Ivermectin prevents heartworms in dogs by killing off the larvae before they have a chance to grow into adult heartworms. Heartworm symptoms include coughing, fatigue, anemia, and weight loss as the adult heartworms attack the heart and blood veins. Ivermectin is sold under brand names such as Heartgard, Ivomec, Iverhart and Zimectrin. Your dog will remain free of heartworms with a proper ivermectin regimen.
Things You'll Need
- Ivermectin
- Stickers
- Calendar
Instructions
Ask your veterinarian to test your dog for heartworms and request a prescription for ivermectin. Although ivermectin can be given to heartworm positive dogs, additional steps will be needed to remove the adult heartworms from your dog's body.
Administer the ivermectin at a dosage of .0015 to .003 per lb. of your dog's body weight once a month. Ivermectin is typically sold in pill form, although injections, pastes, and liquids are also available.
Hide the ivermectin pill in your dog's food if he struggles against your efforts. This technique works best in wet dog food. Check the leftover food to make sure your dog actually ingested the pill.
Watch your dog for signs of ivermectin sensitivity, overdose or toxicity. This is most common in collies and collie mixed breeds, and when ivermectin is used in large doses in any breed of dog. Symptoms include blindness, body tremors, weakness, disorientation and shock. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if any of these occur after his heartworm treatment.
Track your monthly ivermectin heartworm doses on a calendar with the monthly stickers commonly provided. Even if you miss a dose, it is safe to continue monthly treatment as soon as possible. Continue treatment for as long as your veterinarian recommends, even if your dog no longer exhibits heartworm symptoms.