Heartworms are spread from pet to pet through the bites of mosquitos. If untreated, heartworms can cause your pet to die. Heartworm medications are effective in preventing and treating heartworms; however, some may have deadly effects.
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ProHeart6
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ProHeart6 has been implicated in the deaths of several dogs. ProHeart6 is a heartworm medication that is administered through a twice-yearly injection. Per the request of the Food and Drug Administration, the ProHeart6 maker pulled the product off the shelves in 2004.
Heartgard Plus Chewables
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Heartgard Plus is a chewable tablet that provides protection against heartworms and also helps to treat roundworms as well as ringworms. This heartworm medicine requires a prescription from a veterinarian. Side effects from Heartgard Plus are rare if the medicine is given at the recommended dose. However, one of the side effects of the medicine if given at a higher dose is death.
Caparsolate
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Caparsolate is an arsenic-based injectable liquid compound that is used to kill heartworms. Caparsolate is administered intravevenously twice a day for two days while the dog is hospitalized. Caparsolate is only effective in less than half of the dogs treated. Additionally, treatment with Caparsolate may be fatal to your dog.
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