**Heartgard Plus Chewables: Protecting Your Canine Companions from Deadly Heartworms**

Heartgard Plus chewables are an FDA-approved, easy-to-administer monthly treatment that provides broad-spectrum protection for dogs against heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms.

**The Dangers of Heartworms**

Heartworms are parasitic worms that reside in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected animals. They can cause severe damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs, leading to life-threatening complications.

According to the American Heartworm Society, about 1.3 million dogs in the United States are infected with heartworms. The infection is more common in certain areas, such as the southeastern United States and the Gulf Coast.

**How Heartgard Plus Works**

Heartgard Plus chewables contain two active ingredients: ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate.

• Ivermectin: Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent that kills heartworm larvae (microfilariae) and adult heartworms. It also kills hookworms and roundworms.

• Pyrantel pamoate: Pyrantel pamoate is an anthelmintic that kills hookworms and roundworms.

Together, these ingredients provide comprehensive protection against heartworms and other common intestinal parasites.

**Benefits of Heartgard Plus Chewables**

• Highly effective: Heartgard Plus chewables are 100% effective in preventing heartworm infection when used monthly as directed.

• Broad-spectrum protection: Protects against heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms.

• Easy to administer: Chewable tablets are flavored for easy acceptance by dogs.

• Convenient: Monthly administration ensures continuous protection.

• Veterinarian-recommended: Heartgard Plus chewables are recommended by veterinarians as the most effective and convenient way to prevent heartworm disease.

**Dosage and Administration**

Heartgard Plus chewables should be given monthly, on or around the same day each month. The dosage is based on the dog's weight:

• 26-50 pounds: 1 chewable tablet

• 51-100 pounds: 2 chewable tablets

• 101 pounds and over: 3 chewable tablets

Heartgard Plus chewables can be given with or without food. They can be crushed and mixed with food for dogs that may not swallow the tablets whole.

**Safety Precautions**

Heartgard Plus chewables are generally safe for use in dogs over 6 weeks of age. However, they should not be given to dogs that are allergic to any of the ingredients.

Collies and other herding breeds may be more sensitive to ivermectin than other breeds. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about giving Heartgard Plus to your dog.

**Effective Strategies for Heartworm Prevention**

• Monthly heartworm prevention: Use Heartgard Plus chewables or another FDA-approved heartworm preventive monthly, as directed by your veterinarian.

• Regular testing: Have your dog tested for heartworms annually, even if they are taking heartworm prevention. This will ensure early detection and treatment if they become infected.

• Mosquito control: Mosquitoes transmit heartworms, so taking steps to reduce mosquito populations around your home can help prevent infection.

• Keep dogs indoors: Keep dogs indoors at night, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Use mosquito repellents: Use mosquito repellents on dogs when they are outdoors.

**How to Administer Heartgard Plus Chewables**

1. Choose the correct dosage: Refer to the dosage table above to determine the correct number of chewable tablets to give your dog.

2. Give the tablet: Place the chewable tablet in your dog's mouth and let them chew it. You can also crush the tablet and mix it with food if your dog refuses to swallow it whole.

3. Observe your dog: Watch your dog for a few minutes after giving them the tablet to make sure they do not spit it out or have an allergic reaction.

4. Store properly: Store Heartgard Plus chewables in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.

**Frequently Asked Questions**

Q: Is Heartgard Plus chewables safe for puppies?
A: Yes, Heartgard Plus chewables are safe for use in puppies over 6 weeks of age.

Q: How often should I give my dog Heartgard Plus chewables?
A: Heartgard Plus chewables should be given monthly, on or around the same day each month.

Q: Can I give my dog Heartgard Plus chewables if they are allergic to ivermectin?
A: No, Heartgard Plus chewables should not be given to dogs that are allergic to ivermectin. Consult with your veterinarian for alternative heartworm prevention options.

Q: What should I do if my dog vomits after taking a Heartgard Plus chewable?
A: If your dog vomits within 30 minutes of taking a Heartgard Plus chewable, give them another tablet. If your dog vomits again after taking the second tablet, contact your veterinarian.

Q: Can I use Heartgard Plus chewables in pregnant or nursing dogs?
A: Heartgard Plus chewables are safe for use in pregnant or nursing dogs. However, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication to a pregnant or nursing dog.

**Call to Action**

Heartgard Plus chewables are an essential part of protecting your dog from heartworms and other harmful parasites. Contact your veterinarian today to discuss adding Heartgard Plus to your dog's monthly preventive care routine.

**Tables**

Table 1: Heartgard Plus Dosage

Table 2: Heartworm Infection Rates by Region

Table 3: Benefits of Heartgard Plus Chewables