Heartworm Medication - Ivermectin.org

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What is Ivermectin

The parasite control drug Ivermectin was developed in the 1970s and approved for veterinary use in the late 1980s. It is derived from a fungus and was initially used as medication to help control intestinal and other internal animal parasites.

Since then, oral ivermectin (also known by the brand name Stromectol) has proven to be the most effective substance for the treatment of animal scabies which causes mange. It is also commonly used in the treatment as well as a means of prevention of heartworm disease in dogs, cats and other domestic animals such as guinea pigs, horses and cattle.

Ivermectin is a veterinary prescription medication available as a liquid for dispensation to larger animals and as a more economical choice for breeders who need large amounts.

The drug effectively kills any new heartworm larvae that may be present or have been introduced into the bloodstream since the last medication, thereby preventing them to mature and travel to the heart and lungs.

Heartworm disease is caused by the parasite dirofilaria immitis which is transmitted and spread by the mosquito. It is a serious condition affecting the heart and lungs of dogs, cats and other animals and can be fatal if not treated. Treatment is a lengthy, debilitating and costly process and not always successful depending on the age and condition of the animal.

Ivermectin acts as a preventative by killing off the immature larvae but it does not kill adult heartworms. Because mosquitoes are found in nearly every corner of the world, it is important to put your dog or cat on a monthly schedule to prevent the development of adult heartworms and possible onset of this killer disease.

For household pets, palatable commercially available heartworm preventative medications that include ivermectin are Heartgard®, Iverhart®, Tri-Heart® and others.

These products are packaged in tablet or chewable format to be administered once a month. Formulas are available for both dogs and cats. Dosage is determined by the animal's body weight. Most veterinarians recommend starting your puppy or kitten on heartworm preventatives by the time they are 8 weeks old.