Is Ivomec Super injection safe for my dog's heartworm prevention?

It's actually perfectly safe to use Heartgard (which has the active ingredient ivermectin) as a heartworm prevention if you like. It's true that Old English Sheepdogs and other herding breeds can sometimes have a genetic mutation (the mdr1 mutation) that makes them more sensitive to certain drugs, including ivermectin - this means that it might not be safe to use high doses of this drug in these breeds, such as the doses often used to treat scabies or demodectic mange. But at the very low doses used in Heartgard and other heartworm preventatives, these breeds have no issues at all - so it's fine to use this product if you like. If you're still concerned and want to choose a different drug entirely, Sentinel is another very effective heartworm preventative that has a different active ingredient (milbemycin oxime) which should not cause any issues at all.

I am not familiar with Agmectin but from what I read about it, it is a topical product for fleas and ticks - not the same product as Ivermectin. You can give the injectable Ivermectin that you were giving previously orally (by mouth) so why don't you do that instead? Same dosing as for injecting it. Collie breeds are more susceptible to ivermectin (ie: Australian cattle dogs, Australian Shepherds, Shelties, Collies, etc). Not really German Shepherds or Malanois. If he hasn't had any problems before with Ivermectin then he should be fine now. I would suggest using a product such as [Tri-Heart Plus](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/tri-heart-plus-chewable-tablets-for-dogs-51-to-100-lbs) or [HeartGard](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/heartgard-plus-chewables-for-dogs-51-to-100-lbs) instead. Much safer and no chance of overdosing. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Yes it is safe to use these medications together. Just make sure you are using the ivermectin dose for heartworms or better yet a pre made heartworm product with ivermectin (Heartgard or otherwise). I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello. We do need to know if Jack has mange & what kind of mange it is. Is it sarcoptic or demodex mange? Once you know this, then the injectable ivermectin can be administered orally for treatment. Please work with your veterinarian to make sure you are treating the right condition with the right medication. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

There are some risks associated with any medication, but certainly those risks can be more significant with some of the injectible medications. Unfortunately, we have rarely seen some serious side effects with Proheart. I am attaching the safety information from Proheart website below. http://www.proheart6.com/ "IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: PROHEART 6 should be used in healthy dogs. Do not administer to sick, debilitated, underweight dogs or dogs that have a history of weight loss. Prior to administration, PROHEART 6 certified veterinarians should continue to assess patient health through a medical history, physical examination and if deemed appropriate, diagnostic testing. Continue to use caution when administering PROHEART 6 concurrently with vaccinations. Adverse events, including anaphylaxis, have been reported following the concomitant use of PROHEART 6 and vaccines. In some cases, anaphylactic reactions have resulted in death. Use with caution in dogs with pre-existing or uncontrolled allergic disease (food allergy, atopy or flea allergy dermatitis). Dogs receiving PROHEART 6 should be tested for existing heartworms as per the product label. In people, avoid PROHEART 6 contact with eyes. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. PROHEART 6 is available only to veterinarians through a restricted distribution program. Only certified veterinarians and staff can administer it. See full Prescribing Information." And here is the safety information from Heartgard's website. https://www.heartgard.com "IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: HEARTGARD Plus is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD Plus, digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, contact your veterinarian or click here for full prescribing information." If you cannot remember to give Heartgard every month, then Proheart may be a better option if the risk of heartworm disease in your area is significant. I have used Heartgard in my dogs for their entire lives and have been very pleased with the product. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

If it was Heartgard, there is no cause for concern. It is an extremely safe product and very difficult to overdose. If it was a different preparation of ivermectin, a double dose may not be cause for concern unless your dog is sensitive to it or carries the MDR1 gene. Typically, a non sensitive dog requires dosing around 2000mcg/kg before clinical signs become apparent. See your vet for an exam as soon as you can if you are concerned. Bring the container of ivermectin with you. Treatment for ivermectin toxicity is supportive in nature. Monitor for vomiting, excess salivation, ataxia (wobbly gait), dilated pupils or tremors.

Yes and no. There are two different protocols for treating heartworm infections. The first is a rapid kill method and this is generally preferable to a slow kill method. The rapid kill method will be completed within two months including the cage rest. This protocol tends to be preferred because it decreases damage to the heart from the worms. It does carry some potential side effects such as anaphylactic reactions and potential embolisms from dead worms. Some pets are not a candidate for this protocol. This protocol uses a specific medication called Immidicide. The slow kill method does utilize drugs like ivermectin. The worms will not be completely killed for 1 to 3 years and so on going damage is possible. During this time the dogs must make sure to take all the medications on time and as prescribed. Talk to your veterinarian about which option is best for Hollywood. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.