Iverhart Max Dosage Calculator For Dogs
Accurate weight-based monthly dosage guide for dogs
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate weight-based dosage for your dog.
Iverhart Max® (ivermectin/pyrantel pamoate/praziquantel) is a bacon flavoured, once a month soft chew that contains three proven anthelmintics in one convenient dose. It eliminates tissue stage heartworm larvae in 30 days after infection, and treats and controls the three major intestinal parasites of dogs – roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, and Ancylostoma braziliense), and tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia pisiformis).
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Iverhart Max Dosage For Dogs is labeled for dogs 8 weeks or older that weigh over 6 lbs, and 4 chewable sizes, color-coded by weight, assure correct dosing for dogs; a combination of chews are used for dogs over 100 lbs. It comes in 6 or 12 month supply packs (6 or 12 chews) based on your dog’s weight category.
Before beginning Iverhart Max treatment, it is important to remember that dogs six months of age or older need to have a negative heartworm test result in the office of a veterinarian and will need to be retested every year to maintain the protection. Let’s look at the detailed dosage guidelines by weight, how to take, and how to proceed if you forget to take a dose.
What is Iverhart Max Dosage For Dogs?
Iverhart Max Dosage for dogs By Weight is a color coded chewable tablet that is administered to dogs once a month and works to protect against heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms. The correct dosage is strictly weight-based, requiring one full chewable administered orally every 30 days: Purple for toy dogs (6.0 to 12.0 lbs), Blue for small dogs (12.1 to 25.0 lbs), Green for medium dogs (25.1 to 50.0 lbs), and Brown for large dogs (50.1 to 100.0 lbs).
Dogs weighing over 100 lbs need a special mixture of chewables that is prescribed by your veterinarian. Iverhart Max chewables are formulated for dogs 8 weeks or older and 6 lbs or more, and should be administered whole (not split or broken) in order to provide an even, effective dose of their active ingredients (ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel).
Iverhart Max Dosage Chart For Dogs By Weight
Here is the Iverhart Max dosage reference table based on the official product guidelines:
| Dog Weight Range | Color Code / Weight Tier | Tablet Strength | Frequency |
| 6.0 to 12.0 lbs | Purple (Toy) | 1 Tablet | Once every 30 days |
| 12.1 to 25.0 lbs | Blue (Small) | 1 Tablet | Once every 30 days |
| 25.1 to 50.0 lbs | Green (Medium) | 1 Tablet | Once every 30 days |
| 50.1 to 100.0 lbs | Brown (Large) | 1 Tablet | Once every 30 days |
| Over 100 lbs | Combination | Vet Consultation Required | As directed by veterinarian |
Important Administration & Safety Rules
- Frequency: Administer one complete chewable tablet orally once every 30 days.
- Do Not Split: Chewables must be given whole. Do not break or split tablets, as active ingredients (ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate, praziquantel) may not be evenly distributed.
- Minimum Weight & Age: Not indicated for puppies under 8 weeks of age or dogs weighing less than 6.0 lbs.
- Dogs Over 100 lbs: Require a veterinarian-determined combination of chewables to ensure appropriate active ingredient coverage.
Disclaimer: This table is for educational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before starting any medication regimen.
What is Iverhart Max for dogs?
Iverhart Max dog dosage is an antiparasitic soft chew in a single product for dogs that includes three active ingredients— ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel — for a convenient, easy-to-give treatment every month. It treats and controls the three most common intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms) and prevents Canine Heartworm Disease (Dirofilaria immitis) by killing the tissue stage heartworm larvae within 30 days of infection.
Iverhart Max treats can be used in dogs 8 weeks of age or older; the chewable tablets are in four color coded sizes for dogs of different weights, so a combination of chewability tablets must be used for dogs over 100lbs.
It is a prescription heartworm preventative that must be accompanied by an up-to-date, veterinarian-signed heartworm test statement for use, and should be retested annually to maintain protection. Administered once a month it provides year round protection against a wide range of parasites.
Uses of Iverhart Max in Dogs
Iverhart Max is the FDA-approved product for dogs that is used for the following purposes:
- Avoid canine heartworm disease by killing the tissue stage of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis) within one month (30 days) of infection.
- Roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) are treated and controlled.
- Control and treat hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma braziliense)
- Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia pisiformis) should be treated and controlled.
- Given once a month.
- Made without beef, making its bacon-flavored chew safe for dogs with beef allergies
Benefits of Iverhart Plus Soft Chews
- Reliable Heartworm Prevention: Contains ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel, which both eliminate the tissue larval stage of heartworm larvae for a month after infection (preventing adult heartworms).
- Broad Parasite Control: Treats and controls adult stage parasites, including roundworms (T. canis, T. leonina), hookworms (A. caninum, U. stenocephala, A. braziliense) and tapeworms (D. caninum, T. pisiformis), protecting your dog’s digestive health.
- Tasty and fun for dogs: Bacon-flavored soft chews, which dogs can eat as a treat and will readily take, so the pills go down easy and won’t cause any stress.
- Simplicity Once a Month Dosing: Easy to take every month, all the way to the end of the season
- Comprehensive Protection: Treats for intestinal parasites as well as heartworm prevention in one chew
- Supports Lab Studies: Efficacy shown in lab studies against heartworms in tissue larval stage and adult-stage intestinal worms
- Most Dogs: Recommended for dogs 8 weeks of age and over and over 6 pounds recommended
Possible Side Effects of Iverhart Max Soft Chews
Iverhart Plus Soft Chews for dogs are commonly tolerated by dogs and are not considered to be highly toxic or have a lot of side effects when used at normal doses. Rarely reported in 24 hours after dosing in clinical field trials (1.1% of doses administered).
In field studies adverse reactions that are potentially self-limiting, such as, have been reported between 20 minutes and 72 hours after treatment and may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy/depression
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive salivation (hypersalivation)
- Increased water consumption
- Coughing
- Shaking
- Limpness
- Belching
- Lip licking
- Decreased appetite (anorexia)
Rarer but more serious side effects have also been reported such as mydriasis (dilated pupils), ataxia, staggering and convulsions. Some dogs may also have a ‘shock’ reaction to Ivermectin.
When to Call Your Vet: If your dog has any of these reactions (or other unusual reactions) after taking Iverhart Max, call your veterinarian right away.
Precautions for Iverhart Max
- Heartworm Testing Required: Iverhart Max dosage for dogs should not be given to dogs with an existing heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis) – all dogs should be tested for such infections before treatment is initiated. Dogs with infection should be treated to destroy the adults and microfilariae of heartworms before starting a prevention program using this medication.
- At the recommended dose Iverhart Max will not eliminate microfilaria; some microfilaria may be killed.
- Mild hypersensitivity-type reaction (probably due to dead or dying microfilariae and especially transient diarrhea) has been observed in clinical trials where ivermectin was used singly in dogs with circulating microfilaria.
- Use with Caution in Certain Dogs: Use with caution in sick, debilitated or underweight dogs and in dogs under 10 lbs.
- Pregnant/Lactating Dogs: No safety data are available in pregnant or lactating bitches.
- Storage: Keep in a controlled room temperature of 59°–86°F (15°–30°C), out of the light.
- Expiry: Use by date – discard or return unused tablets.
- Keep Out of Reach of Children: Store all drugs out of the reach of children. If accidentally swallowed, seek immediate medical attention, and/or contact a Poison Control Center.
Iverhart Max Soft Chews Ingredients
Iverhart Max Soft Chews contain three active ingredients, ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel. One formulation is 272mcg of ivermectin, 228mg of pyrantel pamoate and 228mg of praziquantel per chew.
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Iverhart Plus Drug & Food Interactions
Iverhart Max may interact with levamisole, organophosphates, diethylcarbamazine and piperazine.
Let your veterinarian know if your pet is taking any other medications. Sometimes, your vet prescribes two interacting medications together on purpose, and in these cases, he or she might decide to change the dose and/or keep a closer eye on your pet. If your pet reacts in an unusual way to multiple drugs, call your veterinarian.
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FAQs
At what age is Iverhart Plus Chew recommended?
Iverhart Max Chew is labelled for puppies and dogs 8 weeks and older.
Do dogs need to chew on Iverhart Plus Chew?
No. The chew can be hand fed or placed whole in a small portion of dog food. Precaution must be taken so that the dog eats all of the medication.
But, what if a dog vomits right after taking Iverhart Max Chew or the owner is not certain that the dog took the full dose?
Per the label, if it’s suspected that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended.
Does Iverhart Max Chew have whipworm on the label?
No. Labelled indications include some hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms, but not whipworms.
Does Iverhart Max Chew contain any beef?
Iverhart Max Chew is flavored with hydrolyzed poultry liver—no beef or pork products, just poultry.
Is it possible to market Iverhart Max Chew as hypoallergenic for chicken allergic dogs?
No. The poultry protein is hydrolyzed, but there is no information or studies to confirm that it is safe for the dog and doesn’t cause a reaction for a dog with chicken allergies.
How long will Iverhart Max Chew last?
Shelf-life is 30 months from the date of manufacture and storage range is 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with excursions allowed between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
If my dog takes more Iverhart Max Soft Chews than it should, what should I do?
Call your local emergency pet clinic right away!
Is Iverhart Max chew safe for cats?
Iverhart Max Chew is only labeled for use in dogs.
Key Takeaways
- Iverhart Max for pets is a monthly, bacon-flavored soft chew that contains ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel, which protect dogs against the disease of canine heartworm and treat/control roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms.
- It is approved for use in dogs over 8 weeks old and more than 6 lbs, the chews come in four color coded sizes that are weight dependent (and combination if your dog is over 100 lbs).
- A current negative heartworm test is recommended prior to treatment as Iverhart Max does not treat existing heartworms or clear microfilaria completely and retesting is recommended annually.
- Side effects are fairly common, primarily mild, transient (vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, excessive salivation) and usually occur 20 minutes to 72 hours after administration; any serious side effects should be reported immediately to a veterinarian.
- Exercise caution when using in animals that are sick, debilitated or less than 10 lbs, and use is not evaluated in pregnant or lactating animals.
- Chew is beef-free (hydrolyzed poultry liver flavored); grain-free and not labeled as a whipworm chew or for cats.
- Store at 20 – 25°C (68 – 77°F) with excursions permitted between 15 – 30°C (59 – 86°F), shelf-life 30 months from date of manufacture.
Final Thoughts
Iverhart Max Dosage For Dogs is a convenient once a month chew for dog owners that provides heartworm protection and wide-spectrum parasite control for their dog’s gut in a single tasty treat. Easy to use, it provides protection against four of the most common and dangerous parasites in dogs with a triple-ingredient formula, so dogs don’t have to receive multiple products.
However, it is a prescription medicine and must be administered safely and effectively, with a current heartworm test before the treatment is begun and annual retesting thereafter. Like all drugs, owners should be aware of side effects and adhere to the directions for dosage according to their dog’s weight, and ask their veterinarian if they have any questions or concerns before starting treatment.
