Heartworms can be a serious illness for dogs, and Heartgard is a medication given to dogs to help prevent heartworm disease. However, some owners may be concerned about the potential side effects of giving their dog Heartgard. One of the possible adverse effects of Heartgard is seizures. This blog post will explore the possible link between Heartgard and seizures in dogs, providing a better understanding of the potential risks and benefits of giving Heartgard to your dog. We will discuss other possible causes of seizures in dogs and the importance of speaking to your veterinarian about any changes in your dog’s health. With all the information available, owners will be able to make an informed decision about giving their dog Heartgard and reducing the risk of heartworm.
I was asked to assess the seizure disorder in this dog. This is a young beagle. It’s not a huge surprise to see this type of case because Beagles are prone to epilepsy and seizures. The way this pet was treated and the fact that these medications were given out are what are surprising.
This dog received his last dose of Nexgard on August 1st. We will begin weaning her off of phenobarbital because she hasn’t had any seizures this month. The topical medications have also been stopped, and she has begun eating a clean, raw diet. Perhaps this dog really does have epilepsy. My suspicion is that she does not. Only time will tell. We will work with acupuncture, diet, and herbs if she experiences additional seizures.
Extreme jitteriness and restlessness, which are also referred to as anxiety or manic behavior, are potential side effects of the Vectra 3D. “Do not use this product on debilitated, elderly, medicated, pregnant or nursing dogs, or dogs known to be sensitive to pesticide products,” the product insert warns. Does the dog not qualify as “medicated” even though it is taking phenobarbital?
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – 12 Tablet Carton (For Dogs Up To 25 lbs)
In order to treat and manage ascarid and hookworm infections in dogs, administer once a month.
For DOGS UP TO 25 lbs
12 Chewables Each chewable contains 57 mg of pyrantel as pamoate salt and 68 mcg of ivermectin.
Keep this and all other medications away from children.
Caution: Federal (U. S. A. By law, a licensed veterinarian must prescribe this medication or use it under their direction.
Can you give a dog too much heartworm medicine?
It’s most commonly used in monthly heartworm prevention. It is employed to treat ear mites and hair mites, both of which can result in mange. It is used to treat some internal parasites as well. If a dog receives an excessive dose of the medication (10 to 20 times the recommended dose), toxicity may result.
FAQ
Can heartworm medicine give dogs seizures?
If administered at the recommended dosage, side effects from oral heartworm medications are rare, but some dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or unsteadiness. A dog who reacts allergicly to the heartworm medication may experience itching, hives, facial swelling, seizures, or even shock.
What medications can cause seizures in dogs?
- Ibuprofen.
- Fluorouracil (5-FU) cream.
- Ivermectin.
- Metronidazole.
- Amphetamines.
- Procaine Penicillin G.
- Diphenhydramine.
- Phenylbutazone.
What ingredient causes seizures in dogs?
Methylxanthines (caffeine, dark chocolate), Salt Poisoning (excessive seawater, table salt, or Play-Dough ingestion), and Xylitol (artificial sweetener) are a few examples of common foods known to be potential toxins that cause dog seizures.
What dogs should not take Heartgard?
Dog breeds like collies, shelties, border collies, and Australian shepherds are frequently impacted. Heartgard and Heartgard Plus should be administered with caution to these breeds, and collie-type dogs should be monitored for at least eight hours after receiving Heartgard.