Interceptor vs Heartgard Plus

As a loving pet parent, you’ve probably found yourself searching for the best heartworm preventative to keep your furriest family member protected against dangerous worms. Two of the best-loved options are Interceptor and Heartgard Plus. While both of these medications can go a long way toward keeping your pet healthy, there are a number of distinct differences that can help you compare the two. We’ve assembled a table and some more information to help you with your decision!

Interceptor for Dogs

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Heartguard Plus

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How do Interceptor and Heartgard Plus differ?

These medications are similar in a number of ways. Both products are chewable, once-monthly, prescription-only treatments with a tasty beef flavor. They are both safe for use in puppies (Interceptor from a weight of 2 pounds and an age of 4 weeks, and Heartgard Plus from an age of 6 weeks). They both work to prevent heartworms, and they also offer added protection against roundworms and hookworms.

Interceptor is safe for use in lactating dogs, while Heartgard Plus has not been proven safe for nursing mother dogs. Interceptor is also safe for use in cats, while Heartgard Plus is formulated for dogs only (although Heartgard for Cats is a cat-friendly option). Interceptor offers added protection against whipworms. Interceptor contains Milbemycin Oxime as its active ingredient, while Heartgard Plus combines Pyrantel Pamoate with Ivermectin.

Choosing between Interceptor and Heartgard Plus

If you’re trying to decide between these two incredible products, a few considerations may help you hone in on the best option for you and your pet. Firstly, if you have a cat, you’ll want to opt for Interceptor or take a look at Heartgard for Cats. If your dog is lactating or you have a puppy between the ages of 4 and 6 weeks, Interceptor is the safest option. If you’re hoping to protect your pet against whipworms, Interceptor might be the way to go. If you have a puppy over 6 weeks old or a pregnant or breeding dog, you’re free to choose either of these amazing products.

If you’re still unsure which product to choose, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with your pet’s veterinarian. He or she will be happy to answer all the questions you have and address all of your concerns. If you get your pet’s prescription and you find yourself with additional questions, look no further than the GiantEaglePetRx pharmacists! Our licensed pharmacists are standing by to answer your questions about these and every other GiantEaglePetRx product.

Feature Interceptor 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, Whipworms, Roundworms Hookworms and Roundworms
Waterproof Yes since taken orally Yes
How Long to work N/A N/A
Taste Beef Flavored Beef Flavored
Active Ingredient Milbemycin Oxime Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate
RX Required Yes Yes
Application Type Chewable Tablet Chewable Tablet
Dosing 1 tablet per month 1 tablet per month
Age 4 weeks or older and weighing 2 lbs. or greater Dogs 6 weeks and older
Manufacturer Elanco Boehringer Ingelheim
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. Safe for pregnant or breeding females.

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