As great as ivermectin is, there are a few things you should be aware of. Generally, you should be aware that some animals should not be treated with ivermectin. Specifically, we’re going to tell you which animals should not be treate with ivermectin, and why.

• Do not use ivermectin on kittens. Ivermectin is a powerful drug, and does not work very well on kittens. Kittens are so young that their systems are still developing. Wait until the animal is three months old to administer an ivermectin treatment.
• Do not use ivermectin on puppies. The same is true for puppies. Often, some puppies will develop demodectic mange, which is a non-seri0us, non-contagious variety of mange that will heal on its own. Do not use ivermectin to treat this variety of mange.
• Do not use ivermectin on weak, elderly, or sick dogs. Any dog that is old, sick, dehydrated, wounded, or otherwise debilitated, should not be subject to a mange treatment. The power of the drug will cause further instability and complications.
• Do not use ivermectin on herding dogs. Finally, and most importantly, do not use ivermectin on the following types of dogs:  Australian Shepherd, collie, Border Collie, English Shepherd, German shepherd, Long-haired Whippet, McNab, Old English Sheepdog, Shetland Sheepdog, Silken Windhound, and other herding-variety dogs. Even dogs that have partial breeding background with any in the above list should not be treated with ivermectin. These animals contain a MDR1 gene, which allows ivermectin to enter the nervous system and cause severe complications. Thankfully, there are alternative treatments that can help pets with mange.