 |
| |
| How does heartworm medication protect my dog? |
| |
Monthly heartworm preventives work by interfering with the maturation of the immature (larval) heartworm into an adult. Monthly medications, given every 30 days, have a retroactive effect and will kill larvae that have invaded the dog in the preceding month. |
| |
| Why do you need a prescription for heartworm medication? |
| |
Heartworm preventives are “legend” drugs, which by federal law require a prescription. A doctor-patient relationship must be established before a prescription can be written. Your veterinarian assesses the heartworm status of the dog before prescribing these medications. Giving heartworm preventives to dogs having heartworms can lead to severe reactions that could be harmful or even fatal to the dog. |
| |
| What is the test for heartworms? |
| |
Your veterinarian can tell if your dog is infected through a simple blood test. Puppies up to six months of age do not require testing. |
| |
| Are heartworms more common in certain areas of the United States? |
| |
Heartworms have been found in dogs native to all 50 states. The highest infection rates in dogs are observed within 150 miles of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and along the Mississippi River and its major tributaries. |
| |
| I live in a part of the country that has a short mosquito season. Does my dog need heartworm protection? |
| |
Yes. In fact, the American Heartworm Society is now recommending year-round prevention,
even in seasonal areas. Dogs may be bitten by a mosquito during the summer and not reveal infection
for up to six and a half months. IVERHART MAX® and/or IVERHART PLUS®
given monthly protects your dog against heartworm disease as well as treats and controls
intestinal parasites year-round. |
| |
| Does a mother dog produce antibodies for puppies, so they are immune from heartworm infection? |
| |
No, there is no maternal transfer of protection against heartworms. If puppies are exposed to mosquitoes carrying infective larvae, they can be infected. |
| |
| When should I start my puppy on heartworm preventive medication? |
| |
In areas with year-round potential for infection, puppies should be started on heartworm preventive by eight weeks of age. In areas where there is minimal risk of heartworm infection during the colder months, the puppy should be started in early spring/summer, as indicated by your veterinarian. |
| |
| Is heartworm contagious from dog to dog? |
| |
No. Heartworm can be transmitted from dog to dog only by the bite of a mosquito carrying the infective stage of the larvae. |
| |
| How does heartworm disease cause death? |
| |
The worms infect the right side of the heart and the major vessels that bring blood to and from the lungs, causing inflammation and interfering with blood flow. This leads to blood clots in the lung (pulmonary thromboembolisms) and congestive heart failure. Liver or kidney failure can also result. Death can be caused by one or a combination of these problems. |
| |
| Can people get heartworm disease from a mosquito bite? |
| |
Yes, it is possible but rare. Fortunately, people are not natural hosts for heartworms. However,
a few people are susceptible enough for the larvae (usually only one) to grow and migrate to
their heart and lung arteries. |
| |
| Can children get heartworm disease by playing with and being licked by a dog with heartworm disease? |
| |
No. Heartworm disease is transmitted only by the bite of a mosquito that is carrying the infective stage of the parasite. |
| |
| How can I protect my dog from heartworms? |
| |
Heartworm disease can be prevented. According to the American Heartworm Society,
heartworm prevention is safe, easy and inexpensive compared to treating a dog
after worms have matured into adults. First visit your veterinarian to have your dog tested,
then give IVERHART MAX® or IVERHART PLUS® once a month. |
| |
 |
| |
| Why should I control parasites for my pet year-round? |
| |
To ensure the highest level of health for your pet and the well-being of your family, year-round prevention is the most effective way to control canine parasites and the diseases they can carry. |
| |
| What is Zoonotic Disease? Should I be concerned? |
| |
A zoonotic disease is one that can be transmitted between animals and humans. The potential is
very real and should be a good common sense concern for every pet owner.
The most common zoonotic intestinal parasite disease is roundworms. Humans can ingest
infective worm eggs that have been passed through the pet's feces and into the environment. The
eggs hatch in the human intestinal tract, and the immature worms travel to various tissues in the
body, including the eyes and brain, causing serious reactions.
Walking barefoot on the beach or other areas where pets deposit feces gives hookworms an opportunity
to penetrate the skin. An itching sensation where the larvae entered the skin and visible tracks
indicate infection, which can cause mild to extreme discomfort but is easily treated. One species
of canine hookworm can develop in the human intestine and may cause disease.
Although not as common as roundworms and hookworms, humans, primarily young children, can become
infected by tapeworms by ingesting a flea. This can lead to gastrointestinal upset and the
passage of tapeworm segments in feces.
Only IVERHART MAX® given monthly treats and controls all three of these intestinal parasites. |
| |
| How can I reduce the risk of parasites infecting my family? |
| |
Eliminate parasites from pets.
Do not allow children to play where animals have passed feces.
Practice good personal hygiene.
Dispose of pet feces on a regular basis. |
| |
| How does my dog get intestinal worms? |
| |
For roundworms and hookworms, dogs are most commonly infected when they eat intestinal worm eggs that have been passed through the feces of an infected animal. For tapeworms, dogs can acquire by either eating an infected flea or by ingesting small mammals. |
| |
| How does my veterinarian tell if my pet has intestinal parasites (worms)? |
| |
In order to prescribe the appropriate treatment or preventive program, your veterinarian conducts a physical examination
and microscopic analysis of your pet’s feces. Tapeworm segments may also be evident in the dog’s haircoat. |
| |
| Aren't there heartworm prevention medications that also control intestinal parasites? |
| |
Yes. IVERHART MAX® and IVERHART PLUS® heartworm preventive products are effective
in controlling multiple species of parasites. These medications are highly effective
and preferred by veterinarians. |
| |
 |
| |
| How will roundworms affect my dog? |
| |
Adult roundworms live in an infected dog's intestines. Not all dogs have signs of infection; however,
major roundworm infestation, especially in puppies, shows up as weight loss, dull hair, and a
potbellied appearance. A cough may mean the roundworms have moved into the lungs. Adult roundworms
may be seen in your dog's feces or vomit. Roundworms are white or light brown in color and may be several inches long. |
| |
| How do I prevent my dog from getting roundworms? |
| |
Because roundworms can enter your dog's body in many different ways, it is essential
to keep your dog's living area clean, remove feces regularly, and, if possible, prevent
your dog from eating wild animals that may carry roundworms.
IVERHART MAX® and IVERHART PLUS® heartworm medications also
control roundworms. Ask your veterinarian to prescribe the correct monthly dose for your dog. |
| |
 |
| |
| How will hookworms affect my dog? |
| |
Hookworms suck blood, causing internal blood loss. This is a serious threat to dogs, especially young puppies that may not survive the blood loss without transfusions. In older animals the blood loss may be more chronic, and the pet may have diarrhea and show weight loss. |
| |
| How do I prevent my dog from getting hookworms? |
| |
Because hookworms can enter your dog's body in many different ways, it is essential to
keep your dog's living area clean, remove feces regularly, and, if possible, prevent
your dog from eating wild animals that may carry hookworms.
If you think your dog is infected with hookworms, call your veterinarian to schedule an
appointment for evaluation, diagnosis, and safe, effective treatment with IVERHART MAX®
or IVERHART PLUS®. |
| |
 |
| |
| How will tapeworms affect my dog? |
| |
Tapeworms are an extremely repugnant parasite that ultimately leads to segments shedding in your dog's feces.
As the segments exit the intestine and crawl around on the perianal region, they cause some localized
inflammation and irritation along their path leading to “scooting” and perianal itching. |
| |
| How do I prevent my dog from getting tapeworms? |
| |
The best way is to give your dog IVERHART MAX® once a month along with
regular flea protection for your dog and the environment. |
| |
| |
Sources:
The American Heartworm Society
CAPC – Companion Animal Parasite Council
|
