Ivermectin is an effective treatment for parasites in pets and also a solution to prevent heartworms. The medication is prescribed by veterinarians to dogs, cats, and goats, but there is a difference in how and how much it should be consumed.
How is the drug used in dogs?
When it comes to the treatment of dogs, the typical dosages for different problems include the following:
- For demodectic mange treatment – 400-600 ug/kg of body weight
- For sarcoptic mange treatment – 300 ug/kg of body weight
- For heartworm prevention – 6 ug/kg of body weight
There are non-sensitive and sensitive breeds that respond differently to Ivermectin, but the dosage for heartworm prevention is so low that it works for most breeds. When it comes to using higher dosages, it’s important that a dog is tested for the MDR1 gene mutation. The sensitivity due to gene mutation is most common in Silken Windhounds, German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, English Shepherds, Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Longhaired Whippets, and also mutts of such breeds.
It is essential to be careful and not give a larger dosage than intended to a dog, as it can cause severe toxicity that cannot be reversed.
The use of Ivermectin in cats
Ivermectin is prescribed to cats mostly for the prevention of heartworm and also mange caused by ear mites. It is considered a controversial treatment for fleas and ticks, so it’s often recommended to choose other treatments for these problems.
In terms of dosages, the minimum one for cats is 24 ug/kg of body weight. It is possible to increase the dosage only after consulting a veterinarian. Choosing an inadequate dosage of this drug for a cat can lead to various side effects, such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Coordination problems
- Difficulty breathing
- A sudden drop in body temperature
If you notice any of these symptoms after giving Ivermectin to your cat, you should consult a medical specialist immediately.
Is Ivermectin safe for goats?
Similar to cats and dogs, it is important to use a correct dosage of Ivermectin when treating parasites in goats. As opposed to some pets, goats have a faster metabolism, so the injectable Ivermectin is usually given to them orally. You can use a syringe without a needle, get enough product for a single dosage, and pour it into a goat’s mouth.
The normal dosage of the drug for goats is 0.2 mg/kg of body weight for the treatment of the majority of roundworms found in this animal. For the treatment of Demodex caprae, the dosage can be increased to 0.67 mg/kg and it’s administered once a week for 12 weeks.
You should always accurately weigh a goat before giving Ivermectin because exceeding the recommended dosage can cause adverse reactions.