THE BOTTOM LINE ON HEARTWORM AND FLEA PREVENTION PRODUCT
By Rodger Barr DVM
Heartworm preventative medication has evolved over the years to be classified as Parasite Control Medication due to the fact that it manages to prevent not only heartworm disease, but also intestinal parasites. The very popular monthly preventative has effectively replaced the daily preventatives of old. It’s always wise to do a preliminary heartworm test to confirm the absence of heartworm infestation prior to initiating the monthly preventative measure. The specific preventative will be discussed along with their primary benefits and disadvantages. Lastly, dogs that have had a history of parasite exposure in kennel situations such as Greyhounds benefit from a year around parasite management program.
Heartgard Plus
– A monthly preventative, comes in both tablet and chewable
– Effective against Heartworm, Roundworms, Hookworms
– Very safe
– To be initiated one month following the first potential heartworm exposure, or year around if intestinal parasite control is a major concern.
Interceptor
– A monthly preventative, comes in chewable
– Effective against Heartworm, Roundworm. Hookworms and Whipworms.
– Very safe
– To be initiated one month following the first potential heartworm exposure or year round if intestinal parasite control is a major concern.
– Highly recommended option due to whipworm control
Sentinel
– A monthly preventative, comes in chewable
– Effective against Heartworm, Roundworm, Hookworm, Whipworms and Fleas.
– Flea prevention is in the form of the product Program, which specifically works to break the flea life cycle but does not kill the adult flea.
– Combines Interceptor and Program.
– Very safe.
– To be initiated one month following the first potential heartworm exposure, but if flea management along with intestinal parasite control is paramount than year round should be considered
– Highly recommended option because of whipworm control.
Revolution
– Topically applied heartworm, flea, tick, roundworm management and ear mites.
– History of being a jack of all trades and master of none.
– History of adverse reactions in Greyhounds.
– Not recommended for Greyhounds.
FLEA AND TICK CONTROL
Program – Oral monthly product for flea control.
– Works by breaking the flea life cycle, prevents the eggs from hatching. Does not kill adult fleas. Year around use is recommended if you have a chronic flea problem or frequent new dogs arriving.
Advantage
– Topical monthly adult flea control.
– Kills adult fleas, also useful for killing fleas in environment that treated animals frequent
– Applied topically, does not wash off with bathing.
– Occasionally can cause local irritation at administration site. Year around use recommended if the likelihood of infected animals is high.
Worms that infect pets…can infect people, too.
Ask how you can protect your family and pets!