Heartgard Plus Chewables vs. Tri-Heart Plus Comparison

Heartgard Plus Chewables

Learn More

Tri-Heart Plus

Learn More

Prevents Heartworm Disease

Roundworms

Hookworms

Whipworms

Tapeworms

Fleas

Other Parasites

Safe for Breeding, Pregnant or Nursing Pets

Has shown a wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level in dogs, including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and puppies aged 6 or more weeks.

Has shown a wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level in dogs, including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and puppies aged 6 or more weeks

Age/Weight Requirements

6 weeks of age or older and no weight requirement

Rx Prescription Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Veterinarian Review (Michael Dym, VMD)

In my experience and opinion, the main ingredient ivermectin in this once monthly heartworm preventative is the most effective preventative for canine heartworm. Under veterinary supervision, it can even be an alternative TREATMENT in treating active heartworm infections when used monthly in those dogs who are either too old for the expensive conventional immiticide drug treatment, or where risks of immiticide treatment outweigh the benefits. This should be discussed with your pets veterinarian. Pets can often clear heartworm infection after 12-24 months of consecutive use, again best done under veterinary guidance. With its other main ingredient, pyrantel, heartguard plus is the most effective preventative in controlling/treating/preventing roundworm and hookworm infection in dogs. Dogs also seem to prefer the taste of this beef flavored chewable tablet. The main disadvantage is of this product is in those situations where pets have tested positive for whipworms on stool checks. This preventative does NOT prevent or control whipworm infections, which can cause inflammation of the colon/diarrhea, and be difficult to control in affected dogs.

Given the rapidly expanding world of generics in the human pharmaceutical industry, it is indeed a pleasure for me as a practitioner of 16 years or experience to also see the same cost saving but equally as effective alternatives in the veterinary field as well. Heartworm disease is on the increase again in the United States. And given the importance and sometimes difficulty of client compliance in keeping up with costly monthly heartworm preventative medicines, it is great that Merck Animal Health has offered a generic version like Tri-Heart Plus to help meet this continued threat. Hopefully the savings on this preventative will encourage even more clients to have their pets on year round internal parasite control against the year round threat of heartworms, roundworms and hookworms. Tri-Heart Plus is quite safe in as pups as young as 6 weeks of age, as well as pregnant and nursing dogs. While I would rather have seen a beef flavored chewable over the pork flavor, dogs seem to love this pill just the same. The only disadvantage I have seen is very rare digestive upset in some patients which could be from the ivermectin or pyrantel main ingredients, or possibly from the pork flavoring.

Our expert panel consists of licensed veterinarians and the knowledgeable staff of PetMed Express, Inc. d/b/a 1-800-PetMeds. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or consultants make any warranties, expressed or implied, or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the content or the content of any site or external sites. Likewise, no legal liability or responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of any information, or usefulness of products discussed. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the qualities and characteristics of each product, which for the most part were taken directly from the websites of the manufacturers, we are not responsible for any errors. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.