There are rarely side effects, if given at the proper dosage, but some dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or incoordination . In the case of an allergic response to the heartworm medication, a dog may experience itching, hives, swelling of the face, or even seizures or shock.
Can Heartgard make my dog sick?
The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of HEARTGARD: Depression/lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions and hypersalivation . SAFETY: HEARTGARD Plus has been shown to be bioequivalent to HEARTGARD, with respect to the bioavailability of ivermectin.
What are the side effects of heartworm treatment in dogs?
Twenty-six dogs (52%) experienced minor complications, such as injection site reactions, gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance), and behavioral changes (lethargy, depression) during or after heartworm treatment.
Can heartworm medicine hurt my dog?
The treatment for heartworm disease is not easy on the dog or on the owner’s pocket book. Treatment can be potentially toxic to the dog’s body and can cause serious complications, such as life-threatening blood clots to the dog’s lungs.
Can my dog jump on the couch after heartworm treatment?
There is no reason to allow running, jumping, or other physical activity at any time for 8 weeks after the start of the injectable heartworm adulticide treatment .
How long do side effects of heartworm treatment last?
For seven to eight weeks following injection, a cough will be noticeable. If this cough persists beyond this or is especially severe, as well as if your dog is demonstrating shortness of breath or fever, contact your veterinarian right away.
Does heartworm medicine have side effects?
Oral Heartworm Medications
There are rarely side effects, if given at the proper dosage, but some dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or incoordination . In the case of an allergic response to the heartworm medication, a dog may experience itching, hives, swelling of the face, or even seizures or shock.
What should I watch after heartworm treatment?
There may be some muscle soreness in his/her lower back as a result of the injections administered in this area for the heartworm treatment. The soreness usually resolves within 3-7 days after the treatment. Please administer the prescribed medication to relieve the discomfort.
Why is my dog panting after heartworm treatment?
The injections are given within the muscle and can indeed be uncomfortable, but the inflammation that develops within the days following creates the most discomfort. Restlessness, panting, trembling and reduced appetite can all be signs that the dog is uncomfortable .
What happens if a dog eats too much heartworm medicine?
Toxicity can occur if a dog is given an excessive dose of the medication (10 to 20 times the recommended dose). Additionally, certain dogs are genetically hypersensitive to the medication. In these dogs, ivermectin can pass directly to the brain and be toxic or even lethal .
What happens if my dog eats too much Heartgard?
Your dog has consumed roughly four times the recommended dose. Ivermectin toxicity cannot be reversed. If the drug was given within the past 4 – 6 hours, your veterinarian may induce vomiting and/or give your dog activated charcoal to help minimize the amount of ivermectin that is absorbed .
Does heartworm medication make a dog lethargic?
Heartworm preventatives can cause serious side effects in some dogs, including depression, lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, dilation of the pupil, loss of balance, staggering, convulsions, and hy-persalivation.
What are the side effects of Heartgard Plus?
The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of HEARTGARD: Depression/lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions and hypersalivation .
How long does ivermectin toxicity last?
Most patients with ivermectin toxicosis respond well to supportive care and return to normal within 48 to 72 hours .
How long does heartworm medicine stay in the dog’s system?
Heartgard has the active ingredient ivermectin in it. Ivermectin has a half-life of 2 days in the dog. That means 1/2 of the drug is eliminated from the body in 2 days. So at most it is active for 4 days per month .
What percentage of dogs survive heartworm treatment?
What is the treatment? There is some risk involved in treating dogs with heartworms, although fatalities are rare. “A new drug is available that does not have as many side effects, allowing successful treatment of more than 95% of dogs with heartworms.”
Can dog climb stairs after heartworm treatment?
Strict rest is imperative for 6-8 weeks. This means that your pet can be leashed walked outside to urinate and defecated, but must come back inside to rest. Do not allow your pet to run, jump, climb stairs , or play rough with other dogs or children.
How do I comfort my dog after heartworm treatment?
- give my dogs several, short leash walks during the off-temperature times of the day. ...
- provide more exploration and sniffing activities than actual walking.
How often should I give my dog heartworm medicine?
Because heartworms must be eliminated before they reach this adult stage, it is extremely important that heartworm preventives be administered strictly on schedule ( monthly for oral and topical products and every 6 months or 12 months for the injectable ).
Should Heartgard be given with food?
Heartgard Plus may be offered by hand or added to the food. It does not need to be given with food to be effective . Heartgard Plus should be given in a manner that encourages the dog to chew, rather than swallow without chewing. Chewables may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole.
What is the success rate of heartworm treatment?
While most dogs ( about 98 percent ) treated with heartworm disease will clear the infection and not require additional treatment, there is the chance that a second round of medication is needed. It can take many months for the dog to have a negative follow-up heartworm antigen test.
Can dogs live a normal life after heartworm treatment?
Dogs with heartworm disease can live high-quality lives as long as they are given appropriate care . After completing treatment and following your veterinarian’s recommenda- tions on heartworm disease testing and prevention, the chances of any long-term effects are very low.
