Interceptor and Heartgard Plus are two of the most popular brands for heartworm prevention, but is one a better choice?
Both are flavored tablets that, when given every month, are proven to prevent heartworm infections by killing the young worms before they reach the heart. There have been some confirmed cases of heartworms that are resistant to both treatments, but thankfully at present these seem to be very rare.
The two tablets have different active ingredients – Interceptor contains milbemycin oxime, whereas Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin and pyrantel. In addition to heartworm, both products will also kill roundworms and hookworms. Interceptor will kill whipworms, too.
Heartworm is a serious parasite that dogs can catch from mosquito bites, which can lead to heart failure and death. Unfortunately, heartworm is difficult and expensive to treat once dogs have become infected for a while.
The best way to protect dogs from heartworm disease is to kill the young worms before they reach the heart. Not all dog wormers will kill heartworms, but Interceptor is one of the ones that can.
What is the difference between Interceptor and Interceptor Plus?
At a glance, it may appear that these two formulas are very similar. Your first impression is correct – these medications are alike in many ways. Both of these once-monthly oral products are safe for use in pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs. They are both prescription-only treatments, and they both contain Milbemycin Oxime to prevent heartworms and protect against whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms.
There are a few differences between these two effective Elanco products. Interceptor Plus offers a tasty chicken flavor, while Interceptor features a delicious beef flavor. Interceptor Plus is safe for puppies weighing at least 2 pounds with a minimum age of 6 weeks, while Interceptor is safe for puppies weighing at least 2 pounds with a minimum age of 4 weeks. Interceptor is safe for use in cats, but Interceptor Plus is formulated only for use in dogs. Arguably, the most notable difference between these products is that Interceptor Plus contains a second active ingredient – Praziquantel. This additional ingredient offers added protection against tapeworms.
Protects from all 5 major worms, not just 2 or 3
Interceptor Plus protects your dog against not only heartworm disease, but all five major worms including heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, whipworm and tapeworm. Thatâs more types of worms than Heartgard® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) and Simparica® Trio (sarolaner/moxidectin/pyrantel).
Ask your veterinarian if Interceptor Plus is the right choice to protect your dog. Your veterinarian can tell you how it prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls adult hookworm, roundworm, whipworm and tapeworm infections in dogs and puppies 6 weeks or older and 2 pounds or greater.
Is Interceptor Plus for dogs safe?
Is Interceptor Plus Safe? Interceptor Plus has been demonstrated to be safe in healthy dogs when given according to labeled directions. Interceptor Plus is approved for use in dogs and puppies 2 pounds of body weight or greater and 6 weeks of age and older.