Ivermectin injectable is available for dogs and will provide management and protection against heartworms and ear mites or other parasites. The injection is a solution for pets that refuse to take the medication orally or to reduce the possible side effects of the oral medication.
Uses of Ivermectin Injectable
Ivermectin is a solution used to treat parasitic diseases in canines. Ivermectin is also known as Heartgard or Iverhart. The drug is most commonly used in dogs with heart worm disease. Other possible uses of Ivermectin include:
- Skin parasites
- Ear mites (sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange) and can be used instead of the dips and topical solutions that are frequently prescribed and cause discomfort in the pet
- Parasites that lodge in the intestinal tract
However, Ivermectin may also be used in the prevention of heart worm disease. Ivermectin is also available in the form of injections and these are more commonly used in pets to prevent parasitic diseases, as the side effects of injections are less severe than the side effects of the pills administered orally.
Ivermectin has been FDA approved as a heart worm preventative medication and for treating ear mites. For other uses, vets prescribe Ivermectin as an off label drug.
Types of Ivermectin for Dogs
Ivermectin is available in the following forms:
- Pills
- Chewable tablets
- Injectible solution
- Topical cream or ointments
The drug has been created in the early 1980s. The injectable solution is recommended in dogs that don’t like the taste of the chewable tablets or refuse to take the pills. However, research has demonstrated that when the injectable form is used, Ivermectin has fewer side effects.
Effects of Ivermectin in Dogs
The active ingredients in Ivermectin will attack the neurological system of the parasites that affect the dog. In time, the parasites will weaken and die.
Dog Ivermectin Dosage
The dosage of Ivermectin will depend on:
- The age of the dog
- The weight of the dog
- The condition the dog is being treated for
Most commonly, vets will prescribe a dose of up to 0,003 mg per pound of body weight, but you should always check with your vet prior to administering the injections and establishing the dose.
Side Effects of Ivermectin
Ivermectin may have some side effects. However, the side effects of the injectable solution are less serious than the side effects experienced by canines that get the oral treatment. Watch out for symptoms such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Refusal to eat
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Lack of coordination
- Confusion
- Seizures, but only when the dose is too high
- Drooling in excess
Cautions for Ivermectin Use in Dogs
Ivermectin shouldn’t be administered in conjunction with sedatives (i.e. Valium) or amitraz dips. If this happens, the dog may experience more serious side effects.
Certain dog breeds (Collies) may not respond well to the treatment with Ivermectin injectable or pills. The pet should be supervised for the duration of the treatment.