My senior dog slips after heartworm meds. Is it a side effect or interaction?

Hi and good afternoon. Thank you for your question. I am sorry Mitch, your Yorkie, is experiencing some health issues. The direct and simple answer to your question is no, heartgard typically does not cause the symptoms Mitch is experiencing. These products, especially heartgard, have undergone rigorous safety testing and safety studies and is considered very safe. Although side effects are uncommon with heartgard, when experienced, they generally tend be vomiting and diarrhea. Rare allergic side effects have also been reported but nothing that matches Mitch's symptoms. I would strongly recommend Mitch visit a licensed veterinarian in your area to determine the cause of the weight loss, decrease in appetite, and cognition issues. They will likely take a blood sample, preform an x-ray if indicated, and do a physical exam of Mitch. Because these symptoms are very vague, there could be any number of causes to his symptoms. Please see a vet as soon as possible. I hope this has helped.

If Heidi has had that ivermectin chewable before without any side effects, then I would doubt that her signs are related to that. One of the most common reasons that a dog will be more reluctant to move or slower to move is pain somewhere. That could be in her neck, her back, her abdomen or elsewhere. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Heidi to see if they can determine what is going on with her and what to do about it. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Heidi feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Given that it was at least a week after the injection, I would not suspect it was the cause of her symptoms. If she was to experience a reaction to the injection, it would normally occur much sooner after the injection was normally given. Bees are very toxic to dogs, and it is possible that Ivy was stung by one even if you didn't happen to see it. You did absolutely the right thing by rushing her into the ER vet, and I'm so glad that she recovered quickly . I hope she also recovers fully from heartworm :-)

Depending on the type of heart worm preventative you gave, it can cause upset tummy like vomiting and even diarrhea. Next time I would recommend to make sure she has had a full meal prior to giving the medicine or you can change to a different medicine all together. Finally, if she isn't improved by tomorrow I would contact your vet for an exam and make sure she doesn't need any fluids or anti-nausea medicine. I hope this helps.

Hello. Heartguard is generally considered very safe, even in a dog with a current heart worm infection. If there was a reaction due to the presence of heartworms, it is almost always some kind of pulmonary event. So, it is possible that he has just developed a sensitivity or had a one off reaction to the Heartguard. Do think about having Buster tested before giving another pill, & do try to remember to give it every 30 days. All heartworm medications do a great job, but only if doses are not skipped, especially for dogs living in warmer climates. And if he does not seem better tomorrow, please make an appointment with your vet to have things checked out. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

No, that does not sound normal. At regular/normal dosing Milbemycin is pretty safe and side effects are pretty rare. What you are describing does not sound spot on with side effects for this drug. Side effects are usually neurological. I suggest you get a second opinion from another vet. ( https://www.petplace.com/article/drug-library/drug-library/library/milbemycin-oxime-interceptor-for-dogs-and-cats/ )

Side effects that could be caused by this type of intoxication are mainly gastrointestinal like vomiting and diarrhoea. If that is the cases, start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if you notice persisting diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Unfortunately these medications are designed to last for long time in the body as they are usually due once a month (so it will take approximately one month to be completely out).