What heartworm prevention is safe for Australian shepherds?

What heartworm prevention is safe for Australian shepherds?

If you own a breed that can be predisposed to having a mutation of the MDR1 gene, you may be wondering if there are alternative heartworm drugs that can be used. Turns out, ivermectin (Heartguard) or milbemycin (Interceptor) given at their recommended dosages are safe for dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation.

Can Aussies give Heartgard?

Ivermectin, when dosed at the low dosage ranges necessary to prevent infection with heartworms, is generally considered to be safe for dogs of all breeds, including Collies, Shelties, Australian Shepherds, and English and Old English Sheepdogs.

Is heartworm in dogs common in Australia?

Background. Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs is considered endemic in Australia, but the clinical heartworm disease caused by the heartworm is rare and prevalence is low.

How do you prevent heartworms in dogs Australia?

The most convenient and effective heartworm prevention is a yearly injection administered by your veterinarian. This can be given from 12 weeks of age, then boosted at 6 months.

What flea and tick medicine is safe for Australian Shepherds?

Looking for the right Flea treatment products?

• Sentinel Spectrum: www.sentinelpet.com. NOTE: Does NOT cover Ticks and Mites.
• Nexgard: www.nexgard.com.au. NOTE: Does NOT cover Mites and Tapeworms.
• Bravecto: www.bravecto.com.au.
• Comfortis Plus: www.comfortis.com.
• Advantix: www.advantagepetcare.com.au.

Is Sentinel Spectrum safe for Australian Shepherds?

Sentinel is safe to use in dogs at risk for MDRI-allele mutation Australian Shepherds, Collies, Shelties,etc., unless tested normal, caution is advised if the pet is also being given amiodarone Cordarone, azole antifungals such as ketoconazole, carvedilol Coreg, cyclosporine Atopica, diltiazem Cardizem, erthromycin Ery …

Are Australian Shepherds allergic to ivermectin?

Ivermectin at low dosage, as found in heartworm medications, will not cause a reaction. The larger doses needed for worming will. Other commonly administered drugs on the list include acepromazine and Imodium. Fortunately, there are alternative medications available if your dog requires treatment.

Do you really need to give your dog heartworm medicine?

If at the initial test, your dog is found to have heartworms, treatment will be needed before prevention can begin. However, if your dog is in the clear, he can be started on monthly medication to protect him from the disease.

Where is heartworm in Australia?

WHICH AREAS ARE MOST COMMONLY AFFECTED? The disease is very prevalent in areas such as Mackay and North East Queensland and it affects up to 80% of totally unprotected dogs and 30% of dogs who have had irregular heartworm prevention.

Is NexGard effective against heartworm?

NexGard SPECTRA contains an additional active ingredient, milbemycin oxime, which provides protection against heartworm and intestinal worms. With two active ingredients, NexGard SPECTRA provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm disease and intestinal worms in just one tasty chew.

Are Australian Shepherds allergic to Ivermectin?

Is Frontline Safe for MDR1 dogs?

Frontline Plus targets four kinds of ticks, fleas (including eggs and larvae), lice, and mites that cause sarcoptic mange. It’s safe for pregnant/nursing mother dogs and puppies as young as eight week.

What flea and tick medicine is safe for Australian shepherds?

What heartworm medication is safe for MDR1 dogs?

Ivermectin and other related drugs (milbemycin, selamectin) are commonly used in the prevention and treatment of parasites. They are common components of most canine heartworm preventives. At low doses, such as those used in heartworm prevention, ivermectin is safe even for dogs with the MDR1 mutation.

Why can’t Australian shepherds have ivermectin?

MDR1 is the abbreviated name of a gene called Multi-Drug Resistance 1. A mutation of this gene causes sensitivity to Ivermectin and a number of other drugs. Dogs with the mutation will react to those drugs. Whether a dog reacts depends on the dosage of the drug.

What medication is bad for Australian shepherds?

Below is a list of drugs that should be generally avoided in dogs with an MDR1 status, or herding breeds or mixed breeds of unknown MDR1 status.

• Ivermectin.
• Selamectin.
• Milbemycin.
• Moxidectin.
• Loperamide.
• Acepromazine.
• Butorphanol.
• Vincristine.

What is the safest heartworm prevention for dogs?

Conventional preventatives The two most common (and generally considered safe) heartworm preventative ingredients used today are ivermectin (used in Heartgard by Merial, and other products) and milbemycin oxime (used in Interceptor by Novartis).

Is NexGard used for heartworms?

NexGard SPECTRA protects against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm disease and the common intestinal worms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.