Centragard vs. Heartgard Chewables for Cats Comparison

Centragard

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Heartgard Chewables for Cats

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Iverhart Max

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Prevents Heartworm Disease

Roundworms

Hookworms

Whipworms

Tapeworms

Fleas

Other Parasites

Safe for Breeding, Pregnant or Nursing Pets

A wide margin of safety has been demonstrated at 3 times the recommended dose in pregnant or breeding queens and breeding toms.

The safe use of this drug has not been evaluated in pregnant or lactating bitches.

Age/Weight Requirements

7 weeks of age or older weighing at least 1.8 lbs

6 weeks of age or older and no weight requirement

8 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 6 lbs

Rx Prescription Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

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Veterinarian Review (Michael Dym, VMD)

This new product on the market launched in August, 2018 comes at a time when the American Heartworm Society is warning that one in 4 cats diagnosed with heartworms are indoor only cats, thus necessitating veterinarians to carefully examine the issue of recommending not only year round heartworm pevention in dogs, but also in cats, especially in southern, warmer climates. This product is a wonderful general and very broad spectrum parasiticide control product to use in cats, which when applied topically, circulates in the blood and is wonderful at preventing hookworms, round worms and heartworms in cats, as well as treating tapeworms with the inclusion of praziquantel. Tapeworms are a very frustrating parasite that is often difficult to control, especially in outdoor cats, and often recurs weeks to months after effective treatment. With the inclusion of the praziquantel in this monthly applied product, tapeworm control is close to 100 percent, eliminating those unsightly moving rice like worms near a cat's tail or anus, so a great product to use in outdoor cats where heartworm, flea and internal parasite protection are priorities. A downside with this product is that it does not control fleas or ticks. . Rare side effects in sensitive cats include drooling and/or occasional vomiting, especially if licked off, and occasional clumping of hair or skin irritation at the site of application. Even more rare are neurological reactions, but I have only seen this when the product is licked off when applied inappropriately. I give this product an overall rating of a 4 out of 5 with an ease of application of a 4.

Currently under review

As I also mention under my product review for Iverhart plus, it is truly wonderful for me to see a reliable more economic generic available for animal guardians that is certainly comparable to the more expensive brand name monthly heartworm preventatives. With this Virbac product, not only are clients getting the reliable heartworm prevention record of ivermectin, but also the additional preventative benefits and control of other internal parasites of the digestive tract, including roundworms, hookworms, and in this case tapeworms as well. It is exciting to see the inclusion of praziquantel in this combination product to broaden the spectrum of coverage of Iverhart plus against tapeworms. Tapeworms are among the most common frustrating parasites seen in dogs and cats, especially when there is any risk of flea exposure. Iverhart Max stands alone in having this added benefit of tapeworm control. Even for only this additional benefit, as well as the ones I mention under Iverhart plus , I highly recommend this reliable generic product and alternative to the other more expensive monthly heartworm pills that dont offer this protection against tapeworms. The only negative issue I have seen is the occasional pet who develops digestive upset from one of the ingredients, in which case I would change to a different monthly alternative. The only other possible limitation with this product is that it does not protect or prevent against whipworms, which in certain areas of the United States can be an intestinal parasite that can sometimes cause acute or chronic inflammation of the colon and diarrhea. But in my experience, whipworms are not as common as I used to see in my earlier days of veterinary practice. Thus my overall rating of this product is a 5. Its effectiveness a 4 and its taste a 4 as well.

Our expert panel consists of licensed veterinarians and the knowledgeable staff of PetMed Express, Inc. d/b/a 1-800-PetMeds. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or consultants make any warranties, expressed or implied, or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the content or the content of any site or external sites. Likewise, no legal liability or responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of any information, or usefulness of products discussed. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the qualities and characteristics of each product, which for the most part were taken directly from the websites of the manufacturers, we are not responsible for any errors. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.