
Frequently asked questions
Is Green the right pack for my Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, or Border Collie?
Most adult Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, French Bulldogs, and similar medium breeds fall within the Green range (26–50 lbs). Weigh your dog to confirm — if they’re over 50 lbs, switch to the Brown pack.
Do I need a heartworm test before starting?
For puppies starting before 7 months of age, no test is typically needed. For older dogs being newly started on heartworm prevention, your vet may recommend a heartworm test first — standard veterinary practice across the US and Canada.
Does HeartGard Plus cover fleas, ticks, or tapeworm?
No — HeartGard Plus only prevents heartworm and treats roundworm and hookworm. For flea and tick prevention, pair it with NexGard, Bravecto, or another flea/tick product. For tapeworm, you’ll need a separate wormer (or a product like NexGard Spectra that includes tapeworm coverage).
How quickly does HeartGard Plus start working?
HeartGard Plus works by killing immature heartworm larvae that have infected your dog within the previous 30 days. Continuous monthly dosing maintains the protective cycle — that’s why year-round dosing matters.
Do I need a prescription to buy HeartGard Plus?
No — SmartWay Pet Supplies ships HeartGard Plus over the counter to customers across the US and Canada. No prescription or vet authorization required at checkout.
Should I dose year-round?
Yes — year-round dosing is the recommendation across the US and Canada. Mosquitoes that transmit heartworm are active for more of the year than people realize, and missed doses can leave dangerous gaps in protection. The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round dosing for all dogs.