Interceptor vs Heartgard Plus
As a loving pet owner, you’ve probably found yourself searching for the best heartworm preventative to keep your furriest family member protected against dangerous worms. Two of the best-loved options are Interceptor and Heartgard Plus. While both of these medications can go a long way toward keeping your pet healthy, there are a number of distinct differences that can help you compare the two. We’ve assembled a table and some more information to help you with your decision!
How do Interceptor and Heartgard Plus differ?
These medications are similar in a number of ways. Both products are chewable, once-monthly, prescription-only treatments with a tasty beef flavor. They are both safe for use in puppies (Interceptor from a weight of 2 pounds and an age of 4 weeks, and Heartgard Plus from an age of 6 weeks). They both work to prevent heartworms, and they also offer added protection against roundworms and hookworms.
Interceptor is safe for use in lactating dogs, while Heartgard Plus has not been proven safe for nursing mother dogs. Interceptor is also safe for use in cats, while Heartgard Plus is formulated for dogs only (although Heartgard for Cats is a cat-friendly option). Interceptor offers added protection against whipworms. Interceptor contains Milbemycin Oxime as its active ingredient, while Heartgard Plus combines Pyrantel Pamoate with Ivermectin.
Choosing between Interceptor and Heartgard Plus
If you’re trying to decide between these two incredible products, a few considerations may help you hone in on the best option for you and your pet. Firstly, if you have a cat, you’ll want to opt for Interceptor or take a look at Heartgard for Cats. If your dog is lactating or you have a puppy between the ages of 4 and 6 weeks, Interceptor is the safest option. If you’re hoping to protect your pet against whipworms, Interceptor might be the way to go. If you have a puppy over 6 weeks old or a pregnant or breeding dog, you’re free to choose either of these amazing products.
If you’re still unsure which product to choose, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with your pet’s veterinarian. He or she will be happy to answer all the questions you have and address all of your concerns. If you get your pet’s prescription and you find yourself with additional questions, look no further than the AKCRx pharmacists! Our licensed pharmacists are standing by to answer your questions about these and every other AKCRx product.
Feature | Interceptor | 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, Whipworms, Roundworms | Hookworms and Roundworms |
Waterproof | Yes since taken orally | Yes |
How Long to work | N/A | N/A |
Taste | Beef Flavored | Beef Flavored |
Active Ingredient | Milbemycin Oxime | Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate |
RX Required | Yes | Yes |
Application Type | Chewable Tablet | Chewable Tablet |
Dosing | 1 tablet per month | 1 tablet per month |
Age | 4 weeks or older and weighing 2 lbs. or greater | Dogs 6 weeks and older |
Manufacturer | Elanco | Boehringer Ingelheim |
Safety | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. | Safe for pregnant or breeding females. |
Other Interceptor Comparisons
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- Interceptor vs Simparica Trio
- Interceptor vs Sentinel Spectrum
- Interceptor vs Interceptor Plus
- Interceptor vs Trifexis
- Interceptor vs Iverhart Plus
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Other Heartgard Plus Comparisons
- Heartgard Plus vs Sentinel
- Heartgard Plus vs Interceptor Plus
- Heartgard Plus vs Advantage Multi
- Heartgard Plus vs Simparica Trio
- Heartgard Plus vs Revolution
- Heartgard Plus vs Iverhart Plus
- Heartgard Plus vs Trifexis
- Heartgard Plus vs Iverhart Max
- Heartgard Plus vs Sentinel Spectrum
- Heartgard Plus vs Tri-Heart Plus