There are quite a number of generic heartworm medicines to choose from.

One thing that they all have in common is that they actually do the same thing as the better branded products. The only difference that you may find is that they do not also prevent the intestinal worms that our pets can also get. However it is only a few heartworm medicines that provide this additional measure. It is products such as Heartgard by Merial that have this added factor. These type of brands are very popular but they can be expensive.

The generic alternatives are usually about half the price and are well worth considering if we feel that we cannot afford the more branded products. Each heartworm medicine seems to have a different active ingredient, which is slightly surprising. This diference means little to us though as it all produces the same effect in the end. That is to stop our pets becoming infected with the larval stages of heartworms.

Of all the generic choices it is Valuheart which is both the best priced and most popular choice. It has the same active ingredient as Heartgard (Ivermectin) and will be just as effective but probably for half the price. You are also lucky that it is the one product available via Amazon that you may purchase without a prescription. Any other heartworm medicines that you purchase inside the US will need a prescription from your vets.

Ivermectin medicine is the most often used active ingredient and is all that is needed to effectively stop heartworms forming.

Heartworm Medicine Without A Prescription

Purchasing non prescription heartworm medicine saves us both a significant amount of time and also money. It is unfortunate that we cannot always support our vets. The reality is that they have overheads and need to make money where they can.

The problem for us is that in the present economic climate we need to make savings if we can and puchasing without a prescription saves us a drive to the vets. We also usually end up making a purchase while we are there which means we spend more money.

Whatever heartworm medicine you purchase you are recommended that you first get your pet checked by a vet. If your Dog has adult heartworms and you then begin to treat with a monthly generic heartworm medicine it can put them at considerable risk. It is always advised to perform the test first to ensure that it is safe to give them a monthly treatment.

Heartworm medicines like Valuheart are a monthly treatment that come in capsule form. You can also purchase brands that come as a liquid that is applied externally. They all perform the same function though so it is simply down to personal choice which one you use. I think a tablet is probably easier as it can simply be given to your Dog or crushed in with a treat. Valuheart does not come in tasty flavors like some of the other brands but it is cheaper and easier to purchase.

If you want other brands then you will likely need a prescription. If you order from overseas though then you can get around this. I see nothing wrong with doing this but it is important that you keep good records as your vet will not have the treatment you are using on record. Ensure that you purchase from a reputable supplier. You never want to put your pets health at risk by making a purchase from a less than reputable source. One thing that you do not need to worry about is whether or not generic heartworm treatments are as effective as the more branded names. They are absolutely as good and will be just as effective. They are simply a more "bare bones" approach. No fancy tastes or packaging just what is needed to react against heartworm infections.

If you live in an area that gets mosquitos then it is recommended that you treat for at least a month either side of the season. You may find it is cheaper though to simply treat every month of the year with generic heartworm medicine. It really depends how much it costs to have your pet checked for adult heartworms. Whether you decide to purchase a generic heartworm medicine or a more popular brand, just ensure that you remember to give it monthly. It must be continued for the whole seaon once you start or there is risk of heartworm infection.