Prevention of the illness is both easier and less costly than having to treat the illness after it has been diagnosed.  Even the early stages of heartworm disease can be potentially challenging to treat.  This is because treatments involve medications that are toxic and require several visits to a veterinarian.  Blood work must be done, and in many cases the pet must be hospitalized for some period of time.

Benefits of Using Heartgard to Prevent Heartworms

There are several benefits of using Heartgard to prevent heartworm disease including: saving money by not having to worry about paying for expensive late stage heartworm treatments, peace of mind that a pet dog or cat will not be threatened with dangerous heartworms which can grow up to 12 inches long and infect the blood, lungs, and heart of a pet, and the added benefit of the prevention of hookworm and roundworm infections.

A veterinarian can prescribe Heartgard, and in most cases it will be prescribed as a preventative since the heartworm parasite is found all throughout the United States and in the rest of the world.  The parasite is called dirofilaria immitis and it is carried primarily by mosquitoes.  Once a mosquito carrier bites a host dog or cat, heartworm infection may begin.

Heartworm infections take about 6 months from the time of exposure in order to be detected by a test.  Therefore it is also important to have a dog or cat checked regularly for infections so that they are caught early on.  Because dirofilaria immitis can be found in so many geographic locations at many different times during the year, most veterinarians will recommend year-round prevention of the disease with Heartgard.

How Heartgard Works to Prevent Heartworms

Heartgard is a medication that is given monthly to prevent heartworms with its active ingredient: ivermectin.  Ivermectin is the most effective at killing the parasite that causes heartworms in its larval stage, also known as the L3 or L4 stage.  Heartgard is also effective at sterilizing adult heartworms and preventing further progression of an already existing heartworm infection.

By killing the larval stage of the disease, the parasite does not have the opportunity to progress to its adult stage where it causes more serious problems in the host.  Some of the symptoms in a dog that may result from heartworm infections include tiredness, dizziness, mild to severe coughing, respiratory difficulties, and more.

In the late stages of the disease, there are severe lung problems, heart failure, liver failure, and kidney failure that can lead to death. In cats, vomiting and gagging is often seen as a symptom of heartworm infections.

If any of the above symptoms are seen in a pet cat or dog, it should be immediately taken to a veterinarian for further diagnosis.

During the advanced stages of heartworm infections, Heartgard is often used in combination with other treatments such as arsenic based medications and surgery.  When taken as a preventative, Heartgard is very effective at preventing heartworms from getting to the first stage of infection. When taken properly as prescribed by a veterinarian, it is shown to be an excellent preventative.

Heartgard Can be Used to Treat Heartworms

Heartgard is used by licensed veterinarians to treat heartworms.  In the early stages of the illness, Heartgard may be used for treatment by itself.  In some cases, Heartgard alone is sufficient to halt the progression of the disease.    Heartgard is often prescribed by veterinarians to treat the illness at various stages due to its effectiveness at killing the larval form of the parasite that causes heartworms.

Heartgard can be used in combination with other treatments, but only a licensed veterinarian will be able to know what the best treatment plan is.  Each individual dog or cat is a unique case that must be treated in a specific manner by a veterinarian.  In order to prepare the animal for further treatment, Heartgard will often be prescribed to be taken for a period of time before other treatments are given.

Heartgard Should Be Used as a Preventative

Although Heartgard is certainly effective when combined with other treatments to treat heartworms, it is best used as a preventative for the disease.  Heartworms are found all throughout the world and there are no species of dog or cat that is immune to the illness.  The disease is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes, and the mosquitoes that carry the heartworm parasite are found everywhere.

Heartgard is also effective at preventing other infections such as roundworm and hookworm infections in dogs, and hookworm infections in cats.  The medication has shown to be safe for all breeds of canine and feline.  Side effects of the medication are very rare.  The medication is designed for safe and easy consumption by all breeds and sizes of dogs.  The medication is taken once monthly as directed by a veterinarian, and doses must not be skipped in order for the medicine to maintain its effectiveness.

Annual checkups for parasites are recommended in order to spot them early on and to allow treatments like Heartgard to have the best effect.  If Heartgard is taken monthly, there is virtually no chance that a pet will get heartworms.  With the added benefit of hookworm and roundworm prevention, Heartgard is a very convenient and safe medication that is much lower in cost than expensive late stage heartworm treatments, and it is guaranteed to keep a pet dog or cat healthy.

Heartgard is Used for Heartworm Treatment

Heartgard is used as a heartworm treatment by many veterinarians in addition to other treatments.  Heartgard is proven to reduce the number of heartworm microfilariae that still may be in the bloodstream of the host dog.  It is also proven to sterilize adult worms and prevent further development of adult worms.

Typically, a veterinarian will put a dog on Heartgard after it has been diagnosed with heartworms.  The dog is placed on the medication for a period to kill immature heartworms and prevent a worsening of the condition.  Heartgard unfortunately can not be used to kill adult worms, which is why other treatments are necessary.

Heartworm Treatment Costs Vary

The treatment costs for heartworm treatment vary. If the disease is caught in the first stage (there are four total stages) treatment can be as simple as prescribing Heartgard and allowing the dog time for the immature heartworms to be killed.  At that stage, the adult heartworms may never develop, and further treatment may not be necessary depending on a veterinarian’s opinion.

However, this would only be possible if the heartworms have not migrated and implanted themselves into the heart and lungs.  For those dogs with stage two to stage four heartworm infections, other treatments must be used.  Treatment costs can go up into the low thousands for Immiticide treatments.  Immiticide is a very expensive arsenic based medication used to kill heartworms.  Even surgery may be used for very advanced cases of heartworms.

Late Stage Treatment Can be Costly

These late stage treatments are performed in combination with Heartgard.  Heartgard is typically used in the first stage of treatment, followed by Immiticide and/or surgery.  If a dog has very advanced stage heartworm disease or requires surgery, there will be costs associated with hospitalization.   Other diagnostics must be performed that will cost money too such as numerous x-rays, blood work, hospital care, food, and other costs related to the hospitalization of a dog infected with heartworms.

The worst case scenario is to have to pay thousands of dollars for dangerous and invasive surgery to treat third or fourth stage heartworms.  Annual testing for heartworms and other parasites is very important in order to prevent the later stages of heartworm infection.

Heartworms can be found in all parts of the word, therefore preventatives like Heartgard should be taken year round after they are prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.  Heartgard is not very much money in comparison to the cost of mid to late stage heartworm treatment.  The high cost for heartworm treatment and the serious health problems associated with the disease are great reasons to get your dog on a prescription of Heartgard today.

Heartworms become more and more difficult to treat the longer that they develop, and administering a preventative like Heartgard will remove the risk of disease progression and kill heartworms in their larval stage. Heartworms are known to cause serious problems with circulation, the immune system, lungs, and heart in dogs.

Pets should be tested annually at the very least for heartworms and other parasites.  In the meantime, the symptoms and signs of heartworms should always be looked for in dogs and cats. The earlier that heartworm infections are detected, the easier they are to treat and less costly.

Heartworms are Difficult to Detect

Dogs do not typically show signs of heartworm infections during the 6 month period that larval worms are not maturing.  There is, however, the possibility that heartworms may cause symptoms during this period by migrating to the eyes or the brain of the dog which would cause atypical symptoms such as blindness and paralysis.

In most cases this does not happen, and there are usually no symptoms until the heartworms have matured into the adult phase.  For dogs that are more sedentary, heartworms will not be as symptomatic.  Dogs that are more active will demonstrate more symptoms.

The test that is used to diagnose heartworms can not currently detect them until between 5-7 months from the time of initial infection.  Therefore, it is very important to use preventatives like Heartgard throughout the year.  By the time that a test may diagnose heartworms, the disease may have progressed substantially.

Signs and Symptoms of Heartworms

A mild cough is one of the first symptoms of heartworms.  Typically owners do not immediately assume that a cough means heartworms, but it is worth being checked by a veterinarian if there is any doubt at all.

Difficulties with breathing are another symptom of a serious problem.  A dog might demonstrate moderate to severe breathing problems that are due to heartworm infections in the lungs.  This should be treated as an emergency.

Moderate to severe coughing is a major symptom of heartworms and should also be treated as a serious problem.

Weight loss and loss of appetite are two symptoms that are often related.  Weight loss occurs due to the loss of appetite. Loss of appetite is definitely a sign of an illness, and may be due to heartworms.

Dogs that have heartworm become averse to exercise.  If a dog is showing hesitation to be active that is abnormal, this behavior is not normal and may stem from a heartworm infection.

Jaundice is the sign of late stage infections that have reached the liver.  The disease is very difficult to treat at this stage.

Be sure to use Heartgard throughout the year to prevent heartworm disease and symptoms.

The best method of fighting heartworms is through prevention with a monthly regimen of a heartworm medication like Heartgard.  Heartgard is an FDA approved heartworm preventative and treatment.  Heartgard taken monthly as directed by a veterinarian is proven to virtually eliminate the risk of heartworm infestations in dogs.

For a dog that has early stage to advanced heartworms, Heartgard is used for treatment because of its effectiveness at killing the larval stage of the parasite and because it stops the further development of adult heartworms.

Heartworms Are a Serious Ailment

Heartworm infection is a serious ailment that has four stages of infection.  Treatment methods outside of ivermectin treatment are expensive and not simple.  Heartworms may be treated through a variety of methods by a professional veterinarian.  Heartworms are often treated with expensive arsenic based medications that may not themselves be safe for the dog.  At the stage of heartworm infection, it comes down to what treatment plan is the safest for the dog and also available to the owner.

For the early stages of heartworm progression, a veterinarian may prescribe Heartgard by itself as a way to control the infestation, prevent further spread of the disease, and keep adult heartworms from reproducing.  Heartgard alone can be effective at doing this for a dog with early stage heartworm disease.

Even with advanced stage heartworm disesase, a veterinarian will still often prescribe Heartgard to be used as a treatment before adult worms are treated.  The reason that Heartgard is used first is because most veterinarians prefer to kill off the L3 and L4 heartworm larvae.  If the adult heartworms are removed or killed off first before the immature migrating larvae are killed, they may simply be replaced by the migrating larvae.

Heartgard May Be Used to Treat Heartworms

In the case that heartworms have been diagnosed, medications like Heartgard that contain ivermectin can be used in order to treat the illness.   The active ingredient in Heartgard, ivermectin, has has been proven to shorten the lifespan of adult heartworms.  It also prevents the dog from spreading the disease and it kills any present larvae to prevent further infection.

Because of the versatility of Heartgard as a heartworm preventative and treatment medication, a veterinarian will in many cases prescribe the medication Heartgard will be prescribed as way to kill off microfilariae, or the larval stage of heartworms.  After the medication has been prescribed for a certain period, advanced treatments may be used.

Heartgard is preferable to be used as a treatment because many alternative treatment options such as surgery or arsenic medications like melarsomine dihydrochloride (Immiticide) are very expensive and potentially dangerous.  If Heartgard can be used in some way for heartworm treatment, it is preferable for the safety of the dog.

The active ingredient in Heartgard, is ivermectin.  Ivermectin prevents heartworm infections by killing the parasite that causes the illness while it is in the larval stage. The medication will also kill larval and adult hookworms.  Hookworms can potentially be transmitted to humans, and a veterinarian should be consulted before Heartgard is used to treat hookworms.

The tablets are available in both flavored and unflavored versions.  There are two versions of the medication available: one for cats up to 5 lbs and another for cats between 5 and 15 lbs.  The tablets can be administered with food, however each situation is unique, and a licensed veterinarian will provide specific instructions on how to safely administer Heartgard.

Heartgard is Safe for Cats and Kittens

The medication is safe for use as prescribed on both cats and kittens that are at least 6 weeks of age.  Heartgard is also safe for lactating or pregnant cats.  However, Heartgard should never be given to cats without consulting a veterinarian beforehand.

Heartgard should only be given to the cat that it was prescribed to.  A prescription is required for the medication, and a veterinarian will be able to discuss in detail how to administer Heartgard for heartworm prevention or for other treatment purposes.

Heartgard is not known to have any major side effects, but some side effects that have been reported in cats include vomiting and diarrhea.  If any side effects occur, a veterinarian should be notified immediately.

Heartworms are a Serious Ailment

Heartworm prevention is very important for cats.  It is known that all cat breeds can be infected with heartworms, and the parasite that causes heartworms can be found all throughout the world. Cats should be screened annually for heartworms and other parasites. Also, cats should be monitored for symptoms that might be due to a parasite infection.

Heartworms in both cats and dogs are a very serious ailment that requires immediate veterinarian treatment.  A veterinarian may or may not prescribe Heartgard for cats during or after a cat has been infected with heartworms.  Prevention of heartworms is best, as treatment can be difficult after larval heartworms have progressed to the adult stage and reached the heart and lungs of the cat.

Treatment of heartworms can be very costly, and the much lower price of Heartgard is better for both safety and insurance against heartworms.  Ask your veterinarian whether Heartgard can be prescribed for heartworm prevention or for the prevention of other parasites.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos to pets, and the parasite that causes heartworms is known to be located all throughout the world.  Also, cats are susceptible to the parasite as well.  It is reported that up to 25% of cats who get heartworms are indoor cats, so even indoor breeds are vulnerable to the parasite.

Easy to Administer for Heartworm Prevention

Interceptor is given once per month to prevent heartworm infestations.  It is easy to administer as the tablet is flavored and can be easily mixed into food.  The medication can be administered throughout the year as a preventative for heartworms in dogs or cats.  It is highly recommended that dog owners use the medication to prevent heartworms, as heartworm treatment can be very difficult after they have matured into the adult phase.

Heartworms can be prevented with regular monthly doses of Interceptor.  Dosage is dependent on the weight of the animal, and a licensed veterinarian will be able to properly prescribe the right version of the medication for the particular animal’s weight.

Interceptor is a prescription medication.  The product should be used as prescribed as a veterinarian depending on the disease that is being treated.

Safe to Use on Kittens and Puppies

Interceptor is safe to use on all breeds of puppies that are at least 4 weeks of age and over 2 pounds and kittens that are at least 6 weeks of age and over 1.5 pounds.

Side effects from the medication are rare.  In cats, the medication does not have reported side effects even at up to ten times the recommended dosage.  However, in dogs that have been some side effects reported, although the medication is safe for dogs as well.

Test Pets Annually and Monitor Their Health

Animals should be tested annually for heartworms, and they should also be tested by a veterinarian for parasites such as heartworms before a preventative regimen of Interceptor is given.  Pet lives can be protected with heartworm preventatives like Interceptor, and it is important to monitor the health of a pet cat or dog to look out for symptoms of heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, or whipworms.

As soon as any irregular symptoms are seen from a pet cat or dog, it should be immediately taken to a veterinarian for diagnosis.  With parasite infestations, the sooner treatment is performed the better.

Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic agent that is effective against several different types of parasites.  It is even prescribed to humans in some cases, and it can be used to treat several types of worm infestations. Pyrantel is a deworming agent that is used in several animals to treat hookworms and roundworms.

Heartgard is prescribed by veterinarians to treat and prevent heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and other intestinal parasites.  If a dog is positive for heartworms, Heartgard may be prescribed but only under the strict supervision of a veterinarian.

Ivermectin and Pyrantel are Available as Generics

Generic Heartgard typically contains ivermectin by itself or combined with pyrantel or another drug.  Both of these drugs are available as generic medications under the name Ivermectin or Pyrantel or other generic brand names.  There are several benefits and disadvantages to using generic versions of these medications.

For one, Heartgard is manufactured with a very strict process that ensures the highest quality for the medication.  Heartgard is not just a combination of pyrantel and ivermectin, it is a unique medication that is easy for many dog and cat breeds to consume.  Generic versions of these drugs might not be as easy to administer to pets.  Similarly, the quailty of the generic ivermectin and pyrantel is not necessarily guaranteed as there are some non-FDA approved versions on the market.

There are safe and high quality generic versions of Heartgard, however they should always be checked with a licensed veterinarian to be fully certain.   Also, some generic Heartgard medications may use the metric system which results in more difficult in administering the proper dose.  Generic Heartgard may or may not be cheaper than regular Heartgard depending on the pharmacy and the deal that is offered, so a lower price is not always guaranteed.

Generic Medications May be More Confusing

Veterinarians often prescribe Heartgard in particular because of the quality of the product and tablet.  They know exactly what amounts of ivermectin and/or pyrantel are in each variety of Heartgard, but for generic versions there are wide variations.  Because some generic versions include various other active or inactive ingredients, and the amounts per dose vary, administering the proper dose amount can be confusing for an owner.  Improper dosage is potentially dangerous.

Although Heartgard may cost more than generic counterparts, it may be worth the few extra dollars for the pet owner’s peace of mind.  The medication is guaranteed to be easy to administer once properly prescribed by a veterinarian.  And, avoiding the potential problem of underdosing or overdosing the medication is another great benefit.

Heartgard Should Be Used As A Preventative

Heartgard is a safe medication that can be given to all breeds when prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.  Heartworms are a very dangerous ailment for a cat or dog, and dogs from all 50 states and worldwide can be infected with heartworms.  The disease is transmitted by mosquitos and heartworms have a higher precedence in warmer areas with higher exposure to mosquitos.

However, it is important to use Heartgard every month of the year no matter where a person and their pet lives.  It is also important for pet owners to have a licensed veterinarian prescribe the medication before purchasing and administering it.  Also, yearly checkups for heartworms and other parasites should be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

How to Save Money on Heartgard

Since Heartgard should be used year-round as a heartworm preventative, it makes sense to look for exclusive discounts and other offers on the medication.  There are several websites that offer deals on Heartgard, and one way to save money on Heartgard is with a Heartgard coupon.

Heartgard can be purchased from several online pet pharmacies and many of those pharmacies have deals on the medication.   Some coupons offer an instate rebate at the time of purchase.  Others are a mail-in rebate that requires  proof of purchase and may take more time to be received.

Merial, the company that produces Heartgard, often has manufacturer coupons on their main website.  These coupon are printable and can be used at several retailers.  Also, online pharmacies like 1-800-PetMeds, PetCareRX, EntirelyPets, and others often offer Heartgard deals and coupons.

Many times these online pharmacies will offer storewide deals, or deals that will save money on Heartgard but are not limited to Heartgard.  This way money can be saved on additional medications that are purchased at the same time.  The discount might be in the form of a coupon or a percentage off the whole order.

Another common deal that online pharmacies offer is free shipping coupons.  Free shipping coupons can save substantial money on Heartgard along with any other medications that are ordered.

Use Heartgard to Prevent Costly Treatment

It is far better to use Heartgard to prevent heartworms than to have to deal and pay for potentially costly heartworm treatments.  Heartworms are a serious threat to a pet’s health, and the regular use of Heartgard as directed by a veterinarian can easily prevent this threat.

Heartgard Chewables are Safe for Cats and Dogs

Heartgard is available as a beef chewable table for dogs and cats to easily eat and digest.  Heartgard chewables are only available through a licensed veterinarian.  Heartgard rarely has side effects and is safe when used as directed by a veterinarian.  Heartgard is safe for use on puppies as young as 6 weeks old, breeding and pregnant bitches, stud dogs, Collies, and small dogs.

Heartgard for cats is safe for kittens as young as 6 weeks old and for pregnant or lactating cats.  However, a licensed veterinarian will be able to properly diagnose special cases such as allergies to the medication, interactions with other medications, breeds that may not respond well to the medication, and other unique circumstances.  Veterinarians should be notified if a cat or dog has a known allergy to beef, Ivermectin, or any other ingredient in Heartgard.

Pets Should be Tested Annually For Parasites

Cats and dogs should be tested for heartworms and other parasites annually.  If dogs are diagnosed with heartworms, they may be hospitalized or they may be treated with Heartgard as directed by a veterinarian.

Heartgard should be used to prevent heartworms and other parasites in dogs and cats.  A pet owner should always consult with a veterinarian before using Heartgard as a heartworm preventative.  A veterinarian will be able to give the proper directions for administering Heartgard.

Heartworm and Parasite Prevention is Recommended with Heartgard

Dogs are more susceptible to heartworms if they are outdoors during mosquito seasons.  Mosquitos are known to transmit Dirofilaria immitis to dogs, which is the parasite responsible for heartworms. Dirofilaria immitis can be found in all 50 states of the U.S., in Canada, and worldwide, and all dog breeds are known to be susceptible.

In areas where the temperature averages above 57 F yearly, Heartgard is recommended as a year-round preventative due to a greater chance of infection.  Heartworm preventatives such as Heartgard are effective in 99 percent of all cases when administered properly.  Heartworm infections while preventatives such as Heartgard are being administered only happen when doses are missed.

Ask a licensed veterinarian for more information on heartworm and parasite prevention using Heartgard chewables.