Ivermectin is an amazing medication used to kill many different types of parasites. It’s most commonly used in monthly heartworm prevention. It is also used to treat ear mites as well as hair mites, which can cause mange. It is used to treat some internal parasites as well. Toxicity can occur if a dog is given an excessive dose of the medication (10 to 20 times the recommended dose). Additionally, certain dogs are genetically hypersensitive to the medication. In these dogs, ivermectin can pass directly to the brain and be toxic or even lethal. Sensitivity to the drug can also be seen in dogs or puppies that have overdosed on a similar medication in the past
Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic active ingredient used in veterinary and human medicine in dogs, cats, horses ands and livestock against external parasites (lice, mites, etc.) as well as against internal parasites (e.g. roundworms). It is also used against agricultural and household pests. It belongs to the chemical class of the macrocyclic lactones.
Description
Ivermectin is most commonly used as a heartworm preventive in dogs and cats. It also used ‘off label’ or ‘extra-label’ for treating a variety of internal and external parasites. For example, in dogs, ivermectin may be used in the treatment of mites (demodectic mange, scabies, and ear mites), intestinal parasites (hookworms, roundworms), and capillaria. In cats, ivermectin may be used to treat ear mites and cat scabies. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully.
Side Effects of Ivermectin in Dogs
In dogs, the risk of side effects associated with Ivermectin depends on the dosage, the susceptibility of the individual dog, and on the presence of heartworm microfilaria (a larval form of the heartworm.)https://a3769d31abbb2901e10529f556b8bf1b.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
When used at a low dose for heartworm prevention in a dog free of heartworms, Ivermectin is relatively safe. At higher doses which may be used for treating other parasitic infections, the risk of side effects increases. Potential side effects include:1
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Muscle tremors
- Blindness
- Lack of coordination
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Dehydration
Uses/benefits of Ivermectin For Dogs
Ivermectin (a drug in the avermectin family) is used for control of parasites in animals. It’s mainly used to treat gastrointestinal and lung parasites and certain external parasites found in cattle, sheep, horses, dogs, cats and swine. It can also be used as heartworm prevention in dogs and cats. This drug comes in several different formulations including intravenous, oral solutions, paste, topicals, chewable tablets and more. This drug should only be used and administered to your pet when directed by a veterinarian.
Prices of Ivermectin For Dogs
$35.99 – $85.00