Why We Carry What We Carry at Gentle Vet
At Gentle Vet Animal Hospital, we get this question more than you might think: “Why do you carry this product and not that one?” It’s a fair question, and we think you deserve a straight answer. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we choose the products we stock in-clinic — and how you can get just about anything else you need through our online store.
Our In-Clinic Philosophy: Convenience, Coverage, and Compliance
We can’t stock every product on the market and still keep our prices fair for you. So we’ve thoughtfully selected a small lineup that covers the most common needs we see in our patients — with one guiding principle: the best parasite prevention is the one your pet actually gets.
What We Keep on the Shelf (Ready for You Today)
ProHeart 12 — Our Top Pick for Heartworm Prevention
If there’s one product we’re genuinely enthusiastic about, it’s ProHeart 12. This is a single injectable dose that provides a full 12 months of heartworm protection — given right here at your annual wellness visit. No monthly pills to remember. No refills to order. No doses accidentally skipped.
For families with busy lives (and let’s be honest, that’s most of us), ProHeart 12 is a game-changer for compliance. It’s safe, highly effective, and backed by strong manufacturer support. If you show up for your annual visit on time, your dog is covered. It really is that simple.
Note: ProHeart 12 is available in-clinic only and is not available through our online store.
Simparica Trio — One Chew for Heartworm, Fleas, AND Ticks
For dog owners who want broad protection in a single monthly chew, Simparica Trio is an excellent choice. It covers:
- Heartworm disease
- Fleas
- Ticks (including species that carry Lyme disease)
- Roundworms and hookworms
We recommend this for clients who want the convenience of one product that handles multiple parasites — without the higher price point of an injectable. In Northeast Wisconsin, where both ticks and mosquitoes (the carriers of heartworm) are a real seasonal concern, having combined coverage just makes sense.
Sentinel — Heartworm Prevention for the Collar-and-Topical Crowd
Some pet owners already have a flea and tick collar or topical product they love and simply want a heartworm-only oral preventative to round out their coverage. Sentinel fits that role well. It prevents heartworm disease and also controls fleas (by interrupting the flea life cycle) and protects against intestinal parasites.
We’ll be upfront: in Northeast Wisconsin, fleas and ticks are a significant concern, and we always recommend comprehensive coverage. But we also respect that you know your pet and your situation — and if you have flea and tick protection you’re happy with, Sentinel is a solid heartworm-focused option to pair with it.
Selamectin (Revolution / Selarid) — Because Cats Need Protection Too
Cats are often left out of the parasite prevention conversation, and they shouldn’t be. Selamectin — sold under the brand names Revolution and Selarid — is a topical product that protects cats against:
- Heartworm disease
- Fleas
- Ear mites
- Certain intestinal parasites
Yes, cats get heartworm too. And yes, indoor cats can get fleas (often hitchhiking in on your clothes or other pets). Selamectin is our go-to recommendation for feline parasite prevention, and we keep it stocked for exactly that reason.
Other Great Products — Available Through Our Online Store
We know we’re not the only game in town when it comes to parasite prevention, and there are genuinely excellent alternatives out there. Products like Credelio, NexGard Plus, Heartgard, Interceptor, and their generic equivalents all have strong track records, and some clients simply prefer them — or have pets that do better on them.
We just can’t stock everything and keep prices reasonable for everyone. So here’s the good news: our online store carries a wide selection of products, including many we don’t stock in-clinic, and it ships directly from our distributor in Sun Prairie, WI — so you’re getting the real thing, fast.
A Word About Other Online Retailers
We know Chewy and Amazon are convenient, and we’re not here to tell you what to do. But there’s something important you should know: products purchased through third-party retailers like Chewy or Amazon may not qualify for the same manufacturer rebates, guarantees, or product support that come with purchasing from a licensed veterinary source like Gentle Vet or our authorized online store.
That means if there’s ever a product quality issue, a manufacturer guarantee claim, or a rebate offer — you may be on your own if the product didn’t come from us or our online store. When you buy through Gentle Vet’s online store, you’re purchasing through our authorized veterinary distributor, which means those protections apply to you.
It’s a small distinction that can matter a lot when it counts.
The Bottom Line
Parasite prevention isn’t one-size-fits-all, and we’ve built our in-clinic inventory to reflect the most common needs we see in our patients. Whether you’re looking for the set-it-and-forget-it ease of ProHeart 12, the all-in-one value of Simparica Trio, the flexibility of Sentinel, or reliable protection for your cat — we have something for you on the shelf today.
And if you’re looking for something else, check out our online store or just ask us at your next visit. We’re happy to help you find the right fit for your pet, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Have questions about which product is right for your pet? Give us a call or bring it up at your next appointment — we’d love to talk through it with you.
Gentle Vet Animal Hospital
2560 University Ave, Green Bay, WI
(920) 435-5000
Everything in one place: linktr.ee/gentlevetah