Heartworm preventatives can pose health risks to dogs and cats, especially certain breeds. Always check with your veterinarian to determine whether heartworm preventatives are a good choice for your pet. Consult with your vet immediately if your pet experiences unpleasant symptoms or side effects resulting from heartworm prevention drugs.
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Dangers and Precautions
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Ivermectin is the most common drug used to prevent heartworm disease in dogs and cats. While the medication is usually safe when used as directed, Ivermectin can cause dangerous side effects in some animals. Be aware of the potential dangerous complications, which usually occur within 12 hours of giving the medication to your pet, according to Dr. Dawn Ruben, Petplace.com veterinary writer. Side effects associated with heartworm preventative overdose include blindness, tremors, weakness and stumbling. If your dog has any signs of weakness, excessive sedation or gastrointestinal upset, contact your veterinarian immediately.
To reduce the risk of dangerous complications, only give Ivermectin to dogs older than 6 weeks. Do not give heartworm preventatives to dogs or cats that are positive for heartworm disease unless directed by your veterinarian. Always give heartworm preventatives in the exact doses and at the times recommended by your veterinarian. Most heartworm preventatives, including Ivermectin, are given once a month. Do not use Ivermectin if your pet is on valium or other tranquilizers. Amitraz dips and collars and spinosad (Comfortis) can increase the potential for negative neurologic effects when used in conjunction with Ivermectin as well.
Breed-Specific Dangers
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The most common dangers of heartworm preventative occur in specific breeds that are more likely to have a mutant gene that allows heartworm preventatives to get into the central nervous system. According to the Mar Vista Animal Center, about 35 percent of collies have the genetic mutation that makes them more susceptible to neurological side effects from heartworm preventatives. Test for this gene through your veterinarian or with an oral swab test kit. Old English sheepdogs and Australian shepherds are other breeds that commonly exhibit this genetic mutation. Other breeds can have this mutation as well, though it is rare.
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