn’t out of the woods yet.

Looking at things logically, the best way to keep your dog healthy is to use a preventative, such as Heartgard for dogs, on a regular basis.

2. What is Heartgard?

Heartgard is a tasty tablet that the dog takes once a month.

It is a prescription product which means it is either supplied direct by your veterinarian or they can write a script for you to order Heartgard from a reputable online pharmacy.

It is so important that your dog takes Heartgard that it’s important to be sure he swallowed the whole tablet and doesn’t spit any out.

With this in mind, encourage your dog to chew the tablet (it improves the release of the active ingredient) and watch him like a hawk to make sure the whole dose disappears down his throat.

The active ingredient is ivermectin, and Heartgard Plus contains the addition of pyrantel as a wormer.

However, it should be borne in mind that despite Heartgard is not a broad spectrum wormer and is not effective against whipworms and tapeworms.

This means that although you use Heartgard conscientiously once a month, you do need to use a top up product against a full spectrum of worm infections.

puppy bone in mouth on dogstruggles

Heartgard is designed to give once a month, although whether to give this preventative all year round is debated by some.

Some people argue that the dog should be given a break from medication during the non-mosquito season, whilst others say this puts the dog at risk should the weather be unseasonably warm.

Indeed, it should be noted that unless Heartgard is given for 12-months of the year, some suppliers refuse to guarantee its effectiveness.

3. Can all Dogs take Heartgard?

Heartgard for dogs has been widely tested and passed as safe for puppies over the age of 6 weeks, pregnant females, and those nursing puppies.

Heartgard only kills the larvae associated with early infection.

Leave the dog unprotected for two months and then apply Heartgard, and it won’t be able to take out those young adult worms.

The next window of opportunity to get your dog healthy again is in five months’ time when the Dirofilaria are fully fledged adults.

Owners of Collie breeds may feel twitchy at the mention of ivermectin.

This is because Collie breeds are more vulnerable to the side effects of ivermectin, which can result in coma and death.

bored pomchi on dogstruggles

However, they can breathe easy where Heartgard is concerned. When you stick within the recommended dose range there is no problem.

Safety trials show that regular dogs can tolerate up to 16 times the recommended dose, whilst for Collies this is still a respectable 10 times.

4. How Else is Heartgard Used?

Heartworm has a complex life cycle, but if your dog is diagnosed with heartworm, the vet will prescribe Heartgard for at least two months.

This is used to kill larvae which could develop into adults further down the line and to prevent reinfection whilst the original problem is being sorted out.

5. What are the Side Effects of Heartgard?

The side effects of Heartgard can either be related to the drug itself or the effects of larvae dying in the blood.

In truth, ivermectin given in accordance with the label is very safe, with occasionally the odd dog getting mild diarrhea.

dog-struggles-black-standard-poodle

When used as a preventative in a continuous manner, the burden of larvae in the bloodstream is kept under control and so side effects from this are less likely.

It is again a rare reaction, but if Heartgard is used to kill larvae in a Heartworm positive dog, there is a chance of dying larvae causing ill-effects such as allergic reactions and blood infections.

6. What are the Signs my Dog has Heartworm?

If you haven’t been as conscientious with your Heartgard as perhaps you wish, then be alert for signs that could indicate your dog has a heartworm infection.

Remember, for several months your dog has no symptoms, even if infected, so clinical signs indicate an infestation with mature worms of at least seven months duration.

  • Lack of energy
  • Coughing
  • Heavy breathing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Difficulty exercising
  • Fainting
  • Fluid in the belly
  • Heart failure
  • Death

7. How does the Vet Diagnose Heartworm?

Heartworm is diagnosed by either looking for the presence of worms in the blood or on a blood test.

In the event of a positive test, the vet will look to confirm the diagnosis by running a second type of test.

This is treatment is long, arduous, and expensive, and sometimes false-positive results do occur.

8. How is Heartworm Treated?

The treatment for adult heartworms is difficult and dangerous, so the vet takes time to get the dog into the best physical shape possible first.

This involves strict rest and treating with Heartgard for dogs to nip recent infections in the bud.

If the dog is showing signs of heart disease, the vet will prescribe medication to support the heart, so that it is better able to cope with the rigors of dying worms passing through it.

pain in dog

A long course of antibiotics may be prescribed against bacteria the heartworm carry, and after two months the dog may be given steroids to take to make the effects of next stage of treatment less problematic.

Ultimately, to kill the adult heartworms three injections of Immiticide are given over a six week period.

Complications such as pneumonia are common, so the dog needs careful monitoring and supervision by a vet.

9. How to use Heartgard?

Crucial to avoid the trauma of putting your dog and you through treatment for heartworm is the regular use of a preventative such as Heartgard.

Give it to your dog monthly from a young age (eight weeks) and continue for life.

Remember, any gap in dosing exposes your dog and puts them at risk of the deadly infection that is heartworm. Read our comprehensive guide on Dog Medication here. 

Sarah Robinson

Sarah Robinson

Dr Sarah Robinson attended veterinary school at Oklahoma State University receiving a D.V.M. in 2008. Sarah’s longtime interest is to help people to better communicate with their pet companions, and in doing so, to help them to strengthen their relationships with their dogs and cats. Sarah has published numerous articles on canine feeding in pet related magazines, veterinary journals and leading natural health web sites.

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