Where can I get affordable generic heartworm medicine for my dog?

Hi there. Unfortunately, there are no heartworm preventatives that are available over-the-counter - by definition, these are prescription products. But, you can certainly choose to order them through an online pharmacy like 1-800-PetMeds or Chewy.com if you like, as these may be less expensive than purchasing through your vet's office. Your veterinarian should be able to give you a prescription to have filled at any pharmacy you choose, as long as your pet has had an exam within the past year. :)

If you have proof that the dogs have a current negative heartworm test (current means a test within the last year) then you can get the product at any one of our VETCO vaccination clinics. If you do not have proof of a negative heartworm test, you can get the test done at the clinic and then you can buy the Interceptor (or any type of heartworm prevention). ( https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/clinic-locations-and-schedules/?zip=95758 )

You will need to go to a vet as it requires a negative heartworm test before it can be prescribed. This is a simple, fast blood-test that will let the vet know it is safe to start preventive medication. Why this is required is if your pet already has heartworms and is given the medication, it can kill the worms too quickly which can cause blockages of the blood vessels leading to potential stroke or death. Making sure your pet is negative first will ensure it is safe to administer.

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!

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!

I would never advise an owner to give just oral Ivermectin alone to treat heartworms. This is not conventionally and is not as safe as giving the hearworm formulated tablets. I am also surprised that you are spending that much a month for two dogs, as the typical price for heartworm prevention is around $25-$35 for a 6 month box supply. The Nuheart product, which is a generic version of Heartgard, is your safest bet here. Please let me know if this information was helpful. Take care!

Fortunately, there are a number of heartworm preventatives similar to Heartgard, including TriHeart Plus and Iverhart. Other options for heartworm prevention have different active ingredients and include Trifexis, Interceptor, Sentinel, Revolution, and Advantage Multi. Simba's vet will be able to prescribe another option and make sure that Simba has had a recent heartworm test.