Monthly Dog Heartworm Pills are a simple way to ensure your canine pet never experiences the problems associated with heartworm disease. There are currently three different sorts of canine heartworm tablets available. Several brands are available for the first, since it has been around for the longest time. Currently there are not generic versions of the other two types. Eachheartworm tablet is used in the same way, but includes a different active ingredient that actually does the work of controlling these troublesome parasites.
#1 Heartgard and Generic Heartgard
Heartgard was the first monthly dog heartworm pill to be developed. The key ingredient used is ivermectin. This is the same ingredient used (in larger quantities) to treat dogs that test positive for heartworm disease. The makers of Heartgard have since introduced Heartgard Plus. This contains the same heartworm preventative but with an additional ingredient that controls intestinal worms (roundworms and hookworms).
Ordinary Heartgard are available either in tablet form or as a beefy chewable treat. Heartgard Plus is currently sold only in chewable treat form. Dogs with beef allergies should not be given these chewables.
Generic Heartgard and Generic Heartgard Plus have both been developed, and are now offering a cheaper source of heartworm prevention for dog owners. Nuheart tablets and Valuheart are Australian made generic versions of Heartgard offering savings of 40 to 50% and have now become so well known they are brands in their own right. Generic Heartgard Plus may be bought in tablet or chewable treat form.
Triheart Plus is another ivermectin based monthly heartworm pill. In addition pyrantel is included to control hookworm and roundworm in dogs. These are a much cheaper version of Heartgard Plus, but are only available with a prescription.
Triheart Plus is another ivermectin based monthly heartworm pill. In addition pyrantel is included to control hookworm and roundworm in dogs. These are a much cheaper version of Heartgard Plus, but are only available with a prescription.
Following the links at the side takes you to an online pet pharmacy that currently sell Heartgard, Nuheart, Valuheart, Heartgard Plus, Generic Heartgard and Generic Heartgard Plus without a prescription.
The key ingredient in these dog heartworm pills, ivermectin, can cause adverse reactions is certain collie type breeds of dog. Though these problems are only associated with much higher doses ofivermectin than that contained in a monthly heartworm tablet, many collie owners prefer to use a different method of heartworm prevention.
#2 Proheart Heartworm Pills
Proheart is another cheap heartworm pill, this time using Moxidectin to destroy larval heartworms. These are not found so often in the United States but are widely used in Australia and Europe. They are suitable for all breeds of dog including collies and breeding dogs too. They offer a much cheaper alternative to Heartgard and so are beginning to gain popularity with pet owners worldwide.
Again Proheart is available without prescription via the links to the side.
#3 Interceptor and Sentinel Flavor Tabs
Interceptor Flavor Tabs are the final variety of monthly heartworm pill for dogs available today. These use Milbemyclin Oxine to destroy larval stage heartworms. Again these are safe for all breeds of dog including puppies. As this destroys heartworm parasites extremely quickly it is crucial that you know your dog is not hearworm positive prior to using these.
Sentinel Flavor Tabs are the sister product to Interceptor. Again made by Novartis they use Milbemyclin Oxine to prevent adult heartworms developing. In addition they include another active ingredient; Lufenuron which is an insect development inhibitor. This additional ingredient destroys a wide range of parasites including, adult hookworm, roundworm andwhipworm. In addition to these internal parasites, the Lufenuron also controls fleas by preventing the development of flea eggs. Used regularly this will control the flea population adequately, but in is useful to use an adult flea killer such asCapstar when you first switch to this method of flea control.
Both Interceptor and Sentinel Heartworm Pills are only available with a prescription. Both are produced in a flavor tab form which is acceptable to most dogs.
Monthly Dog Heartworm Pills
All three sorts of monthly Dog Heartworm Pills have their fans and advantages. All work to prevent heartworm for dogs in a similar way, and to a completely effective degree. The additional knowledge of which ingredients you are happy to use and whether you wish to save money, or combine the control of other parasites with yourheartworm prevention will help determine which product is right for you and your dog.