Indications
Heartcare is for use in dogs to prevent canine heartworm disease for a month (30 days) after infection and for the treatment and control of ascarids and hookworms.
Dosage and Administration
Dosage
Heartcare should be administered orally at monthly intervals at the recommended minimum dose level of 6µg of ivermetin per kilogram (2.72µg/lb) and 5mg of pyrantel (as pamoate salt) per kg (2.27 mg/lb) of bodyweight. The recommended dosing schedule for prevention of canine heartworm disease and for the treatment and control of ascarids and hookworms is as follows:
| Dog Body Weight | Chewables per month | Ivermectin content | Pyrantel content |
| up to 11kg (25lbs) | 1 | 68mcg | 57mg |
| 12kg - 22kg (25 lbs - 48 lbs) | 1 | 136mcg | 114mg |
| 23kg - 45kg (48 lbs - 99 lbs) | 1 | 272mcg | 227mg |
Heartcare Chewable is recommended for dogs 6 weeks of age and older.
For dogs over 45kg (99lbs) use the appropriate combination of these chewables.
Administration
Remove only one chewable at a time from the blister. Return the blister with the remaining chewbales to its box to protect the product from light. Because most dogs find Heartcare Chewbales palatable, the product can be offered to the dog by hand. Alternatively it may be added intact to small amount of dog food. The chewbale should be given so that the dog swallows the whole chewable. (The chewable may be wrapped in food to encourage consumption)
Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes after administration to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended.
Heartcare Chewable should be given at monthly intervals during the period of the year when mosquitoes that potentially carry the infective heartworm larvae are active. The initial dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog's first exposure to mosquitoes. the final dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dogs last exposure to mosquitoes.
Adverse Reactions
In clinical field trials with Heart Chewables, vomiting or diarrhoea within 24 hours of dosing were rarely observed. The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of Heartcare Chewables:
- depression / lethargy
- vomiting
- anorexia
- diarrhoea
- mydriasis
- ataxis
- staggering
- convulsions
- hyperventilating
Missed dose
If the interval between doses exceeds a month (30 days), the efficacy of ivermectin can be reduced. Therefore, for optimal performance, the chewable must be given once a month on or about the same day of the month. If treatment is missed by a few days or by many, immediate treatment with Heartcare Chewables and resumption of the regular dosing schedule is recommended to minimize the opportunity for the development of adult heartworms.
Precautions
Store Heartcare Chewables at room temperature 15°C to 30°C (59°F - 86°F) and away from light.
Heartcare chewables are not effective against adult heartworm infection. Infected dogs must be treated to remove the adult heartworm and microfilariae before initiating a program with Heartcare Chewables.
Warnings
Keep Heartcare Chewables and all drugs out of reach of children.
Heartcare is an animal only medicine. It is Heartcare is ingested by humans call you Doctor or local Poison Control Center immediately.
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