How Long Does It Take A Dog To Digest Heartgard – PetDogsLife
Dogs are amazing creatures and we love them dearly, but sometimes they can be a little bit… messy. Especially when it comes to their digestion.
That’s why we’ve created this article – to help answer the question of how long does it take a dog to digest Heartgard. In general, Heartgard takes approximately 8 hours to fully digest.
Take a look at some of the potential side effects of Heartgard, and what you can do if your dog experiences any problems after taking it.
How Long Does It Take A Dog To Digest Heartgard
The short answer to this question is that it generally takes a dog around 8 hours to digest Heartgard. So, if you want to give your dog Heartgard, you should start giving him or her the tablet about 6-8 hours after meals.
In general, it takes 3 days to excrete Heartgard all out of their bodies through urination and defecation.
You may have to wait up to 12 hours before giving another dose if you are not sure the first dose has been completely digested.
How Much Heartgard Should I Give My Dog?
The recommended dosage for Heartgard is 2.3mg/kg (1.05mg/lb). So, if your dog weighs 10 kg (22 lbs), you would give him or her 23 mg of the drug.
It’s important not to give your dog more than the recommended dosage, as this could lead to potential side effects.
Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog Heartgard
There are a number of benefits to giving your dog Heartgard, including:
- Reducing the risk of heartworm disease
- Preventing the development of adult heartworms
- Killing any existing microfilariae (heartworm larvae) in your dog’s system
Potential Side Effects Of Feeding Your Dog Heartgard
Heartgard is a safe and effective way to protect your dog from heartworms. However, like all medications, there are potential side effects. The most common side effects of Heartgard are:
1. Diarrhea
This is the most common side effect of Heartgard. It usually only lasts for a day or two and is not considered serious. If your dog has diarrhea for more than a couple of days, you should contact your vet.
2. Vomiting
This is another common side effect of Heartgard. Again, it is usually not serious and will go away on its own. However, if your dog vomits more than a few times, you should contact your vet.
3. Loss Of Appetite
This is another common side effect of Heartgard. If your dog does not seem interested in his or her food, try giving them smaller meals more often throughout the day.
4. Lethargy
This is another common side effect of Heartgard. If your dog seems tired or lazy, try letting them rest for a few hours.
5. Itching
This is another common side effect of Heartgard. If your dog starts to itch, you can try giving them an antihistamine. If the itching is severe, you should contact your vet.
These are the most common side effects of Heartgard. However, there is always the potential for more serious side effects. If you notice any of the following side effects, you should contact your vet immediately:
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, mouth, or throat
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Rash
- Pale gums
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark urine
These are just some of the potential side effects of Heartgard. If you notice any side effect, you should always contact your vet to be safe.
How Often Do I Have To Give My Dog Heartgard?
There isn’t any specific schedule for dosing your canine companions. The instructions from your veterinarian might help you understand better.
Your veterinarian will advise you on how often you should give your dog Heartgard. It depends on several factors:
- Your medical condition and previous treatments.
- How severe an infestation problem exists among your dog’s family members.
- Your dog’s breed and activity level.
- Weather conditions.
Once your dog gets better, try to reduce the frequency of Heartgard from once per month to twice per year.
When To Not Give Your Dog Heartgard?
There are some instances in which you should not give your dog Heartgard. If any of the following apply to your dog, do not give him or her Heartgard:
- If your dog is allergic to ivermectin or any other ingredient in the drug.
- If your dog is pregnant or lactating.
- If your dog is less than 6 weeks old.
- If your dog weighs less than 2 kg (4.4 lbs).
- If your dog is ill, you should check with your vet before giving him or her Heartgard.
These are just some of the instances in which you should not give your dog Heartgard. If you are unsure, always check with your vet first.
How To Give Your Dog Heartgard?
Heartgard is available in two forms: tablets and chewable. The best way to give your dog Heartgard is to follow the instructions on the package.
If you are giving your dog a tablet, you can give it to them with or without food. If you are giving your dog a chewable, you should give it to them with food.
If you have any questions about how to give your dog Heartgard, you should check with your vet. They will be able to help you figure out the best way to give the medication to your dog.
Conclusion
I hope that this guide will be helpful for those who want to know about How long does it takes a dog to digest Heartguard. In addition to these tips, we also added the pros and cons of Heartgard so you can make an informed decision when deciding whether to treat your dog or puppy with this medication.