Heartworm Med Question

[jpat78]

I have noticed a number of websites out there that sell all sorts of brands of heartworm medication (Heartgard, Frontline, etc) without a prescription and at a very low price.

Are these websites legit? I thought you had to get it by prescription or from yoru vet. I have been getting Heartgard from our vet for our 5 month old boxer but I could save a few bucks going through these websites.

Your advice is appreciated!

 

[alohaboxer!]

You don't need a RX to buy heartworm meds. I know a few people who order through petmeds, and I guess it works for them. You just need to know the weight of your dog. But for you, since you have a puppy and the weight changes so frequently, I would be hesitant to buy a whole box of something because your pup will get bigger by the following month.

 

[jpat78]

Thanks for the info!

Our pup is 5 months old was weighted last week at 25 lbs. I am going to buy the six pack for dogs 25-50 lbs. If she is over 50 lbs by the time I'm finished I'll just throw away the lst tablet or two.

However, our breeder says she shouldn't be much more than 50 lbs.

 

[ssleighter]

I used to order online pet meds, and we still do for the rescue boxers in our care.

I choose to buy Heartgard at the vet for my personal dogs because that's the only way you get the Heartgard guarantee. They guarantee if your dog gets HW's while on their product, they will pay for the treatment. You won't get that guarantee with products purchased online. It just makes me feel better.

And in the U.S. you still do need a prescription for Heartgard, and places like 800petmeds will request a vet from you when you order so they can verify the prescription.

 

[jpat78]

Well, I could have saved some energy typing this thread if I would have done more research....

I thought if I ordered online that I would be saving some money but it turns out if I go through my vet its about the same price.

It would be a bit more piece of mind if I got it through my vet.

Thanks for all your help!!

 

[Anna Begins]

Question

Don't dogs have to be tested for heartworms before starting Frontline, etc?

 

[SuzanneC]

Dogs have to be tested before starting Heartguard, Revolution, Interceptor, Sentinel, etc. if they are older than six months of age. Frontline is NOT a heartworm preventative, it only controls fleas and ticks, so pets do not have to be tested.

 

[sandy's mom]

I guess I am lucky, my vet matches prices with anything I get on line.
All I have to do is print it and take it in to the office.

Debbie

 

[SuzanneC]

Lots of vets in my area will price match, if indeed their prices are higher to begin with. Many times, prices at the local vet are the same or LESS than online pharmacies. I've also heard from people who have ordered from online pharmacies that the product tends to have a short expiration date, so the product is outdated before you use all of it.

 

[momstaxi]

Just a quick queation. Why do dogs have to be tested for heartworm before you start meds? Isn't heartworm sometimes treated by those same meds? Is it just so you know?