Heartworm medicine - switching brands?

[Jenny G]

Berman and Lucy are currently using Sentinel heartworm medicine.  Since I've become a single household, I'm trying to keep costs down.  I pay $24/month now for both kids.  I've seen other heartworm medicine brands at the vet's office that are much less expensive. My questions are:

1- Is Sentinel better than the less expensive brands - like am I getting what I pay for?

2- Is it okay to switch the kids to a different brand or will that have any negative effects on their health?

I know Sentinel also has flea and tick medicine in it, but I have a very small yard and have never had any problem with those.

Thoughts?

[Jen]

I have never used Sentinel but have had good success with Heartguard and Interceptor none of my dogs seem to have any adverse affects from either med 

Jen

[David C.]

I've used Heartguard and Interceptor as well.   I'm currently using Heartguard.   I was offered to do the vaccine years ago, but I declined.   The Heartguard always worked for me, and the fact that Max is 17 years old seems to indicate that it works well without any odd side effects.

[Jen]

I agree with David about the injectable HW prevention ... it is BAD dogs have died from using it... stick with Heartguard or interceptor. I thought they took all the injectables off the market but i have not really paid much attention recently - terrible stuff!! 

Jen

[TerriL]

I also use Heartguard.  It's a chewable, and the dogs love it.  As for the injectables, I'm pretty sure they have taken all of them off the market.  When Buelah was a pup she had one injection and was fine but I think I will always worry that an issue might crop up at some point. 
The Heartguard runs around $50.00 for a six pack. 
I'm always glad to see posts regarding heart worm preventatives.  It never hurts as a reminder of just how important this is! 

[MindyKay]

I use Heartguard for Ozzy - he thinks it is a special treat from the way he acts when I get one out.  I get it from the vet, which is a little pricy; does anyone buy it elsewhere or mail order?  Is that really cheaper?

[Ruth in MT]

eLlIe  was given Iverhart Plus , it was $20 for 6 months.

I checked the internet .... it was $15.99 plus $4.99 S&H ....... so I guess my vet is pretty fair.

[Charlie]

Charlie was given Interceptor from the beginning of which I learned he'd take in no time with a bit of peanut butter.  Abbie was started on Heartguard and so I changed Charlie from the Interceptor to Heartguard.  Both take the Heartguard with no issue.