The American Heartworm Society recommends that dogs stay on heartworm preventive medicine year around. The same goes for cats in areas where heartworm is common. And don’t forget about ferrets — they’re also at risk for heartworm disease.

Buying a year’s worth of name brand heartworm preventive can be expensive. That’s why some pet parents turn to the internet to cut costs. But if you do that, remember two words: buyer beware.

Some online products may look like name brands or have similar-sounding names, but they might contain less of the active ingredients or be outdated. Others may be downright bogus.

You need a veterinarian’s prescription to buy any heartworm medication. While you’re at it, ask the veterinary team for dependable, cost-saving options. When it comes to our pets, reliable protection is priceless.