Interceptor vs Tri Heart Plus
As a pet owner, you have a lifetime of choices to make for your precious pet. One important decision is which heartworm preventative is best for your pet. Two excellent options are Interceptor and Tri-Heart Plus. While your options might seem overwhelming, the differences and similarities between these two products can be helpful when choosing the best treatment for your individual pet. We’ve put together some more information and a helpful comparison table to make your decision a little easier.
How do Interceptor and Tri-Heart Plus differ from one another?
At a glance, these two products may appear quite similar. After all, they are both once-monthly treatments with a tasty beef flavor. They both come in the form of an easy-to-administer chewable tablet, and they are both safe for use in breeding or pregnant females. Each of these prescription-only medications are also safe for puppies - Interceptor can be given to puppies weighing at least 2 pounds with a minimum age of 4 weeks, and Tri-Heart Plus is safe from the age of 6 weeks. Both of these trusted products work as heartworm preventatives, and they also both protect against roundworms and hookworms.
While the similarities between these two medications are vast, there are also some key differences to consider. Interceptor is formulated for use in dogs or cats, while Tri-Heart Plus should only be administered to dogs. Interceptor contains Milbemycin Oxime as an active ingredient, and Tri-Heart offers a combination of Pyrantel Pamoate and Ivermectin. Interceptor is proven safe for use in lactating dogs, but Tri-Heart Plus should not be administered to a nursing mother dog. Interceptor also offers added protection against whipworms.
Making the choice between Interceptor and Tri-Heart Plus
If you’re considering one of these two treatments for your pet, answering the following questions may help you with your decision:
- Do you have a dog or a cat? If you have a dog, either of these medications might be a great option. However, if you intend to treat a cat, Interceptor is the safe choice.
- Is your pet lactating? If you have a nursing mother dog, you’ll want to choose a product like Interceptor because it is proven safe for use in lactating pets.
- Do you have a puppy between the ages of 4 and 6 weeks? If so, Interceptor is safe for use in puppies of this age.
- Is whipworm protection a priority for you? If so, you may want to consider Interceptor.
If you’re still undecided about which medication is best for your pet, it’s a wise idea to speak with your veterinarian. Your vet knows your pet’s history, and he or she can weigh in on this decision. Your veterinarian can also address any concerns and answer any questions you might have. If you have any unanswered questions about these products or any other medication available at AKCRx, be sure to reach out to our pharmacists for a pet owner consultation!
Feature | Interceptor | Tri Heart 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 | Merck Animal Health |
Safety | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. | Safe for pregnant or breeding females. |
Other Interceptor Comparisons
Other Tri Heart Plus Comparisons
- Tri Heart Plus vs Sentinel
- Tri Heart Plus vs Interceptor Plus
- Tri Heart Plus vs Advantage Multi
- Tri Heart Plus vs Simparica Trio
- Tri Heart Plus vs Revolution
- Tri Heart Plus vs Iverhart Plus
- Tri Heart Plus vs Trifexis
- Tri Heart Plus vs Iverhart Max
- Tri Heart Plus vs Heartgard Plus
- Tri Heart Plus vs Sentinel Spectrum