Centragard vs. Interceptor Comparison

Centragard

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Interceptor

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Tri-Heart Plus

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Prevents Heartworm Disease

Roundworms

Hookworms

Whipworms

Tapeworms

Fleas

Other Parasites

Safe for Breeding, Pregnant or Nursing Pets

Yes, at normal dose levels

Has shown a wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level in dogs, including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and puppies aged 6 or more weeks

Age/Weight Requirements

7 weeks of age or older weighing at least 1.8 lbs

4 weeks of age and weighing over 2 lbs

6 weeks of age or older and no weight requirement

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.

Interceptor is a very trustworthy and reliable monthly heartworm preventative whose main ingredient milbemycin eliminates the tissue stage of heartworm larvae, as well as killing and controlling intestinal parasites such as adult hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. By using this preventative year round, animal guardians have an excellent weapon against most common internal parasites. Interceptor is easy to administer, and comes in a chewable tablet, although I have found taste a problem with occasional pets. I also love the fact that interceptor has only one main ingredient, which does seem to cut down on rare reactions in pets. The only major drawback to this product is the need to combine it with other products for more comprehensive flea, tick and external parasite control.

Given the rapidly expanding world of generics in the human pharmaceutical industry, it is indeed a pleasure for me as a practitioner of 16 years or experience to also see the same cost saving but equally as effective alternatives in the veterinary field as well. Heartworm disease is on the increase again in the United States. And given the importance and sometimes difficulty of client compliance in keeping up with costly monthly heartworm preventative medicines, it is great that Merck Animal Health has offered a generic version like Tri-Heart Plus to help meet this continued threat. Hopefully the savings on this preventative will encourage even more clients to have their pets on year round internal parasite control against the year round threat of heartworms, roundworms and hookworms. Tri-Heart Plus is quite safe in as pups as young as 6 weeks of age, as well as pregnant and nursing dogs. While I would rather have seen a beef flavored chewable over the pork flavor, dogs seem to love this pill just the same. The only disadvantage I have seen is very rare digestive upset in some patients which could be from the ivermectin or pyrantel main ingredients, or possibly from the pork flavoring.

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.