Frontline Plus vs. Trifexis Comparison

Frontline Plus

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Trifexis

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Vectra 3D

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Prevents all flea stages (eggs, pupae, larvae, and adult fleas) from developing.

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Other Parasites Information

Eliminates infestations with chewing lice, aids in the control of sarcoptic mange infestation

Treats and controls hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms infections.

Also kills biting and sand flies, live and mites for one month

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

N/A

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

Consult your veterinarian

How long does it take to work

Kills Fleas within 12 hours and Ticks within 48 hours

Starts to kill fleas within 30 minutes; kills 100% of fleas within 4 hours.

Starts to reduce flea feeding in just 5 minutes

Taste

Applied to Skin

Beef Flavor

Topical

Active Ingredient(s)

Fipronil/(S)-Methoprene

Spinosad/Milbemycin Oxime

Dinotefuran, Pyriproxyfen, Permethrin

RX Required

Dosage

Monthly

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Vet Review

I find that the effective combination of an ingredient like fipronil, along with the insect growth regulator methoprene, provides the best spectrum of activity and protection against all stages of the flea life cycle from egg through larval stage on to adult. Because of these two main ingredients and their method of action, I find that clients don't have to treat the environment as much. I find that this product tends to be safer in smaller breed animals when compared to its competition. I find its tick efficacy quite good. The fact that it is waterproof also allows clients, whose pets swim frequently, to confidently use this product during the swimming months. I also find that this product works the longest for fleas, while some of the competitive products have to be reapplied before the end of the month. The lack of label efficacy against mosquitoes and flies, as well as the fact that this product does not repel fleas or ticks are the two main disadvantages. As with any insecticidal products, I find that every pet is an individual, in terms of which of the products works best on them. When I am dealing with more of a flea issue in a patient, this is the product I will likely reach for first.

An exciting and brand new product now available combines the main ingredient of Interceptor milbemycin with a powerful flea insecticide known as spinosad. Given as a once monthly heartworm preventative, this product also will control and prevent whipworms, hookworms and roundworms, in addition to preventing heartworms. The additional ingredient spinosad allows effective flea and these internal parasite control all in one pill, making it quite convenient for clients. As with any pesticide rare digestive tract and neurological side effects may occur but this has not been a major problem in clinical trials. Since it is relatively new I will have to see how this product performs on the fleas but it seems to have excellent potential. I give this product an overall rating of a 5 with an ease of administration a 5 as well, taste a 5.

For clients that prefer an outstanding topical medication that has thus far had an excellent record of efficacy against both fleas and ticks. This product includes 3 very powerful and synergistic flea/tick pesticides that work in slightly different ways, with one preventing development of flea eggs and larvae, while another ingredient quickly kills; killing probably the fastest of any products on the market, starting to act within 5 minutes. Ticks will take somewhat longer, but within 2 days most ticks are killed. The addition of the permethrin ingredient does add the benefit of this product in BOTH repelling and killing ticks, , as well as the additional benefit of killing and repelling mosquitoes, the main vectors of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. As with other topicals, occasionally pets will develop an irritation or sensitivity at the sight of application, with some pets being occasionally restless, agitated, or fidgety. On rare occasions vomiting and/or diarrhea may be seen but this has not been much of a problem in clinical practice, where most pets seem to tolerate the product quite well. While the trio of main ingredients in this product seem to provide additional efficacy and coverage of various stages of the external parasites, including the benefit of repelling them, I am always a bit cautious about combination products like this, which rarely may lead to unknown chronic side effects that we are not yet aware of. With that consideration, this product is still an excellent and effective choice. I give this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5.

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.