Heartgard is the most common heartworm medicines used in dogs. Heartgard Plus is a monthly oral pet med used as a combination, heartworm preventive and intestinal wormer. Heartgard Plus is made up of the following: Ivermectin and Pyrantel. Ivermectin (22,23-dihydroavermectin B_1a + 22,23-dihydroavermectin B_1b)is a medicine which is effective in preventing heartworms in dogs. Pyrantel is a medicine which helps to prevent roundworms and hookworms in the intestines. This medicine causes the worm to "lose its grip" on the intestinal wall and be passed out of the system by natural process.

How do you give to your dog?

Heartgard Plus is a chewable tablet which is given on a monthly basis. The company says to give it every month year around. They sell more this way, just give in the summer months and be happy. They say the following:" It is no longer recommended to discontinue giving the medication in the winter months". Your dog will not get heart worms in winter if you region gets cold enough to kill mosquito's.

Heartgard Plus is flavored pills and most dogs will eat it alone, the smarter ones need to have it put into food.

Six weeks old is the youngest you can give, I say at least three months old. They make Heartgard Plus for two different weight groups. Up to 100 pounds is one tablet per month. Over 100 pounds is two tablets per month and put the damn dog on a diet.

What are the results?

It will work on an intestinal infection with adult hookworms and roundworms. Heartgard will kill the immature heartworms the dog was exposed to in the preceding month.

Is Heartgard Plus safe for dogs?

What a stupid question, it is made for dogs

Should I pay a vet to test the dog before buying the meds?

If you can afford it, then why not. If it bothers you to pay for an exam then spend your money on the pills only.