What are Cat Heartgard Chewables?
Heartgard Chewables are a flavored treatment for cats given once a month to prevent heartworms. Heartgard Chewables require a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Cats (over six weeks of age)
Benefits:
• Highly effective in preventing heartworms
• A convenient and tasty chewable for easy administration
• Delicious beef flavor that most cats will eat
How it works:
Heartgard prevents heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae for a month after infection.
Cautions:
It is important that you give your pet this preventative every month. If you miss more than two monthly doses, we recommend calling your vet before continuing the medication. Also, note that side effects are rare at the recommended heartworm prevention dose. Higher doses in dogs may cause tremors, dilated pupils, loss of body weight, and death. Side effects in cats include agitation, loss of appetite, staggering, dilated pupils, tremors, blindness and disorientation.
More Information:
Brand Name
Heartgard Chewable (Merial)
Generic Name
Ivermectin
What is the most important information I should know about Heartgard Chewable for Cats: Heartgard Chewable for Cats is a prescription medication available as a palatable meaty flavored chewable tablet. The usual dose of Heartgard Chewable for cats 5 pounds or less is 55mcg (red box) and for cats 6 to 15 pounds is 165mcg (purple box). The chewable tablets must be chewed and should not be swallowed whole. For cats, the pieces can be broken and crumbled into food or fed directly to the cat.
What is Heartgard Chewable for Cats: Heartgard chewable for Cats is given once a month for the prevention of heartworm disease. It is recommended by the American Heartworm Society that heartworm prevention be used year round. Heartgard may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Heartgard to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to Heartgard, ivermectin, or to beef.
How should this medication be given: Give Heartgard exactly as directed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Heartgard chewable tablets must be chewed. They should not be swallowed whole. Store Heartgard chewable for Cats at room temperature. Do not remove the chew from its wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. In cats symptoms of overdose may include disorientation, tremors, incoordination, and blindness.
What should I avoid while giving Heartgard to my pet: Because humans can contract hookworm from animals, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on the pet and in the household and to not feed the pet rodents or uncooked meat or fish. To prevent reinfection, daily cleanup of stools is recommended.
What are the possible side effects of Heartgard: Side effects of Heartgard are rare at the recommended heartworm prevention dose. Side effects that may occur in cats include agitation, loss of appetite, staggering, dilated pupils, tremors, blindness and disorientation.
What other drugs will affect Heartgard: Do not give Heartgard to your pet if already taking another heartworm medication.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Heartgard written for health professionals that you may read.
