Heartguard Plus

[SableMom]

I have a question about Heartguard Plus brand of monthly heartworm pills. I have a 1.5 year old shih tzu, a 1 year old doberman pinscher and a 6 month old rottweiler. I used the Interceptor on my shih tzu and doberman until I aquired the rottweiler. I had no complaints about this medication. I then switched to the Heartguard Plus because it is much cheaper (at least at the vet where I work) and I figured that heartworm pills are heartworm pills, right? Heartguard Plus is ivermectin and pyrantel. It clearly says on the box that this is to be used "once a month to prevent heartworm disease and to TREAT AND CONTROL ascarid and hookworm infections in dogs". My dobie was losing weight no matter how much I fed him and was in otherwise good health. We did a stool check and discovered that he has a significant infestation of hookworms. I then tested my rottie and she also has hooks. Another girl I work with has a pit bull that is a housedog (feet rarely touch anything but carpet)--she also has hooks and is on Heartguard Plus.

Sorry it is so long but it comes down to one question -- Has anyone else had a problem with Heartguard Plus? I never had this problem on Interceptor (totally different medication in Interceptor) and I'm wondering if this is an isolated case.


[This message has been edited by SableMom (edited October 05, 1999).]

[Eliza]

We used to use Heartguard Plus till recently (I Live in Australia) the only worm it doesn't treat is tape worm but our Vet said you'd know if our dog got it so don't worry. We now use Sentinel as it not only treats for heartworm and most worms also gives flea protection. We've never had trouble with either product. It's just cheaper to buy the all in one product than 2 separate lots.

[AngelBunny]

Our two are on Heartgard Plus. I have their stools tested twice/year (spring & fall) for internal parasites; they sleep in the bed & are permitted up on the furniture, so it's important that they be healthy. Haven't had an internal parasite problem in quite some time.

[German Vanegas]

I use Interceptor. It is the best against heartworm, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Highly recommended!

[SableMom]

Thanks for all the feedback. I know some of you are using Heartguard Plus with no problems but I think I'll switch back to Inteceptor. I never had a problem with it. I guess I've learned not to mess with a good thing http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/smile.gif