Frontline Plus vs Heartgard

Keep yourself and your beloved dog healthy by choosing a parasite treatment that best meets your dog’s needs. Two of the most frequently-used products are Frontline Plus and Heartgard Plus. While these are both excellent, reliable, and high-quality products, there are some differences that might help you pick between the two. The table and information we’ve put together here are made to help you with your important decision!

How does Frontline Plus differ from Heartgard Plus?

Boehringer Ingelheim brings you these two effective and high-quality products. They are each administered monthly, and they are both safe for use in breeding or pregnant female dogs or in puppies. Frontline Plus can be used as early as 8 weeks of age, and Heartgard Plus is safe from the age of 6 weeks. These are the primary similarities between these two products.

Heartgard Plus is a heartworm preventative in the form of a chewable tablet. It uses Pyrantel Pamoate and Ivermectin to prevent heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. By contrast, Frontline Plus is a topical flea and tick treatment that contains (S)-Methoprene and Fipronil. It kills fleas in the larvae, egg, and adult stages. It also kills ticks and treats lice.

Final thoughts on Frontline Plus vs. Heartgard Plus

As you can see, these two medications are very different from one another. Heartgard Plus is effective against heartworms and intestinal parasites, while Frontline Plus tackles fleas, ticks, and lice. Because they play different roles in protecting your pet, your veterinarian might recommend using both products simultaneously to protect your dog against a broad spectrum of parasites. Of course, you should always ask your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication.

Once you begin administering one or both of these treatments, you might find yourself with the occasional question or concern. If this occurs, give the Allivet pharmacists a call! They are standing by and readily available for pet parent consultations.

Feature Frontline Plus Heartgard Plus
Kills Fleas Yes No
Repels Fleas No No
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae Yes No
Kills Ticks Yes No
Repels Ticks No No
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm No Yes
Other Parasites Treats lice Hookworms and roundworms
Waterproof Yes Yes
How Long to work 12 hours to kill fleas and 48 hours to kill ticks N/A
Taste N/A Beef flavored
Active Ingredient Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate
RX Required No Yes
Application Type Topical Chewable Tablet
Dosing 1 topical application per month 1 tablet per month
Age Dogs 8 weeks and older Dogs 6 weeks and older
Manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. Safe for pregnant or breeding females.