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Heartworm disease is a serious condition in pets which is carried by mosquitoes. Treatment is intense, expensive and can produce adverse side effects.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
The main difference is that the Iverhart Max will control an additional intestinal parasite (tapeworms). Otherwise the medications will both protect against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms and are generally well tolerated. The Max product does contain an additional ingredient (to kill the tapeworms). Again, this ingredient is generally well tolerated but watch Benji after giving him the medication for any signs of GI upset. Thank you for your questions.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Tri-Heart is generic Heartgard and is just as effective. I am not sure why your vet won't prescribe it for you. You cannot buy any heartworm prevention over the counter so you will need a prescription. I suggest you bring your dog to one of the VETCO vaccine clinics at your local Petco stores (see schedule below). Bring proof of his last negative heartworm test and they can give you a prescription for the Tri-Heart. There is no charge for the exam. Just the cost of the medication. Hope this helps! ( https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/clinic-locations-and-schedules/?zip=77469 ) ( https://www.petco.com/shop/SearchDisplay?categoryId=&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&showResultsPage=true&searchSource=Q&pageView=&beginIndex=0&pageSize=48&fromPageValue=search&searchTerm=triheart )
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Heartgard plus is a prescription only medication, so you need to get a script from Akita's vet in order to get it. You can call and ask them to write a script for it if she's been seen by the vet within in the last year. Otherwise, you will have to make an appointment.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Handsome boy! Yes, he will need a prescription. Contact your vet; a heart worm test may be required first. Here's some great info on heart worm prevention and why routine testing is recommended: https://d3ft8sckhnqim2.cloudfront.net/images/Think_12_PDFs/Think12Dog_Dos_and_Donts101316.pdf?1476362471 Thanks for asking PetCoach!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The heartworm preventatives typically do require a prescription from your veterinarian which may require an exam initially if this is Annie's first time visiting her veterinarian. There are some over the counter flea preventatives such as Advantix and Advantage or Frontline. However, these may not work as well as prescription flea preventatives from a veterinarian. There are no over the counter heartworm preventatives- this does require a prescription with Annie's veterinarian. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025