Heartgard Dangers

Heartgard heartworm medication is a preventative prescription drug for pets that helps to control heartworm infection. Heartworms are deadly parasites that attack the pulmonary arteries and hearts of infected dogs and cats and if left untreated this condition could result in the eventual death of your pet. Though clinical trials have shown the medication to be relatively safe when provided at the recommended dosages, there are some Heartgard dangers that pet owners should be aware of.

  1. Improper Dosage

    • Heartgard heartworm medication is prescribed according to the weight of your pet. The primary ingredient in Heartgard, Ivermectin, is a powerful anti-parasitic medication and it is possible for your dog to overdose if given the incorrect dosage. Your dog should be weighed regularly to ensure the Heartgard dosage it receives is adequate for its current weight. Heartgard medication for cats is also prescribed according to weight and should be administered accordingly.

    Breed Sensitivity

    • Heartgard is typically safe for any breed of dog when it is used properly, but there is a risk for breed sensitivity when the medication is administered to Collies. Some types of Collies experience sensitivity to Ivermectin and can show signs of tremors, depression, lethargy, and even coma or death.

    Microfilariae Removal

    • Microfilariae are heartworm larvae. In dogs that are already infected with heartworms, treatment with the Heartgard heartworm medication can cause microfilariae clearance, as larvae killed by the medication begin to circulate through the bloodstream. This causes permanent and irreversible damage to the heart and can cause transient diarrhea and hypersensitivity. Clinical trials show that cats receiving the recommended dose of Heartgard for their weight show a wider margin of safety in taking the medication with circulating microfilariae and are at less risk for complications.

    Allergic Reaction

    • Ivermectin, the primary ingredient in Heartgard heartworm medication, has been shown to produce certain adverse reactions in dogs sensitive to the anti-parasitic medication. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, loss of coordination and seizures are just some of the signs a dog can exhibit when suffering from an allergic reaction to the Heartgard medication for dogs. Clinical studies have shown that felines given the Heartgard medication for cats may also exhibit signs of allergic reaction including vomiting and diarrhea.

    Failure to Dose

    • Failure to dose both dogs and cats once every 30 days with Heartgard heartworm medication poses the risk of heartworm infestation. In order for the medication to provide complete protection it must be given at 30-day intervals, preferably on the same date each month. Failure to provide the medication within this time period increases the risk of adult heartworms developing.