The best cheap pet meds are generic brands - they're approved by the FDA, safe, and just as effective as their expensive brand name alternatives. Given that, why would anyone want to still pay extra for your pet drugs?

Read on to learn about different generic pet drug options and how you can save a lot of money by buying alternative brands.

The Drug Ivermectin

Among cheap pet meds is Ivermectin, the active drug found in Heartgard - a popular heartworm prevention medication. It is administered monthly either year-round or during mosquito season, the peak period when the disease can be transmitted.

Savvy pet med buyers can buy basic, generic Ivermectin or other generic brands like TriHeart, ValueHeart and IverHeart.

Clyndamycin

Clyndamycin is the generic version of Cleocin - an antibiotic used to treat skin infections, osteomyelitis, and toxoplasmosis.

Hydroxyzine as an Antihistamine

Hydroxyzine is the generic version of Atarax - an antihistamine used to treat inflammatory problems and allergic reactions like snake bites, insect bites, itchy skin, and severe skin allergies.

Selegiline for Cognitive Needs

Selegiline is the generic version of Anipryl - a drug used to treat cognitive dysfunction syndrome, essentially symptoms associated with old age. These symptoms include lack of coordination, apparent memory loss, confusion and high levels of anxiety.

Enalapril - a Generic Brand

Enalapril is the generic version of Enacard - a drug used to treat heart failure or ongoing heart problems. Essentially, the drug helps the heart beat slower, but more efficiently.

Are Generic Medications Actually Cheaper?

Generic pet medications are significantly cheaper than brand name drugs. Pet owners can expect to save around 50 percent and as much as 80 percent. You'll also benefit from competitive pricing as more manufacturers begin producing generic pet medications.

Where Can I Purchase Generic Pet Medications?

In most states, you can ask for a generic version of a drug unless your veterinarian has specifically stated that the prescription is for the brand name only and there are to be no substitutions by the issuing pharmacy. If you're worried, ask your veterinarian to simply prescribe the generic version of the drug.

The rules will depend on your state - with some states automatically substituting the generic version, others requiring that you request it specifically and a rare few requiring veterinarian authorization for the switch.

Generic Meds - Are They the Same as Brand Name Drugs?

Buying cheap pet meds doesn't mean you're coming home with low-quality pet meds. Every prescribed drug in the United States, whether for people or animals, must be approved by the FDA and held to a high standard of quality. To make sure you're getting quality, generic medications, always buy from an approved pet pharmacy based in the U.S.