HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Heartworm Disease Preventative Chewables for Dogs vs. Iverhart Max Comparison

HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Heartworm Disease Preventative Chewables for Dogs

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Iverhart Max

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NexGard PLUS CHEWS for Dogs

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Prevents Heartworm Disease

Roundworms

Hookworms

Whipworms

Tapeworms

Fleas

Other Parasites

Safe for Breeding, Pregnant or Nursing Pets

Has shown a wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level in dogs, including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and puppies aged 6 or more weeks.

The safe use of this drug has not been evaluated in pregnant or lactating bitches.

Age/Weight Requirements

6 weeks of age or older and no weight requirement

8 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 6 lbs

Rx Prescription Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

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Veterinarian Review (Michael Dym, VMD)

In my experience and opinion, the main ingredient ivermectin in this once monthly heartworm preventative is the most effective preventative for canine heartworm. Under veterinary supervision, it can even be an alternative TREATMENT in treating active heartworm infections when used monthly in those dogs who are either too old for the expensive conventional immiticide drug treatment, or where risks of immiticide treatment outweigh the benefits. This should be discussed with your pets veterinarian. Pets can often clear heartworm infection after 12-24 months of consecutive use, again best done under veterinary guidance. With its other main ingredient, pyrantel, heartguard plus is the most effective preventative in controlling/treating/preventing roundworm and hookworm infection in dogs. Dogs also seem to prefer the taste of this beef flavored chewable tablet. The main disadvantage is of this product is in those situations where pets have tested positive for whipworms on stool checks. This preventative does NOT prevent or control whipworm infections, which can cause inflammation of the colon/diarrhea, and be difficult to control in affected dogs.

As I also mention under my product review for Iverhart plus, it is truly wonderful for me to see a reliable more economic generic available for animal guardians that is certainly comparable to the more expensive brand name monthly heartworm preventatives. With this Virbac product, not only are clients getting the reliable heartworm prevention record of ivermectin, but also the additional preventative benefits and control of other internal parasites of the digestive tract, including roundworms, hookworms, and in this case tapeworms as well. It is exciting to see the inclusion of praziquantel in this combination product to broaden the spectrum of coverage of Iverhart plus against tapeworms. Tapeworms are among the most common frustrating parasites seen in dogs and cats, especially when there is any risk of flea exposure. Iverhart Max stands alone in having this added benefit of tapeworm control. Even for only this additional benefit, as well as the ones I mention under Iverhart plus , I highly recommend this reliable generic product and alternative to the other more expensive monthly heartworm pills that dont offer this protection against tapeworms. The only negative issue I have seen is the occasional pet who develops digestive upset from one of the ingredients, in which case I would change to a different monthly alternative. The only other possible limitation with this product is that it does not protect or prevent against whipworms, which in certain areas of the United States can be an intestinal parasite that can sometimes cause acute or chronic inflammation of the colon and diarrhea. But in my experience, whipworms are not as common as I used to see in my earlier days of veterinary practice. Thus my overall rating of this product is a 5. Its effectiveness a 4 and its taste a 4 as well.

Our expert panel consists of licensed veterinarians and the knowledgeable staff of PetMed Express, Inc. d/b/a 1-800-PetMeds. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or consultants make any warranties, expressed or implied, or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the content or the content of any site or external sites. Likewise, no legal liability or responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of any information, or usefulness of products discussed. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the qualities and characteristics of each product, which for the most part were taken directly from the websites of the manufacturers, we are not responsible for any errors. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.