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Choosing the right monthly heartworm preventive helps protect your dog from a serious mosquito-borne disease. Although these two products share an important active ingredient, they do not provide the same parasite coverage.
This Heartgard Plus vs Valuheart comparison explains their ingredients, benefits, and main differences so you can make a more informed decision with your veterinarian.
Quick Comparison
|
Feature |
||
|
Active ingredients |
Ivermectin and pyrantel |
|
|
Heartworm prevention |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Roundworm treatment and control |
Yes |
No |
|
Hookworm treatment and control |
Yes |
No |
|
Flea and tick protection |
No |
No |
|
Product form |
Beef-flavored chewable |
Oral tablet |
|
Dosing schedule |
Once monthly |
Once monthly |
|
Minimum age |
6 weeks |
6 weeks |
Heartgard Plus is indicated for monthly heartworm prevention and the treatment and control of certain roundworms and hookworms. Valuheart contains ivermectin alone and is intended specifically for heartworm prevention.
What Is Heartgard Plus?
Heartgard Plus is a monthly oral chewable containing two active ingredients:
- Ivermectin eliminates developing heartworm larvae before they mature into adult heartworms.
- Pyrantel treats and controls certain species of roundworms and hookworms.
The product is available in different strengths according to a dog’s weight and is recommended for dogs and puppies from six weeks of age. It should be given every month, and owners should ensure that the entire dose is consumed.
Heartgard Plus does not protect dogs against fleas, ticks, tapeworms or whipworms. Additional parasite prevention may therefore be required based on your dog’s lifestyle and local parasite risks.
What Is Valuheart?
Valuheart is a monthly heartworm prevention tablet containing Ivermectin as its only active ingredient. It works by eliminating the developing tissue stages of heartworm larvae acquired during the previous month.
Unlike Heartgard Plus, Valuheart does not contain an additional intestinal deworming ingredient. It does not treat roundworms, hookworms, or other intestinal worms. Dogs using Valuheart may need a separate deworming product if recommended by their veterinarian.
Valuheart tablets may be given whole, broken, or wrapped in a small amount of food. The full weight-appropriate dose must be swallowed once every month.
The Main Difference Between Heartgard Plus and Valuheart
The biggest difference in the Heartgard Plus vs Valuheart comparison is their parasite coverage.
Both products contain ivermectin for heartworm prevention. However, Heartgard Plus also contains pyrantel, allowing it to treat and control certain roundworms and hookworms.
Valuheart contains only ivermectin. Its simpler formulation may suit owners who already use a separate intestinal worm treatment or who want a heartworm-only preventive based on veterinary advice.
Which Product Is Easier to Give?
Heartgard Plus is a palatable beef-flavored chewable that many dogs may accept like a treat. Dogs that tend to swallow treats whole should be encouraged to chew it, or the chewable can be broken into pieces to reduce the risk of choking or intestinal obstruction.
Valuheart is a standard tablet rather than a flavored chew. It can be administered directly or hidden in food, and it may be given broken or whole.
The easier option depends on whether your dog prefers a flavored chew or reliably swallows tablets.
Is Valuheart a Replacement for Heartgard Plus?
Valuheart may replace the heartworm-prevention component of Heartgard Plus, but it does not replace the additional roundworm and hookworm coverage provided by pyrantel.
Before switching, consider:
- Whether your dog requires regular intestinal worm treatment
- Which parasites are common in your area
- Whether another dewormer is already being used
- Your dog’s age, weight, and health history
- When the previous heartworm dose was administered
Never give two ivermectin-containing products together unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it.
Heartgard Plus vs Valuheart: Which Is Better?
Neither product is automatically better for every dog.
Heartgard Plus may be more suitable when:
- You want heartworm prevention with added roundworm and hookworm control.
- Your dog enjoys flavored chewable treatments.
- Your veterinarian recommends broader intestinal parasite coverage.
Valuheart may be more suitable when:
- You need a heartworm-only preventive.
- Your dog already receives separate intestinal worm treatment.
- You prefer a simple oral tablet.
- Cost is an important consideration.
Important Heartworm Safety Advice
Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Monthly preventives are designed to stop developing larvae and do not remove established adult heartworms.
Give every dose on schedule and use the correct strength for your dog’s current weight. Contact your veterinarian if a dose has been missed, your dog has not been tested recently, or you notice an unusual reaction after treatment.
Final Verdict
The Heartgard Plus vs Valuheart decision mainly depends on whether your dog needs intestinal worm coverage in addition to heartworm prevention.
Heartgard Plus offers broader protection by combining ivermectin with pyrantel, while Valuheart provides straightforward, monthly heartworm prevention using ivermectin alone. Discuss your dog’s parasite risks and current treatments with your veterinarian before choosing or switching products.
Explore the available Heartgard Plus and Valuheart options at 79pets and select the correct product according to your dog’s weight. Always read the supplied label before administration.
