Sentinel Spectrum vs Trifexis

Informed decisions are an important part of your life, particularly where pet parenthood is concerned. Choosing the best parasite and heartworm prevention for your dog plays a central role in keeping him or her healthy and happy. Two of the best-loved options are Sentinel Spectrum and Trifexis. Each of these formulas boasts a unique set of features and advantages. Below, we’ve put together a table and some more information about these medications in an effort to aid in your decision.

What makes Sentinel Spectrum different from Trifexis?

These two products have many features in common. Both formulas are chewable, beef-flavored tablets. These medications are available only with a prescription, and they are both administered on a monthly basis. 

Both of these meds protect against heartworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms. Each product is safe for use in puppies. Sentinel Spectrum is safe for puppies over 2 pounds and 6 weeks old, while Trifexis should only be used in puppies weighing more than 5 pounds and exceeding an age of 8 weeks.

Sentinel Spectrum works by stopping the development of flea larvae and eggs, thereby ending the life cycle of the parasites altogether. It is safe for use in pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs, and it contains a trio of active ingredients - Lufenuron, Milbemycin Oxime, and Praziquantel.

Trifexis uses Spinosad and Milbemycin Oxime to kill 100% of biting fleas within just four short hours. It has not been proven safe for use in lactating, breeding, or pregnant dogs.

Closing thoughts on Sentinel Spectrum vs. Trifexis

If you’ve been searching for an effective way to protect your dog against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and fleas, you’ve found two incredible options. Your decision may come down to your puppy’s age or size. If you have a puppy between 2 and 5 pounds or between 6 and 8 weeks old, you’ll want to use Sentinel Spectrum to treat your young pup.

If you have a pregnant, lactating, or breeding dog, Sentinel Spectrum is the safest choice. If you’re hoping for a fast-acting medication, Trifexis is just that!

Have a conversation with your vet to decide which medication is best for your dog. Your veterinarian will be able to address any concerns you might have, and he or she will be able to write a prescription for the product you decide on together. If you think of any other questions after you order your prescriptions at the lowest prices online at Allivet, just reach out to our pharmacists for a pet parent consultation!

Feature Sentinel Spectrum Trifexis
Kills Fleas No Yes
Repels Fleas No No
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae Stops Development Yes
Kills Ticks No No
Repels Ticks No No
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm Yes Yes
Other Parasites Whipworms, Hookworms, Roundworms and Tapeworms Roundworm, Hookworm, and Whipworm
Waterproof Yes since taken orally Yes
How Long to work N/A Kills 100% of biting fleas in 4 hours
Taste Beef Flavored Beef Flavored
Active Ingredient Milbemycin Oxime, Lufenuron, and Praziquantel Spinosad and Milbemycin Oxime
RX Required Yes Yes
Application Type Chewable Tablet Chewable Tablet
Dosing 1 tablet per month 1 tablet per month
Age Dogs aged 6 weeks and weight 2lbs or more Puppies 8 weeks and older and weigh more than 5 lbs.
Manufacturer Merck Animal Health Elanco Animal Health
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. Not yet evaluated for use of in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.