Interceptor Plus vs Trifexis
As a dog parent, you’re sure to find yourself searching for the best parasite and heartworm preventatives to protect your dog against dangerous pests. Interceptor Plus and Trifexis are two of the most popular choices among pet parents and veterinarians. These products may appear similar, but they are also different in a number of ways. We’ve highlighted their similarities and differences below to help you make the best decision for your pup!
What are the differences between Interceptor Plus and Trifexis?
These two effective products have many features in common. The first parallel is that they both contain Milbemycin Oxime. This ingredient protects dogs against heartworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms. Both of these prescription-only treatments are also administered monthly.
These medications differ in many ways as well. Interceptor Plus contains a second active ingredient called Praziquantel. This ingredient provides defense against tapeworms. The chicken-flavored chewable tablets are safe for use in pregnant, breeding, and lactating dogs, and they can also be safely given to puppies over 2 pounds and 6 weeks old.
Trifexis also contains a second active ingredient - Spinosad. This ingredient is effective against fleas. It kills 100% of biting fleas within just 4 hours. These beef-flavored chewable tablets are safe for use in puppies ages 8 weeks and up weighing 5 pounds or more. This product has not been proven safe for use in breeding, lactating, or pregnant dogs.
Final Thoughts on Interceptor Plus vs Trifexis
As you can see, you can’t go wrong when you choose either of these incredible formulas to protect your dog against heartworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms. However, there are a few features that set these products apart from one another. These differences can be the factors that help you most when you’re making a decision for your pet.
Firstly, neither product is safe for use in cats. However, if you’re searching for an effective treatment option for your cat, be sure to ask your vet about Interceptor for Dogs and Cats. Your decision might hinge on your dog’s age or weight. If you have a puppy between 6 and 8 weeks old, a puppy between 2 and 5 pounds, or a pregnant, breeding, or lactating dog, Interceptor Plus would be the safest option. You might also choose Interceptor Plus if tapeworm protection is a priority for you and your dog.
If your dog isn’t already taking a flea treatment, Trifexis is an impressively effective option. This medication provides broad-spectrum protection against a variety of internal and external parasites, which is why pet parents and veterinarians love and trust it so much.
Now it’s time to talk to your veterinarian about these products. Let your vet know which product you think is best for your pet, and be sure to address any concerns or questions before obtaining a prescription. Next, bring your prescription to Allivet for the lowest prices you’ll find anywhere! The Allivet pharmacists are also standing by for pet parent consultations if you think of any further questions about these or any other Allivet products.
| Feature | Interceptor Plus | Trifexis |
|---|---|---|
| Kills Fleas | No | Yes |
| Repels Fleas | No | No |
| Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | No | Yes |
| Kills Ticks | No | No |
| Repels Ticks | No | No |
| Repels Mosquitoes | No | No |
| Prevents Heartworm | Yes | Yes |
| Other Parasites | Hookworms, Roundworms, Tapeworms and Whipworms | 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 | Chicken Flavored | Beef Flavored |
| Active Ingredient | Milbemycin Oxime 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 ages 6 weeks and 2lbs or more | Puppies 8 weeks and older and weigh more than 5 lbs. |
| Manufacturer | Elanco | Elanco Animal Health |
| Safety | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. | Not yet evaluated for use of in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. |
Other Interceptor Plus Comparisons
- Interceptor Plus vs Sentinel
- Interceptor Plus vs Revolution
- Interceptor Plus vs Advantage Multi
- Interceptor Plus vs Simparica Trio
- Interceptor Plus vs Sentinel Spectrum
- Interceptor Plus vs Interceptor
- Interceptor Plus vs Iverhart Plus
- Interceptor Plus vs Iverhart Max
- Interceptor Plus vs Tri-Heart Plus
- Interceptor Plus vs Heartgard Plus