Interceptor Plus vs Heartgard Plus
Throughout your dog’s life, you’ll make an endless array of decisions to keep your pup healthy and protected. After all, your canine companion’s happiness is of utmost importance. Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus are two of the most popular heartworm preventatives available. The options can seem never-ending, but if you’re comparing these two products, you’re well on your way to making an excellent choice for your dog! We’ve put together a table and some more information to help you with this important decision.
What are key differences between Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus?
These two products share many similarities. Perhaps the most important common factor between these treatments is that they both protect dogs against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. They are both chewable medications formulated to be administered once a month. Interceptor Plus is a tasty chicken-flavored tablet, and Heartgard Plus is a delicious, soft, beef-flavored chew.
Both of these products are prescription-only medications. They are both safe for use in breeding dogs, pregnant females, and puppies over 6 weeks old. Interceptor Plus is also safe for use in lactating dogs, and it should only be given to puppies weighing more than 2 pounds.
Heartgard Plus contains Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate as its active ingredients. Interceptor Plus uses a different duo of ingredients - Praziquantel and Milbemycin Oxime. These ingredients provide all the protections listed above, but they also defend against whipworm and tapeworm infections.
While neither product is safe for use in cats, AKCRx carries all the best heartworm treatments for cats. From Interceptor for Dogs and Cats to Heartgard for Cats, you’ll find all of the best-loved options in our online pet pharmacy.
Choosing between Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus
You’ve already taken the first step toward protecting your dog against heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms by researching and comparing these two medications. However, you can only choose one! Your decision might come down to your puppy’s weight. If your puppy is under 2 pounds, Heartgard Plus may be the best choice. If your dog is lactating, Interceptor Plus is the safe option. If you’re interested in protecting your dog against tapeworms and whipworms, be sure to take a closer look at Interceptor Plus.
Ask your veterinarian about these products. He or she can confirm whether or not they are the right choice for your specific dog. If you have any lingering questions or concerns, reach out for a pet owner consultation with the incredibly knowledgeable AKCRx pharmacists!
Feature | Interceptor Plus | Heartgard Plus |
---|---|---|
Kills Fleas | No | No |
Repels Fleas | No | No |
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | No | No |
Kills Ticks | No | No |
Repels Ticks | No | No |
Repels Mosquitoes | No | No |
Prevents Heartworm | Yes | Yes |
Other Parasites | Hookworms, Roundworms, Tapeworms and Whipworms | Hookworms and Roundworms |
Waterproof | Yes since taken orally | Yes |
How Long to work | N/A | N/A |
Taste | Chicken flavor | Beef flavored |
Active Ingredient | Milbemycin Oxime and Praziquantel | Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate |
RX Required | Yes | Yes |
Application Type | Chewable Tablet | Soft Chew |
Dosing | 1 tablet per month | 1 soft chew per month |
Age | Dogs ages 6 weeks and 2lbs or more | Dogs 6 weeks and older |
Manufacturer | Elanco | Boehringer Ingelheim |
Safety | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. | Safe for pregnant or breeding females. |
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