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Pay attention to the dosing instructions for your particular medication, because it may recommend breaking the chewable into smaller pieces if your dog tends to swallow treats like this whole without chewing them.įlea and tick medication: Trifexis Chewable Tablets for DogsĪlong with heartworm medication, dogs need protection against flea and tick infestations. Of course, some dogs won’t like it, but this type of medication delivery works successfully for most dogs.
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The dog should be able to chew it easily, but the tablet shouldn’t crumble like a hard treat, so the dog receives the full dosage.Ĭhewable heartworm medications have a taste and smell that most dogs love, usually beef, which means they’re more liable to eat it. Chewables have a soft consistency, almost like a cube of cheese. PalatabilityĬhewable tablets are the most common delivery method for this type of medication. Take care that the dog doesn’t lick the application area and that kids don’t pet the dog in the application area for at least a few hours.
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Note that these liquids can be dangerous for humans to touch or for the animal to ingest. Some of these medications also guard against ticks and fleas. These come as a liquid that's applied to the animal's upper back. Some heartworm medications are applied topically rather than ingested. The biggest differences between heartworm medications are formula (oral or topical) and palatability. Occasionally, you may find some that are made to be sold over the counter (without a prescription), but this is rare. Most heartworm medications require that you visit your dog’s veterinarian first to obtain a prescription. Always follow the dosage instructions on the medication’s packaging. The heartworm medication you use may have different weight range recommendations. Manufacturers use a weight range for the optimum dosage for heartworm medications, for example, 10 to 20 pounds, 20 to 40 pounds, or more than 75 pounds. The veterinarian will also want to test your dog for an active heartworm infestation.
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If it’s been a while since your dog has been to the vet, schedule an appointment before you begin giving your pet heartworm medication. Make sure your veterinarian weighs your dog at each appointment. Too large a dose can lead to dangerous side effects too small can be ineffective. And don’t just guess at the dog’s weight. Manufacturers recommend that you give your dog heartworm medication monthly based on the weight of the animal. Always check with your veterinarian about any concerns regarding the potential side effects. If your dog already has an adult heartworm infestation, giving the dog one of these preventive medications could cause side effects or a more serious health problem.Īdditionally, certain breeds may be more sensitive to certain brands of heartworm medication. It’s very important to give your dog the right dosage of heartworm medication to reduce the chances of side effects. Some dog owners report that their dogs experience mild or brief side effects after taking heartworm medication. Some of the side effects associated with heartworm medication include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, seizures, and tremors.
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Some veterinarians draw blood to test the dog for heartworm during its annual checkup.
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