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What does ivermectin treat in dogs?
Ivermectin is an effective treatment for both ascarids and hookworms in dogs. It is also used to prevent canine heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms.
Heartworm disease is caused by the transmission of heartworm larvae from the bite of infected mosquitoes. The larvae develop into adult worms in the dog’s bloodstream and are carried to other areas of the body, including the lungs and brain.
Ivermectin dosage for dogs by weight
The recommended dose of ivermectin for dogs is 2.72 mcg per pound of body weight, administered orally at monthly intervals.
| Dog’s weight (lbs) | Ivermectin dosage (chewable) |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 lbs | 1 chewable of 68 mcg |
| 26 to 50 lbs | 1 chewable of 136 mcg |
| 51 to 100 lbs | 1 chewable of 272 mcg |
Ivermectin is commonly used as a heartworm preventive in dogs and to treat other internal parasites in large animals. It’s sold under the brand names Heartgard/Heartgard Plus, Iverhart/Iverhart Plus, Tri-Heart Plus.
Ivermectin is safe to use in dogs, but it can cause side effects such as ataxia, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or mydriasis. If you notice any of these symptoms while your dog is taking ivermectin, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Even though it’s just an antiparasitic drug, it can have an effect on the brain and nervous system. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived, but they’re still worth mentioning here so you can know what to look out for.
Ivermectin is a medication that should be given only to dogs who have tested negative for heartworm. At elevated doses, Ivermectin can cause serious adverse effects in sensitive dogs, including CNS depression, seizures, coma, and even death.
Ivermectin is safe if it’s used according to the instructions on the label. However, it’s important to note that there are no FDA-approved studies showing that Ivermectin is safe during pregnancy or while nursing a litter of puppies or kittens. Therefore, it’s best to discuss this issue with your veterinarian before giving your dog or cat Ivermectin.
Ivermectin should not be given to animals that are less than 6 weeks old because they are too young to tolerate the medicine. In addition, Ivermectin may interact with other medications that may increase the risk of adverse effects (e.g., ketoconazole, cyclosporin, itraconazole and calcium channel blockers).
If you have questions about the safety of using ivermectin on your pet, talk with your veterinarian before administering it for heartworm prevention.
“I have a 6-year-old Jack Russell Terrier that I adopted at 5 months old. He has been on Heartgard Plus for about 2 years now and it has been working wonders! I would definitely recommend this medication to anyone who has a pet that needs to be on it.”
“I have been using Iverhart Plus for my dog for the past 2 months. I am very happy with this product. I have tried many different products such as Frontline, Advantage, Revolution, and others but they did not work well. The only thing that worked was Heartgard Plus Chewables but it was expensive and it didn’t last long.”
“I have a 10-year-old female Yorkie. I have been using Ivermectin for about 4 years and she has had no adverse effects from it. She is on a low dose and seems to be doing just fine.”
“Ivermectin is a miracle drug. My little 2-year-old Yorkie was diagnosed with Demodex mange over the summer and we have been treating him with Ivermectin. He has no more mange or itching, and he’s so happy! Thank you so much for making this product available!”
How many dogs can I treat with one bottle?
One bottle (50 ml) of IVOMEC 1% Can treat up to 3 dogs for three years.
Ivomec is to be stored in a cool place, protected from light and moisture. The shelf-life is three years.