Interceptor Plus vs Heartgard Plus

Throughout your dog’s life, you’ll make an endless array of decisions to keep your pup healthy and protected. After all, your canine companion’s happiness is of utmost importance. Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus are two of the most popular heartworm preventatives available. The options can seem never-ending, but if you’re comparing these two products, you’re well on your way to making an excellent choice for your dog! We’ve put together a table and some more information to help you with this important decision.

Interceptor Plus for Dogs

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Heartgard Plus

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with coupon code COMPARE5

What are key differences between Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus?

These two products share many similarities. Perhaps the most important common factor between these treatments is that they both protect dogs against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. They are both chewable medications formulated to be administered once a month. Interceptor Plus is a tasty chicken-flavored tablet, and Heartgard Plus is a delicious, soft, beef-flavored chew.

Both of these products are prescription-only medications. They are both safe for use in breeding dogs, pregnant females, and puppies over 6 weeks old. Interceptor Plus is also safe for use in lactating dogs, and it should only be given to puppies weighing more than 2 pounds.

Heartgard Plus contains Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate as its active ingredients. Interceptor Plus uses a different duo of ingredients - Praziquantel and Milbemycin Oxime. These ingredients provide all the protections listed above, but they also defend against whipworm and tapeworm infections.

While neither product is safe for use in cats, GiantEaglePetRx carries all the best heartworm treatments for cats. From Interceptor for Dogs and Cats to Heartgard for Cats, you’ll find all of the best-loved options in our online pet pharmacy.

Choosing between Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus

You’ve already taken the first step toward protecting your dog against heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms by researching and comparing these two medications. However, you can only choose one! Your decision might come down to your puppy’s weight. If your puppy is under 2 pounds, Heartgard Plus may be the best choice. If your dog is lactating, Interceptor Plus is the safe option. If you’re interested in protecting your dog against tapeworms and whipworms, be sure to take a closer look at Interceptor Plus.

Ask your veterinarian about these products. He or she can confirm whether or not they are the right choice for your specific dog. If you have any lingering questions or concerns, reach out for a pet parent consultation with the incredibly knowledgeable GiantEaglePetRx pharmacists!

Feature Interceptor Plus Heartgard Plus
Kills Fleas No No
Repels Fleas No No
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae No No
Kills Ticks No No
Repels Ticks No No
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm Yes Yes
Other Parasites Hookworms, Roundworms, Tapeworms and Whipworms Hookworms and Roundworms
Waterproof Yes since taken orally Yes
How Long to work N/A N/A
Taste Chicken flavor Beef flavored
Active Ingredient Milbemycin Oxime and Praziquantel Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate
RX Required Yes Yes
Application Type Chewable Tablet Soft Chew
Dosing 1 tablet per month 1 soft chew per month
Age Dogs ages 6 weeks and 2lbs or more Dogs 6 weeks and older
Manufacturer Elanco Boehringer Ingelheim
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. Safe for pregnant or breeding females.