Heartgard Plus: The #1 Vet Recommended Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease continues to be a serious and potentially fatal condition affecting dogs across the United States. As such, veterinarians universally agree on the importance of prevention, and among the many options available,
Heartgard Plus has solidified its place as the most trusted and widely recommended heartworm preventative.
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called
Dirofilaria immitis. Transmitted through mosquito bites, these worms mature and settle in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of infected animals, leading to severe lung disease, heart failure, and potentially death.
Why Prevention is Critical
Unlike many other parasitic infections, treating heartworm disease after infection is complex, risky, and very expensive. This is why
prevention is considered the best form of protection. Regular administration of heartworm prevention medications ensures that immature heartworms are killed before they become adult worms.
Why Vets Recommend Heartgard Plus
Heartgard Plus stands out among other heartworm preventatives for several reasons:
- Proven Efficacy: Heartgard Plus effectively kills the heartworm larvae (microfilariae) before they can mature.
- Broad Spectrum Protection: In addition to heartworms, it also eliminates common intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms.
- Easy Administration: The beef-flavored chewable tablet is palatable and well-accepted by most dogs.
- Trusted Brand: Manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, Heartgard Plus has a long history of safety and effectiveness.
How Heartgard Plus Works
Heartgard Plus contains two powerful active ingredients:
- Ivermectin – kills heartworm larvae.
- Pyrantel – treats and controls roundworms and hookworms.
This monthly chew treats all stages of these parasites within the medication's spectrum and helps keep your dog healthy year-round.
How to Administer Heartgard Plus
Veterinarians recommend administering Heartgard Plus once every 30 days, year-round, without interruption. It's crucial to stay on schedule, as missing even one dose can leave your dog vulnerable to infection.
Who Should Take Heartgard Plus?
Heartgard Plus is suitable for dogs and puppies 6 weeks of age and older. However, dogs should be tested for heartworm before beginning any preventative treatment to ensure they are not already infected.
Potential Side Effects
While Heartgard Plus is generally safe, some dogs may experience mild side effects:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
These side effects are usually rare and mild. Consult your vet if any symptoms seem unusual or persistent.
How Heartgard Plus Compares to Other Brands
There are other heartworm preventatives on the market, like Interceptor Plus, Trifexis, and Sentinel. However, Heartgard Plus differentiates itself with its palatability, proven performance, and wide-reaching protection. Many dogs eagerly take the beef-flavored chew as a treat, which aids in consistent administration.
Veterinary Endorsements and Reviews
Veterinarians frequently prescribe Heartgard Plus due to its decades-long track record of success and minimal side effects. Pet owners also report ease of use and overall satisfaction with the product.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to protecting your dog from the devastating effects of heartworm disease, prevention truly is the best medicine. With
Heartgard Plus, dog owners can gain peace of mind knowing they’re using the
#1 vet recommended heartworm preventative, trusted by professionals and loved by pets.
Talk to your veterinarian about getting your dog on a Heartgard Plus regimen today. Prevention is simple, affordable, and—most importantly—effective.
