Heartgard® Chewables for Dogs

These monthly chewables help prevent canine heartworm disease. You can place your order with US delivery from Canada for convenient access. Many pet owners pay out of pocket, even without insurance, and appreciate simple refills.

What Heartgard Is and How It Works

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Heartgard® contains ivermectin, a macrocyclic lactone. This medicine prevents heartworm disease by eliminating the larval stages transmitted by mosquitoes before they mature. The treatment is given once monthly and is labeled for dogs starting at 6 weeks of age. For broader intestinal parasite control, the Plus version combines ivermectin with pyrantel to treat and control common hookworms and roundworms.

Before starting, dogs should test negative for heartworm infection. It works by interrupting the parasite lifecycle, so consistent monthly dosing is important. See our condition overview of Heartworm for more background.

Who It’s For

This preventive is for dogs and puppies at least 6 weeks old. It may be used in breeding, pregnant, and lactating females when prescribed. Dogs with a known history of ivermectin sensitivity or certain neurologic disorders may require careful evaluation. Collie-type breeds usually tolerate labeled doses, but your veterinarian should guide use and testing. If your dog has active heartworm disease or an unknown status, testing and a tailored plan are needed before starting prevention. For intestinal parasites alone, your prescriber may consider dewormers; see the overview on Roundworm Infection and related resources like Drontal For Dogs.

Dosage and Usage

Give the chewable once every month, on the same date each month. Offer as a treat or within a small amount of food, and watch your dog to make sure the full dose is consumed. If a dose is partially chewed and dropped, offer another small bite to ensure it is finished. Replace the dose if it is spit out. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions and the package insert for your dog’s weight band. Maintain year-round prevention or as advised for your region. Testing for heartworm is typically recommended before starting and at regular intervals thereafter.

Tips for smoother use:

• Pick a consistent reminder date and set a calendar alert.
• Keep the chew within reach on dosing day, out of pet access.
• Check your remaining supply one week before month’s end.
• If your dog vomits soon after dosing, contact your veterinarian.

Strengths and Forms

Chewables are supplied by weight range to simplify dosing. The commonly available presentations include:

• Heartgard Plus 0-25 lbs for small dogs
• 26-50 lbs for medium dogs
• 51-100 lbs for large dogs

Six- and twelve-dose cartons are common. Availability can vary by packaging and country of origin.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a month, give a dose as soon as you remember and resume the regular monthly schedule. If more than one month has passed since the last dose, your veterinarian may recommend heartworm testing before continuing. When in doubt, consult your prescriber for next steps.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store at room temperature in the original blisters or carton. Protect from moisture and direct light. Keep out of reach of children and other pets. For travel, carry doses in original packaging and bring a copy of your prescription or a recent invoice. A small travel note from your clinic can help when crossing borders. Do not leave chewables in a hot car or freezing conditions. For mail orders, the pharmacy uses temperature-controlled handling when required.

Benefits

This prevention offers once-monthly dosing in a palatable chew, which can help with adherence. It targets heartworm larvae before they cause damage. In the Plus version, pyrantel adds control of common intestinal worms, reducing the need for separate deworming in many households.

Many families combine a heartworm preventive with a separate flea and tick product. Discuss the plan with your veterinarian to cover local risks through the year.

For owners seeking clear labeling, Doxycycline Guide and similar resources can support conversations when co-infections are a concern.

Some dogs may also use a wormer periodically. When advised, options beyond monthly preventives can be found in our pet care selection.

The phrase Heartgard heartworm prevention for dogs reflects the labeled purpose of this medicine.

Side Effects and Safety

• Digestive upset, including vomiting or soft stools
• Decreased appetite or lethargy
• Drooling or lip licking
• Ataxia or unsteadiness
• Rare neurologic signs, including tremors or seizures

Serious reactions are uncommon at labeled doses. Dogs with existing heartworm infection may need specific veterinary care before using a monthly preventive. If you observe persistent vomiting, collapse, or neurologic signs, seek urgent veterinary attention. When used with certain other antiparasitics, monitor for additive effects.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your veterinarian about all medicines and supplements. Macrocyclic lactones may interact with other parasite treatments or high-dose off-label products. Use caution when combining with products that have overlapping parasite targets. Antibiotics and other therapies are often safe, but disclosure matters. If your dog is being treated for concurrent infections, your clinic may prescribe Clavamox or Baytril, for example, which your veterinarian will coordinate with monthly preventives. Always follow the label and your prescriber’s guidance.

What to Expect Over Time

This therapy helps prevent a serious disease you will not see until it’s advanced, so you may not notice changes day to day. Expect routine heartworm testing at intervals your clinic recommends. Keeping a monthly routine, pairing doses with a recurring event, and tracking refill needs can support consistent protection. If your region has intense mosquito exposure, your veterinarian may stress year-round use.

Compare With Alternatives

Other heartworm preventives use different actives, such as milbemycin oxime or topical selamectin. Some options pair heartworm prevention with additional intestinal coverage. If you also need flea and tick protection, many owners consider a Heartgard and NexGard combo approach using separate products. Ask your veterinarian to match coverage to your dog’s lifestyle. For broader deworming needs, see our article Drontal For Dogs for general guidance.

Pricing and Access

Check our current options and buy Heartgard online when your prescription is ready. We offer transparent Canadian pricing with clear checkout and Ships from Canada to US fulfilment to most locations. If you are comparing options, review carton size and weight band details before you place an order.

Looking for seasonal deals or rebates? See current Promotions and compare offers during refill planning.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by size and packaging. If a specific carton is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a temporary alternative in the same class. There is no approved generic for Heartgard chewable in the U.S. at this time. Your veterinarian can help select a comparable preventive if needed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This preventive suits most healthy dogs with a negative heartworm test. Dogs with significant liver, kidney, or neurologic disease require individualized planning. Puppies need weight checks to move into the correct band as they grow. If your household has multiple dogs, align refill dates to simplify dosing.

Ways to save without compromising care:

• Multi-month supply: choose 6 or 12 doses to reduce per-dose costs.
• Set reminders: avoid missed months that increase risk.
• Consolidate orders: place one checkout for all dogs when possible.
• Review coverage: pair with separate flea and tick protection as advised.

Compare total value, not only the Heartgard cash price. Consider vet visits for testing, dose size, coverage breadth, and convenience. Browse our wider selection of Pet Medications to coordinate other needs.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is year-round prevention recommended in our area?
• When should my dog be retested for heartworm?
• Which flea and tick product pairs best with this preventive?
• What signs should prompt an urgent check after a dose?
• How should I adjust if my dog changes weight bands?

Authoritative Sources

Ready to order? Add your items to cart for prompt, express shipping. This information is educational and not a substitute for your veterinarian’s advice; always follow your prescription and the official label.