This bugs me

[westend1]

I want to order online heartworm medicine for my dogs, but it requires a prescription.  Why is that?

[baddog]

Only thing I can figure is so the vet don't get left out.

[Bigdog]

That , and also the animal needs to be tested first. It could be harmful if it already has heart worms and is treated with the medicine.

[tvc184]

Vet meds are just like that for humans in that many of them are prescription only and not over the counter. Many animal meds are also the same as people meds. 

[westend1]

So, if my dog gets heartworms, I can legally shoot it in the head. But I can't give it medicine ,because it might have heartworms. Makes sense, I guess.

[baddog]

If your dog already has heartworms, the medicine can cause the dog to have a stroke.

[5GallonBucket]

I agree westend

 

I give my dogs the same thing they give horses just in smaller doses and it last longer.

been doin it for years.

[Bigdog]

If your dog already has heartworms, the medicine can cause the dog to have a stroke.

 

Correct,  thats why they have to be tested first and the vet has to write the script.   It does seem like a little bit of a racket, but heartworms is a nasty way to die for an animal.  But it can be treated now.