Trifexis vs Simparica

Deciding what's right for your pet’s health can be tough. At Allivet, we believe that we should do the heavy lifting for you and help you discern what's best for your furry loved ones. Two of the most popular flea and/or tick treatment products are Trifexis Chewable Tablets and Simparica Chewable Tablets. We'll be breaking down each product in the table below with additional information to help you choose the one that best meets your pet’s needs.

Trifexis Chewables for Dogs

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Comfortis for Dogs

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What are the differences between Trifexis and Simparica?

Both of these medications are administered once monthly. Trifexis offers a beef flavor, and Simparica is liver-flavored. One of the key differences is the age at which you can administer the medication. Trifexis can be given as early as 8 weeks (provided your puppy is at least 5 pounds), while Simparica requires your dog to be at least 2.8lbs and 6 months of age. Both products target fleas. However, Simparica offers added protection against ticks, and Trifexis attacks internal parasites.

Trifexis uses Spinosad and Milbemycin Oxime and begins to kill fleas in as little as 30 minutes. It eliminates all fleas within 4 hours. Trifexis also eliminates intestinal worms like roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm, and it prevents heartworm disease. Simparica uses Sarolaner, which works by overstimulating the nervous system of the pests. This leads to tick and flea death.

Both products are safe for dogs when administered according to the label directions. Simparica has been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. Trifexis has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs, and Simparica is not approved for use in these dogs.

Trifexis and Simparica are available only with a prescription from your veterinarian. Your vet should be able to answer any questions related to side effects, precautions, or special care for your dog

Final Thoughts on Trifexis vs Simparica

The costs associated with these two products are roughly the same. Each medication combats different pests. If your pet is not already taking a heartworm preventative, Trifexis can be a great way to provide broad-spectrum protection against a number of parasites. Certain pet parents might change to Trifexis depending on which pests are most prevalent in their dog’s environment. Your veterinarian might recommend a different product to treat a breeding, pregnant, or lactating dog.

If you still have questions on which oral flea and tick treatment is best for your furry friend, our pharmacists are standing by to offer pet parent consulting.

Feature Trifexis Simparica
Kills Fleas Yes Yes
Repels Fleas No No
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae Yes No
Kills Ticks No Yes
Repels Ticks No No
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm Yes No
Other Parasites Roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm No
Waterproof Yes since taken orally Yes since taken orally
How Long to work Kills 100% of biting fleas in 4 hours Kills fleas within 3 hours and tickets within 8 hours.
Taste Beef Flavored Liver
Active Ingredient Spinosad and Milbemycin Oxime Sarolaner
RX Required Yes Yes
Application Type Chewable Tablet Chewable Tablet
Dosing 1 tablet per month 1 tablet per month
Age Puppies 8 weeks and older and weigh more than 5 lbs. Dogs 6 months and older weighing at least 2.8 pounds
Manufacturer Elanco Animal Health Zoetis
Safety Not yet evaluated for use of in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Not approved for breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs.

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