Centragard vs. Heartgard Plus Chewables Comparison

Centragard

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Heartgard Plus Chewables

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Interceptor Plus

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Prevents Heartworm Disease

Roundworms

Hookworms

Whipworms

Tapeworms

Fleas

Other Parasites

Safe for Breeding, Pregnant or Nursing Pets

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.

The safety of Interceptor Plus has not been evaluated in dogs used for breeding or in lactating females.

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

Over 6 weeks of age and weighing more than 2 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.

In my experience and opinion, the main ingredient ivermectin in this once monthly heartworm preventative is the most effective preventative for canine heartworm. Under veterinary supervision, it can even be an alternative TREATMENT in treating active heartworm infections when used monthly in those dogs who are either too old for the expensive conventional immiticide drug treatment, or where risks of immiticide treatment outweigh the benefits. This should be discussed with your pets veterinarian. Pets can often clear heartworm infection after 12-24 months of consecutive use, again best done under veterinary guidance. With its other main ingredient, pyrantel, heartguard plus is the most effective preventative in controlling/treating/preventing roundworm and hookworm infection in dogs. Dogs also seem to prefer the taste of this beef flavored chewable tablet. The main disadvantage is of this product is in those situations where pets have tested positive for whipworms on stool checks. This preventative does NOT prevent or control whipworm infections, which can cause inflammation of the colon/diarrhea, and be difficult to control in affected dogs.

Interceptor plus ia a wonderful chewable monthly heartworm preventative pill that is easy to administer and comes in a convenient range of four weight categories. In recent years we have been seeing increasing amounts of beef allergies in our animal patients. Many of the heartworm preventative medications over the years have been made with beef flavoring, which can be a problem in many allergic dogs. There have been also increasing demands by clientele to include additional monthly protection against other intestinal worms, especially tapeworms, which are often carried by fleas and/or transmitted from the feces of other animals, and which may cause hidden digestive tract disease in affected animals. With the addition of praziquantel, this product provides this additional protection. The versatile main ingredient milbemycin, not only prevents heartworms, but treats, controls and prevents most other intestinal worms, including roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, with the latter parasite, being very difficult to rid dogs of, making prevention a key for this pesky intestinal parasite. Most dogs readily accept this tasty chicken-flavored chew, with only a rare dog having a mild digestive tract reaction in my experience. Given the broad spectrum coverage and efficacy of this complete monthly worm preventative, I give this product an overall rating of a 4.5 (out of 5), with an ease of administering of 5 (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.