HEARTGARD PLUS is an ivermectin-and-pyrantel chew for dogs, given orally at monthly intervals to prevent heartworm disease and treat and control certain roundworms and hookworms. It is for use only by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian; a veterinarian should guide testing and treatment decisions.
Use the chew for the dog’s current weight band and follow its label directions. It does not treat adult heartworms or prevent fleas and ticks.
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What is Heartgard for dogs?
HEARTGARD PLUS is a chewable heartworm preventive containing:
- Ivermectin: eliminates susceptible tissue-stage heartworm larvae for a month (30 days) after infection.
- Pyrantel: treats and controls listed adult intestinal roundworms and hookworms.
The product label states: “Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.” HEARTGARD PLUS does not treat adult heartworms. A veterinarian should determine whether a dog needs testing before starting or restarting prevention and what to do if infection is found. Read the product label.
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What Heartgard treats and prevents
| Parasite | What HEARTGARD PLUS does |
|---|---|
| Heartworms | Prevents canine heartworm disease by eliminating susceptible tissue-stage larvae. |
| Roundworms | Treats and controls the listed roundworms. |
| Hookworms | Treats and controls the listed hookworms. |
| Fleas and ticks | Does not treat or prevent them. |
It is not a complete parasite-control program. Ask a veterinarian whether the dog needs other parasite prevention or testing.
HEARTGARD PLUS dosage for dogs
Give the chew by mouth at monthly intervals. The label recommends a minimum target dose of ivermectin 6 mcg/kg (2.72 mcg/lb) and pyrantel, as pamoate salt, 5 mg/kg (2.27 mg/lb). Use the veterinarian-directed chew for the dog’s weight band:
| Dog’s weight | Ivermectin per chew | Pyrantel per chew |
|---|---|---|
| 0–25 lb | 68 mcg | 57 mg |
| 26–50 lb | 136 mcg | 114 mg |
| 51–100 lb | 272 mcg | 227 mg |
For dogs over 100 lb, the label calls for an appropriate combination of chews. HEARTGARD PLUS is recommended for dogs six weeks of age and older. Do not estimate or change a dose yourself; ask the veterinarian which weight band applies.
How to give HEARTGARD PLUS
- Check the weight band. Follow the veterinarian’s directions for the dog’s current weight.
- Give the complete chew monthly. Keep to the veterinarian-directed schedule.
- Encourage chewing. Observe the dog while it eats the chew. For a dog that swallows treats whole, the FDA says the chew may be broken into pieces. It may also be placed intact in a small amount of food to encourage chewing; ensure the complete dose is eaten at once.
- Observe the dog for a few minutes. The label recommends redosing if a portion is suspected lost. Contact the veterinarian for advice about an individual dosing question.
- Store it securely. Keep remaining chews in the box to protect them from light, and keep the medication away from animals and children.
See the FDA safety-related labeling information for additional administration and storage guidance.
What to do if you miss a dose
Contact the veterinarian for instructions if a dose was missed, several doses were missed, or you are unsure whether the dog received the complete chew. The veterinarian can advise whether testing or a change in the prevention plan is needed; do not give an extra dose on your own.
HEARTGARD PLUS side effects
The product label’s post-approval reports list vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, seizures, ataxia, muscle tremors, hypersalivation, and pruritus. These are reported event types, not a ranked measure of risk. The label cautions that not all adverse events are reported and that their frequency or causal relationship cannot reliably be estimated from the reports. FDA safety information provides further context.
Contact a veterinarian if the dog has concerning symptoms after a dose. For seizures, severe weakness, collapse, breathing difficulty, or a suspected overdose, seek urgent veterinary advice and have the product package available.
HEARTGARD PLUS and Collies
The product label discusses sensitivity in certain Collies at elevated ivermectin doses, more than 16 times the recommended target use level, including neurologic signs among reported reactions. The label also reports no signs of toxicity in sensitive Collies at ten times the recommended dose in the cited HEARTGARD studies, and supports safety when used as recommended. These findings do not mean the labeled dose is a high dose; use the product only as directed by the veterinarian.
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Do not substitute horse, cattle, or other livestock ivermectin for a dog product. If your dog is a Collie, has known drug sensitivity, or may have received another ivermectin product, ask the veterinarian for advice.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why testing matters
HEARTGARD PLUS prevents heartworm disease; it does not treat adult heartworms. A veterinary-reviewed consumer source recommends testing before starting, and a veterinarian should determine the appropriate testing and treatment plan, especially when a dog has an unknown prevention history or a gap in doses. A healthy-looking dog can still have heartworm infection.
Important precautions
- Veterinary oversight: The product is restricted to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
- Use the dog product as directed: Do not substitute livestock medication or give an extra dose without veterinary advice.
- Discuss other medications: Tell the veterinarian about other preventives, dewormers, and medicines the dog receives.
- Ask about testing: The veterinarian should guide testing before starting or restarting prevention and address suspected existing infection.
HEARTGARD and HEARTGARD PLUS
The names can be confusing. HEARTGARD PLUS contains ivermectin and pyrantel, providing heartworm prevention as well as treatment and control of listed roundworms and hookworms. Check the exact product and ingredients on the package, and follow veterinary directions.
FAQ
What is HEARTGARD PLUS used for in dogs?
It prevents canine heartworm disease and treats and controls listed roundworms and hookworms. It does not prevent fleas or ticks or treat adult heartworms.
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The product is given orally at monthly intervals. Follow the veterinarian’s instructions for the dog’s weight band and schedule.
Do dogs need a heartworm test before starting HEARTGARD PLUS?
A veterinarian should decide whether testing is needed before starting or restarting prevention, based on the dog’s age and prevention history. The product does not treat adult heartworms.
What side effects are reported with HEARTGARD PLUS?
The label’s post-approval reports include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, seizures, ataxia, muscle tremors, hypersalivation, and pruritus. These reports cannot reliably establish how often events occur or whether the product caused them.
Is HEARTGARD PLUS safe for Collies?
The label supports use as recommended while discussing sensitivity in certain Collies at elevated ivermectin doses. Ask a veterinarian about an individual dog’s medication history, and never substitute livestock ivermectin.
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