FAQs

What is heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease is a serious condition caused by the presence of adult heartworms. If left untreated, heartworm disease causes terrible damage to the body and is often fatal.

How do dogs get heartworms?

Heartworms can only be transmitted via the bite of an infected mosquito. It only takes a single bite for the dog to become infected.

What are the signs of heartworm infection?

In the early stages of the disease, your dog may display only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. As the condition progresses you may see signs such as a persistent cough, loss of appetite, lethargy, fatigue and weight loss.

How are dogs tested for heartworm?

Getting your dog tested for heartworm is very simple and only requires a blood test from your veterinarian. This procedure can accurately detect the presence of even a single adult female.

What is the best way to prevent heartworm in dogs?

As it is impossible to prevent your dog from getting bitten by a mosquito, the only way to prevent heartworm developing is by the use of a medication such as Heartgard Plus. This kills off any larvae that are present in the blood before they can reach maturity.

Is heartworm disease treatable?

Once a dog develops heartworm disease it can be treated, but the treatment is very difficult and expensive and can be very hard on your dog. If the disease is advanced, treatment may not be successful.

Can I use Heartgard Plus with any breed of dog?

Yes, Heartgard Plus is well tolerated and has been tested as safe for use in all breeds of dogs, including Collies.

Can heartworm be transmitted between dogs?

Heartworm cannot be transmitted directly between dogs, only via the bite on a mosquito carrying infective larvae.

Can I give Heartgard Plus to pregnant or nursing dogs?

Yes, Heartgard Plus has been evaluated as safe for use with breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs.

Can I give Heartgard Plus to puppies?

Heartgard Plus can be safely administered to pups from 6 weeks of age. Do not medicate dogs that are younger than this.

How do I administer HeartGard Plus?

Heartgard Plus can be offered directly to the dog by hand. For dogs that do not accept the chewable, or dogs that would swallow the chewable whole, it may be broken up into pieces and mixed with a small amount of food.

Does Heartgard Plus need to be given with food?

No, Heartgard Plus is designed to be given as a treat and can be given at any time of day, with or without food.

My dog weighs more than 100 lb (45 kg), what dose of Heartgard Plus do they need?

For dogs weighing more than the maximum weight listed on the package, they will need the appropriate combination of chewables. For example, a dog weighing 120 lbs (54 kg), will need one chewable for dogs weighing 51-100 lb, plus one chewable for dogs weighing up to 25 lbs.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Heartgard Plus?

Administer the missing dose immediately and recommence a monthly dosing schedule. If the dose is more than two weeks late, speak to your vet about whether a test for heartworm will be required at your dog’s next check-up.

Can I use Heartgard Plus with other medications?

In clinical studies, Heartgard Plus has been successfully used with other medications including flea collars, worming medications, medicated shampoos and antibiotics. If you have any concerns about using Heartgard Plus with other medication, please contact your veterinarian.

Who manufactures Heartgard Plus?

Heartgard Plus is manufactured by Merial, a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim.