Need advice concerning heart worm preventative meds

• 06-12-2009 2:52 PM

  free4u2nv Joined on 06-12-2009 Posts 3 Points 10

  Need advice concerning heart worm preventative meds Reply Contact Hi everyone!   new here..... I have a dog that weighs about 16 pounds.  His name is Buddy.  I recently I took him to be tested for heart worms and everything turnd out fine.  The vet then tried to sell a 6 month supply of Heartgard to me for $43.  I declined until I had a chance to do some research.  I discovered that the same med can be bought online for approximately $18.  what a mark up my vet has!!!!  So I thought I would buy online....then I discovered that I am required to have an RX from my vet to do this.  My vet wants $15 just to write the prescription.  Can anyone please advise me?  I want to protect Buddy from worms but don't want to end up in the poor house doing so.  Is there a GOOD inexpensive med out there that can be obtained without an RX?  And if so, where can I buy it?  Again, he has been tested anad does not currently have heart worms. Buddy and I Thank you in advance for any and all input !

  Filed under: worming, tapeworms, heartworm treatment, advice, drugs Post Points: 0

• 06-12-2009 3:01 PM

  In reply to free4u2nv

  glenmar Joined on 09-10-2007 The Florida Panhandle Posts 13,487 Points 405

  Re: Need advice concerning heart worm preventative meds Reply Contact Man, I'd be finding a new vet in a hurry!  I'd be majorly PO'd.  Your best bet is to bite the bullet and either buy from the vet or RESEARCH and make certain that the source you are buying from is SAFE and then pay for the script.  And then find yourself a vet who isn't only in it for the $$ A house without fur is not a home. Glenda ,

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• 06-12-2009 3:19 PM

  In reply to glenmar

  NicoleS Joined on 07-10-2006 Western Pennsylvania Posts 1,708 Points 135

  Re: Need advice concerning heart worm preventative meds Reply Contact I know with humans, they aren't allowed to "bully" you into one pharmacy over another -- and by charging for a rx, that's what they are doing! Be careful buying online, there are a lot of worrisome places that sell meds.  Not that I haven't purchased from some online places, but it's hard to know the source and sometimes there's a REASON it's so cheap. Nicole & Sammy

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• 06-12-2009 3:28 PM

  In reply to NicoleS

  Liesje Joined on 03-02-2007 Posts 9,906 Points 655	Re: Need advice concerning heart worm preventative meds Reply Contact  Depending on the drug, you don't need an Rx at all.  I'm getting my heartworm preventitives at a local farm store (Tractor Supply Co). http://vankelderdogs.dutchbingo.net http://www.schhmi.com
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• 06-12-2009 3:42 PM

  In reply to Liesje

  NicoleS Joined on 07-10-2006 Western Pennsylvania Posts 1,708 Points 135

  Re: Need advice concerning heart worm preventative meds Reply Contact True, but you really ought to have someone knowledgable teach you about the dosing and such.  I'm almost out of heartgard, and we used to get it from the humane society but since the price of their exam has gone way up, it's no longer cheaper than the vet really.  I have info from another member on dosing it myself, as well as the vet techs at work (not dog vet techs, but she does it for her dog) who gave me some info as well. Nicole & Sammy

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• 06-12-2009 7:51 PM

  In reply to free4u2nv

  marty_ga Joined on 09-10-2007 Georgia Posts 2,363 Points 210

  Re: Need advice concerning heart worm preventative meds Reply Contact  I have gone to my Vet for close to 25 yrs..I like him, but the onset of computers has changed the interaction between Vet and client. Last summer, I was finally told that my Vet will price match what you find online...all you have to do is print the quote out.  The advantage is that you got it from the Vet, it's in the records if something happens, and you know it is legit. It may be worth it to ask if your Vet will do this. Edited to say this was for flea meds.  Heartworm meds are different and do require an RX for your pet's safety..  Your pet needs a yearly test before a new RX is given for heartworm med..  I have cared for a few heartworm positive fosters, and I don't want to go there with my own dogs.

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• 06-12-2009 9:27 PM

  In reply to free4u2nv

  erica1989 Joined on 02-21-2007 Clearwater, Florida Posts 4,363 Points 410	Re: Need advice concerning heart worm preventative meds Reply Contact $18 is extremely cheap... I would be concerned where it was coming from. You can't even buy from a supplier for that price... You may be able to find it someplace else cheaper - with just the proof of a negative test. I also prefer interceptor over heartgard for my prevention.
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• 06-12-2009 11:04 PM

  In reply to erica1989

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 10,865 Points 3,330

  Re: Need advice concerning heart worm preventative meds Reply Contact You don't say what breed of dog it is -- if it is a non-herding breed you *might* be able to use Ivermectin in the form of paste or Ivomec - it's tricky to dose for a small dog but it is far cheaper. However -- that being said, I use Interceptor for mine.  The milbemycin is well tolerated and it's more effective than ivermectin (which is what is in HeartGuard) AVOID things like the ProHeart shot, ProMeris and Revolution -- you don't need something systemic (more adverse reactions and not cheap either).

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• 06-14-2009 3:07 PM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  auburn2932 Joined on 09-13-2007 Camp Hill, PA Posts 409 Points 35

  Re: Need advice concerning heart worm preventative meds Reply Contact  I tried to buy online to at petmeds.com vet called and said they are no longer sending prescriptions like that.  They said to print out my invoice and bring it in and they would match the price and they did exactly that. It was wonderful.! Bonnie Blue Belle April - Feb. 2, 2000 - Dec. 11 - 2007 If tears could build a stairway And memories a lane I'd walk right up to Heaven And bring you home again.

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