Frontline Plus vs Sentinel

Parasites aren’t just annoying - they can also be detrimental to your dog’s health (and to your own). Pet parents can quickly become overwhelmed as they embark on the research process. Two of the best-loved parasite preventative treatments are Frontline Plus and Sentinel. These products compare in a few ways, but they are more different than they are alike. Keep reading for a table and additional information to help you decide if one or both of these effective products are right for your dog.

How do Frontline Plus and Sentinel differ?

For starters, Sentinel is an oral heartworm preventative that also offers protection against whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms. It also stops the development of flea larvae and eggs. Frontline Plus is a topical flea and tick treatment that also treats lice and kills fleas in the larvae and egg stages. Each product is administered once a month.

Both products are safe for use in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs. Frontline Plus is an over-the-counter treatment, while Sentinel requires a prescription. Frontline Plus contains (S)-Methoprene and Fipronil, and Sentinel uses Lufenuron and Milbemycin Oxime to protect your dog. Sentinel is not used to treat existing flea infestations, while Frontline Plus kills fleas within 12 hours and kills ticks within 48 hours.

How do I make the decision between Frontline Plus and Sentinel?

Because these products control and treat different parasites, your veterinarian might recommend that you administer both treatments in conjunction with one another. However, you should always consult your veterinarian to determine safety when combining any two medications. Each formula offers unique protections against different parasites, and they are both safe, reliable, and top-quality medications.

After you’ve spoken to your veterinarian to decide if one or both of these products are right for your dog, you might find yourself with additional concerns or questions. If you find yourself in that situation, just talk to an Allivet pharmacist! Our pharmacists are available to consult pet parents about these and any other medication Allivet carries.

Feature Frontline Plus Sentinel
Kills Fleas Yes No
Repels Fleas No No
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae Yes Stops development
Kills Ticks Yes No
Repels Ticks No No
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm No Yes
Other Parasites Treats lice Roundworms, Whipworms, and Hookworms
Waterproof Yes Yes since taken orally
How Long to work 12 hours to kill fleas and 48 hours to kill ticks Breaks cycle of fleas and eggs. Does not kill existing flea infestation.
Taste N/A Savory Beef
Active Ingredient Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene Milbemycin Oxime and Lufenuron
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 4 weeks and older
Manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim Virbac
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use.