. In one trial, where some pups had parvovirus, there was a marginal reduction in efficacy against intestinal nematodes, possibly due to a change in intestinal transit time. Sentinel for Dogs. So at most it is active for 4 days . Signs of an overdose include drooling, incoordination, weakness, tremors, disorientation, lethargy, dilated pupils, blindness, coma, and death. My German Shepherd has the Heartgard injection on Thursday, by Saturday night he could use his back legs. Plus, featuring a real beef flavor, the chewables are highly palatable and enticing, making the administration hassle-free. Together they offer protection against six common parasites, including heartworm, roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, fleas, and sarcoptic mange. I usually have healthy, happy dogs unless it is the mosquito time of the year. ProHeart 12 for Dogs. Administer once a month to prevent Its highly likely that every puppy or dog has been exposed to worms. Such food allergies usually manifest with stomach upset. It may be given with or without food; however, food improves absorption of the medication into a cats system. However, there is a specific test for the mutant gene ABCB1-1 (formerly called MDR1). this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. They may not be ready to beat you in a game of chess, but these brainy dogs are easy to train and generally eager to please you. The recommended Heartgard dose depends on the dogs body weight. Dogs get hookworm when they ingest the larvae (contained soil, infected feces), and puppies can get them from their mothers. ValuHeart uses the same sort of system for dosage as the name brand Heartgard and is also administered through a chewable tablet form. Hookworms cause anemia, weight loss, poor growth, overall weakness, bloody diarrhea, itchy paws, and pale gums. Additional side effects of Merial included in the pamphlet are depression, lethargy, unwillingness to eat, loss of coordination, convulsions, hypersalivation and excessive dilation of the pupils.include: Additional side effects of Merial included in the pamphlet are depression lethargy unwillingness to eat loss of coordination convulsions Dogs get roundworms via feces from infected pups and contaminated surfaces, while puppies can get them from their mothers (via the placenta and milk). They may show signs of disorientation, irritation, and lack of coordination. Your veterinarian may recommend that all pets be tested for heartworms before being placed on this medication. Always confirm storage requirements by reviewing the label. Clients should be advised of measures to be taken to prevent reinfection with intestinal parasites. I saw that convulsions can be a side effect. If your cat does not consume or rejects part of the dose, redosing with a new chewable is recommended. Plus, featuring a. flavor, the chewables are highly palatable and enticing, making the administration hassle-free. I ended up partially losing my vision, nausea, right arm numbness, a month and a half long migraine, constant aura from the migraine, dizziness, severe anxiety, light headed ness, slight weight gain . Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Before starting a Heartgard prevention program, dogs must have a current annual heartworm test result or be tested for existing heartworm infections. Commonly affected dog breeds include collies, shelties, border collies, and Australian shepherds. If you miss a monthly dose of Heartgard, give the next dose immediately and resume a monthly schedule. When dosage and treatmentinstructions are followed,Heartgard Plus is a safeand effective worming care plan. If instead of Heartgard Plus, you are using Heartgard (only Ivermectin), the dosing is similar: For optimal performance, Heartgard should be used as a monthly treatment and administered on about the same day of the month. Veterinarians.org does not intend to provide veterinary advice. As for my girl, she is resting because I gave her a pain pill. Ivana Crnec got her veterinary degree at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bitola. Similar heartworm prevention products have been introduced since then, but the name-recognition and longevity of Heartgard has made it one of the most popular heartworm preventives on the market. Some larvae attach to other organs and can be particularly problematic for your pet if they migrate through the respiratory system. Delaying the dose for over a month (more than 30 days) reduces the efficacy of Ivermectin. ten times the recommended dosage (60 mcg/kg). If left untreated, worms can spread and grow, creating serious complications to your pets intestinal and respiratory systems. As with roundworm, larvae and adult egg-laying worms live in the intestine. In trials, no adverse reactions were observed in dogs at ten times the Heartgard recommended dose. Puppies should begin heartworm prevention by at least 12 weeks of age. He felt she had a seizure. Heartworms will lead to the inflammation of tissue, blood clotting and the thickening of blood vessel walls. What do I do if my dog throws up heartworm medicine? Only thing I can do is wait for this stuff get out of their system and don't give it again. It comes in a delicious once-a-month, real-beef chew that dogs love and is safe for puppies 6 weeks and older. Heartgard Plus is a widely used and the most popular heartworm preventive that most pet parents prefer to administer on their pets to protect and control heartworm infestations in them. Depending on where you live, all-year-round protection might be recommended (discuss this with your, flavor, Heartgard is straightforward to give to dogs. (She acted like her knee was painful). Pyrantel Pamoate belongs to the class of anthelmintics. How long do side effects of Nuvigil usually last? All dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment with Heartgard Plus which is not effective against adult D. immitis. Same exact thing is happening with my pomeranian. The treatment of Heartgard Plus can cause digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chewables may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole. In such scenarios, dogs may even salivate excessively. The final dose is administered within a month of the dogs last exposure to active mosquitoes. Contact me. For use in animals only. These symptoms are usually mild and . My lab is on heart guard plus year round. Doesn't taste as good, but a little peanut butter does the trick. Protect product from light. Results of these trials and bioequivalency studies, support the safety of HEARTGARD products in dogs, including Collies, when used as recommended. Head back to the dog park, reassured that your . Therefore, for optimal performance, the chewable must be given once a month on or about the same day of the month. In case of ingestion by humans, clients should be advised to contact a physician immediately. If you have given your dog the Heartgard tablet, you should see some side effects within 12 to 14 hours. We did a Heartworm test after we had her and we had been giving heart heart guard( I have a lab too which has been on Heartgard no issue) she was diagnosed last year with micro flare and we started the slow kill treatment with heart guard plus. Off to the vet in the morning. It can be offered as a treat. The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of Heartgard and Heartgard Plus: Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences these or any other undesired effects from Heartgard or Heartgard Plus. Doses of ivermectin used as heartworm prevention for . It works by slowly releasing microspheres of the antiparasitic drug, moxidectin, over the course of 12 months. Hookworms are another intestinal parasite that most commonly affectyoung dogs and cats. HeartgardPlus can kill some microfilariae, which are worms in the early stage of their development, but it is not effective for microfilariae clearance. A mild hypersensitivity-type reaction, presumably due to dead or dying microfilariae and particularly involving a transient diarrhea, has been observed in clinical trials with ivermectin alone after treatment of some dogs that have circulating microfilariae. A Guide to Aspirin for Dogs Dosage & More! However, some, have a genetic mutation (MDR-1 gene) affecting the, s pathways. In case of human ingestion, contact a physician or Poison Control Center. is a monthly treatment in the form of tasty chicken-flavored chewable. Find out whether your pet is allergic to Heartgard Plus or is sensitive to its ingredients. Might gave my 8 year old dog heartguard plus this morning. Heartgard for dogs prevents heartworm infection and treats and controls roundworms and hookworms. Some larvae attach to other organs and can be particularly problematic for your pet if they migrate through the respiratory system. Help! During the rest of the winter I was a slacker when it came to giving the Heartgard Plus and her leg pain had resolved. Most of them may show agitation against their owners as well. All Rights Reserved. Excursions between 59F - 86F (15 - 30C) are permitted. Heartgard Plus, is a well-renowned heartworm preventative for dogs and young puppies. Paxlovid's primary side effect is a metallic taste in the mouth during the five days of treatment. These dog training tips will help you get started. Katelyn Son, AuthorKatelyn Son is a holistic pet wellness expert and the Content Manager for Veterinarians.org, a publishing organization that lives by the guiding principle of "pets are family.Lean about our Editorial GuidelineBy Katelyn Son 4 years agoUsing Neosporin on Dogs: Safety, Usage, and MoreBy Ivana Crnec, DVM, Updated February 28, 2023 Virtually every puppy is infected with roundworms at birth or become infected via their mothers milk. SENTINEL (milbemycin oxime) Pyrantel works by paralyzing worms, which are then expelled in the feces or digested. 12 Chewables Each chewable contains 136 mcg ivermectin Sentinel contains two active ingredients Milbemycin Oxime and Lufenuron. If left untreated or in severe cases, pneumonia and obstruction of the intestine or digestive system can occur. , the adult stages must be removed before initiating the Heartgard program. ProHeart 12 is currently the only FDA-approved heartworm prevention product that prevents . Living in Louisiana it is hard not to give preventative even though my dogs are inside dogs. In dogs that have tested positive for heartworm infection, the adult stages must be removed before initiating the Heartgard program. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. In infected animals, the adult worms lay eggs that are then expelled infaeces. Inflammation and problems with the immune system can also happen. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended. In case you forgot to dose your dog, the first step is immediate treatment with Heartgard, and the second is the resumption of the recommended dosing regimen. She couldnt walk and was trembling! Let us compare both the products and see the difference. How Long Do Heartgard Side Effects Last. In theory, some natural remedies should decrease your pets risk of infection with heartworm disease. The active ingredient in Interceptor Plus is Milbemycin Oxime is a powerful anthelminthic that works against several different worms, including roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and hookworms. It is also efficient in eliminating certain intestinal parasites. I gave my Lab/Basset her Heartguard dose Sunday and since the following Tuesday her back left leg has hurt her. Alternatively, it may be added intact to a small amount of dog food. Most dogs on Heartgard and Heartgard Plus experience no side effects. How long post removal do side effects last? and 114 mg pyrantel as pamoate salt. Therefore, most veterinarians recommend preventive measures for heartworm parasites in order to safeguard pets from this life-threatening and very fatal disease. Dangerous medication!! The side effects in Heartgard Plus will fluctuate from one dog to another. However, as with any drug, Heartgard medicine can have some side effects. Details. Our mission is to provide pet parents just like you with the most up-to-date expert information and resources you need to make better, more informed decisions that support the health and happiness of your companion animals. Try to reduce or eliminate stress in your pet's life. The worms inhabit the animal's lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries and can cause heart failure or death. Vomiting or diarrhea were the most frequently reported side effects and typically occurred within 24 hours of dosing. first. Did your dogs leg issues clear up? Tonight her back legs are not working. Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin as well as pyrantel, an anthelmintic (worm-killing) drug in the tetrahydropyrimidine class that kills roundworms and hookworms. This medication is not used in human medicine. This tried-and-true classic heartworm preventive is a favorite of dog parents everywhere. Physicians may contact a Poison Control Center for advice concerning cases of ingestion by humans. old. As a monthly treatment, Heartgard is straightforward to give. The active ingredient can also be used for the treatment of mange, though the doses contained within Heartgard tablets are far too low for this purpose. Good luck everyone. He's 12 1/2 yrs. However, for the past 2 minths, I've noticed her coughing the day after it's given & the cough lasts a day or two. The mechanism of Heartgard Plus is the result of its two, , and it works by inflicting neurological damage to the, (mimics the work of a GABA agonist). Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Keep the medication in the provided blister pack until ready for administration in order to protect it from moisture and light. Tweets by @https://twitter.com/BestVetCareUS, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL5MdsApt3k, Benefits of Purchasing from Online Pet Store, Only real-beef chew heartworm preventative, Controls and cures pre-existing hookworms and roundworms, Prevents heartworm larvae from developing into adult heartworms, Strives at keeping the dogs heart and lungs healthy and damage-free, Suitable for puppies and dogs over the age of 6 weeks, Extremely easy to administer chewable treatment. Pyrantel treats only parasites in the digestive tract, as opposed to ivermectin, which treats parasites throughout the body. If you have one of these dogs and he's already taking Heartgard medicine, don't panic. Dogs get hookworm when they ingest the larvae (contained soil, infected feces), and puppies can get them from their mothers. The only disadvantage is that it comes in the form of spot-on treatment for topical application. The satisfaction guarantee means that BI will cover some or all vet expenses should your dog develop heartworm disease, hookworms, or roundworms. But by blocking the buzz and reducing cravings, naltrexone could deter you from drinking too much. Sentinel can also be used to control and treat fleas. The protection will last the same 30 days. "A new drug is available that does not have as many side effects, allowing Due to overdose, dogs may lose their coordination as well as their balance. Dogs previously needed daily pills to prevent heartworm disease, so Heartgard really was a game-changer. It prevents worms developing to the dangerous adultstage and is available forboth dogsfor cats. Casey was fine for about 24 hours, after which she developed diarrhea and became lethargic. Did your dogs leg issues get better? Normal reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy can last up to a week under treatment. The tablet is designed to kill external parasites within 24 hours. Always let your vet know about any medications your dog is using, even over the counter flea remedies, just in case there might be a potential for drug interaction. For use in dogs to prevent canine heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis) for a month (30 days) after infection and for the treatment and control of ascarids (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma braziliense). Ivana Crnec, DVM, VeterinarianIvana Crnec got her veterinary degree at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bitola. Puppies can also be infected through their mothers milk. Frontline Plus: Is it Still Effective in 2021? How are yalls dogs now? Protection against infection needs to be carried out regularly. A worm infestation can lead to severe digestive problems, heart failureand even death for your pet. The level of ivermectin used for heartworm prevention is generally safe and at a low level suitablefor these dogs. Please, keep in mind that the information in this article is purely educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. But after digestion and absorption, the Heartgard may stay in the dog's system, working, for as many as 3 or even 4 days. A dog fence is an important detail to consider when adopting a pet for the first time or moving your dog to a new home. If left untreated or in severe cases, pneumonia and obstruction of the intestine or digestive system can occur. Youcan talk. Ivana Crnec, DVM, VeterinarianIvana Crnec got her veterinary degree at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bitola. Although in clinical field trials, such side effects are rare, it is advisable to monitor dogs within the first few hours of dosing with Heartgard. However, they are not entirely efficient, and considering the severity of the infection, it is best not to experiment with such remedies and stick to the mainstream and prescription preventative formulas. Depending on where you live, all-year-round protection might be recommended (discuss this with your veterinarian). Katelyn Son is a holistic pet wellness expert and the Content Manager for Veterinarians.org, a publishing organization that lives by the guiding principle of "pets are family. 12 Chewables Each chewable contains 272 mcg ivermectin What Are Potential Heartgard Side Effects in Dogs? Heartgard can be used against three species of hookworms or ascarids, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, and Uncinaria stenocephala. Heartgard to Control Roundworms in Dogs. These drugs are toxic, and although their intended target is parasites, they can have an effect on your pet's well-being as well. HEARTGARD demonstrated no signs of toxicity at 10 times the recommended dose (60 mcg/kg) in sensitive Collies. As suggested, I've continued to give her heartguard monthly. I'm not going to put him back on either of those drugs. She had another spell 3 weeks ago and it was worse. Heartgard is available in flavored and unflavored chewable form. of the reach of children. You should use Heartgard for dogs because it has a broad spectrum of efficacy, a wide margin of safety, and effortless and convenient administration. https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-019-3702-6, https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-proheart-12-moxidectin-prevention-heartworm-disease-dogs, https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/heartworms-in-dogs-facts-and-myths#1, https://www.vin.com/apputil/image/handler.ashx?docid=10183958, https://capcvet.org/guidelines/heartworm/, Related PostsAntihistamines for Dogs: How to Deal with Those Sneezes & CoughsBy Ivana Crnec, DVM, Updated February 27, 2023 How Long Does a Dose Last? However, some breeds have a genetic mutation (MDR-1 gene) affecting the Ivermectins pathways. Since the chewable tablet needs to be chewed and not swallowed, you can break the chew into smaller pieces if your dog tends to swallow its treats as a whole. Merial, Inc. In case of human ingestion, contact a physician or Poison Control Center. Virtually every puppy is infected with roundworms at birth or become infected via their mother's milk. Last year she had a spell were she just payed down and like she passed out. You can still get drunk while taking naltrexone. She then continued her education at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia, where she specialized in domestic carnivores.Lean about our Editorial GuidelineBy Ivana Crnec, DVM 4 years agoProin for Dogs: A Simple Solution for Urinary IncontinenceBy Katelyn Son, Updated February 16, 2023 Heartgard Plus should be given at monthly intervals during the period of the year when mosquitoes (vectors), potentially carrying infective heartworm larvae, are active. it has many side effects and muscle wasting may be one of them. Merial is the Animal Health Division of sanofi. can get them from their mothers (via the placenta and milk). If the dosage given is correct and you notice any of the side effects listed below take your pet to thevet immediately. Such a happy dog until I gave him heartgard. Here are some of the best alternatives for Heartgard for dogs. ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435. The general rule is that Heartgard can be used in monthly intervals during the period of the year when vectors (mosquitoes) are active and potentially carrying infective heartworm larvae. Heartgard Plus for dogs should be administered once a month. They're used to kill microfilaria, the heartworm larvae that live in your dog's blood when he's suffering from an active infection. Puppies need to be wormed every two weeks until 12 weeks of age and lactating females should also be treated. When given every 30 days, HEARTGARD Plus can help keep your dog protected year-round. Thus, below are the possible side effects your dog can encounter while being on a Heartgard Plus preventative schedule. Heartgard may cause digestive and neurological side effects in dogs. Check the dosage required for your pet asserious side effects often result from a larger dose being administered than recommended. Marketed by So for example, a 115-pound dog would get a brown and a blue dose, while a 140-pound dog would get a brown and a green dose each month. Dogs and cats can be infected by ingesting contaminated soil or from larvae penetrating the skin. When it comes time to choose the right heartworm prevention for your dog, you'll find that there are many different brands and generics available. Youll need to make sure your petconsumes the entire dose, so observe them during administration and for a short time afterwards. While some microfilariae may be killed by the ivermectin in Heartgard Plus at the recommended dose level, Heartgard Plus is not effective for microfilariae clearance. Contact your veterinarian if your dog misses two or more monthly dosesyour dog might need a heartworm test in about six months (it takes this long for heartworm larvae to mature enough to show up on a test). . Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. If the interval between doses exceeds a month (30 days), the efficacy of ivermectin can be reduced. However, you need to take care the dog ingests the complete dose and monitor it for several minutes to make sure part of the dose is not rejected. is a heartworm preventative that kills heartworms and also helps treat and control roundworms and hookworms. Use ProHeart 6 in dogs 6 months of age or older and ProHeart 12 in dogs 12 months of age or older. 300+ Cute Cat Names for Every Kind of Kitty. There is a question about how long the side effects last. The ProHeart 12 injection works similarly to ProHeart 6, but instead of providing heartworm protection for six months, it will last a whole year. is a heartworm preventative that kills heartworms and also helps treat and control roundworms and hookworms. Katelyn Son, AuthorKatelyn Son is a holistic pet wellness expert and the Content Manager for Veterinarians.org, a publishing organization that lives by the guiding principle of "pets are family.Lean about our Editorial GuidelineBy Katelyn Son 4 years agoBenadryl for Dogs: Recommended Dosage, Side Effects, and MoreBy Ivana Crnec, DVM, Updated February 28, 2023 How long does Heartgard last? Disorientation is the way to go. If your dog can't take ivermectin based medications like Heartgard, or if you're simply uncomfortable with the long term use of such medications, there are alternative steps you can take to prevent heartworm infection. The group of digestive side effects includes: The group of neurological side effects includes: At the recommended dose level, Heartgard may trigger a mild hypersensitivity-type reaction because of the dying or dead microfilariae with transient diarrhea. Broad Spectrum of Efficacy. I gave My mixed breed adopted pup, 16 months old, had an issue back in the early winter with her hind legs to the point she ended up on steroids. Dogs and puppies above six weeks of age can experience some gastrointestinal problems due to Heartgard Plus. The group of digestive side effects includes: Vomiting Diarrhea Anorexia Hypersalivation. Generally they will advise you to give it when you remember. The following are just a few alternative products available to prevent heartworm disease and other parasites: Dogs on Heartgard Plus will need additional treatment to keep fleas and ticks away. Regular Heartgard (ivermectin but no pyrantel) is typically slightly more expensive despite containing only one drug. Ivermectin is not recommended for use in puppies under six weeks of age, so Heartgard should be started at this age and no sooner. She doesnt seem to be in any pain and she will get up to go to go outside however she struggles with getting her back legs to walk. The Tri-Heart Plus chew is enticing, easy to use, and offers protection against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Advantage Multi features two active ingredients, Imidacloprid and Moxidectin. Once a dog tests positive on an antigen test, the diagnosis should be confirmed with an additionaland differenttest. The most common side effects for Heartgard are: In addition to those symptoms, Heartgard Plus can also cause: If you believe your pet is experiencing any side effects, consult your veterinarian. It can take as few as 2 hours and as many as 8 hours for a dog to fully digest Heartgard. In acceptability and field trials, Heartgard Plus was shown to be an acceptable oral dosage form that was consumed at first offering by the majority of dogs. By Dr. Sara Ochoa (veterinarian) Apr 26, 2023 . ascarid and hookworm infections in dogs. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about all other medications and supplements that you give to your dog. It might be time to have a talk with to your veterinarian if you're not already protecting your dog from common disease-causing parasites. I'm starting to wonder if there is a correlation. But it has been 5 days since I gave another dose and now my french bulldog is having leg tremors and is very lethargic. Moreover, it also contains Pyrantel Pamoate which is anthelminthic, that is used in the treatment and control of roundworms and hookworms. ProHeart 12 is the only FDA-approved heartworm preventive in injectable form. Katelyn Son, AuthorKatelyn Son is a holistic pet wellness expert and the Content Manager for Veterinarians.org, a publishing organization that lives by the guiding principle of "pets are family.Lean about our Editorial GuidelineBy Katelyn Son 5 years agoCephalexin For Dogs: Recommended Dosage, Side Effects, and MoreBy Katelyn Son, Updated February 21, 2023 The packaging also has a calendar so you will never lose track of where you are up to. 3 outta my 4 dogs that have been giving heartgard had episodes of vomiting and diarrhea 2 to 3 days after each dosage. Heartgard medicine, the ivermectin-based, once-monthly heartworm preventative, is a relatively safe drug. Good nutrition is key to his health, and the healthier your dog is, the more likely he'll be able to fight off heartworm infection. Roundworm, hookworm and heartworm are easily transferred via mosquitoes or faeces and therefore commonly affect our pets. Do 8 week old puppies need heartgard? Lethargy or depression are some of the symptoms. Serious loss of blood and anaemia can result from large numbers of worms being present or in puppies. Heartgard Plus is available in different dosages for animals of different weights. Moving on, before you jump the gun and have second thoughts about this heartwarmer, take a look at the many benefits it possesses. Roundworms cause the classical pot-bellied appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, appetite changes, and dull hair. For convenient dosing, Heartgard and Heartgard Plus are each available in three sizes based on weight range: Dogs over 100 pounds will get a brown dose plus another dose equivalent to their weight over 100 pounds. If the vet recommends seasonal use of Heartgard Plus, the initial dose is given within a month of the dogs first exposure to mosquitoes. However, if for some reason you cannot use Heartgard, there are other products worth trying. I restarted the med on Saturday and Saturday evening she was limping so badly I had to help her into the bed. When it comes to heartworms, prevention is the best method compared to its treatment. However, as with any drug, Heartgard medicine can have some side effects. The effects also could lead to the development of new conditions, such as diabetes or a heart or nervous . Please, keep in mind that the information in this article is purely educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Generic name: ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate tablet, chewable There are very serious side effects if a dog is treated with prevention medicine and is already infected with heartworm. The treatment of Heartgard Plus can cause digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Heartgard for Dogs: How it Works and What it Does? dogs Franklin county dog Dangerous side effects Female worms are 6 - 14" long (15 - 36cm) and 1/8" wide (3 mm). are rare, it is advisable to monitor dogs within the first few, , Heartgard may trigger a mild hypersensitivity-type reaction because of the dying or dead microfilariae with transient, Additionally, Heartgard may cause an allergic reaction in dogs with beef protein. The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of HEARTGARD: Depression/lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions and hypersalivation.