Interceptor vs Interceptor Plus

Choosing the best parasite treatment for your pet can be a difficult task. With the variety of amazing products on the market, it can be tough to know where to begin your search. Two of the most popular options are Interceptor and Interceptor Plus. While you truly can’t go wrong with either of these top products, there are a couple of differences that might help you with your decision. To help you weigh the options, we’ve put together a table and some more information below.

Interceptor for Dogs

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Interceptor Plus

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What is the difference between Interceptor and Interceptor Plus?

At a glance, it may appear that these two formulas are very similar. Your first impression is correct - these medications are alike in many ways. Both of these once-monthly oral products are safe for use in pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs. They are both prescription-only treatments, and they both contain Milbemycin Oxime to prevent heartworms and protect against whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

There are a few differences between these two effective Elanco products. Interceptor Plus offers a tasty chicken flavor, while Interceptor features a delicious beef flavor. Interceptor Plus is safe for puppies weighing at least 2 pounds with a minimum age of 6 weeks, while Interceptor is safe for puppies weighing at least 2 pounds with a minimum age of 4 weeks. Interceptor is safe for use in cats, but Interceptor Plus is formulated only for use in dogs. Arguably, the most notable difference between these products is that Interceptor Plus contains a second active ingredient - Praziquantel. This additional ingredient offers added protection against tapeworms.

How do I choose between Interceptor and Interceptor Plus?

Your decision between these two medications may be as simple as this - does your dog require a tapeworm preventative, or would you prefer to focus on protecting against hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and heartworms only? If you want to protect against tapeworms as well, Interceptor Plus is a great choice. If you have a cat, you’ll want to opt for Interceptor. If you have a puppy between 4 and 6 weeks old, Interceptor is the safe option.

If you’re still not sure which of these effective products to choose for your pet, be sure to consult your veterinarian. He or she will be able to help you make this important decision. If you find yourself with any lingering questions about these or any other GiantEaglePetRx products, contact our pharmacists for a pet parent consultation!

Feature Interceptor Interceptor 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, Roundworms, Tapeworms and Whipworms
Waterproof Yes since taken orally Yes
How Long to work N/A N/A
Taste Beef Flavored Chicken Flavored
Active Ingredient Milbemycin Oxime Milbemycin Oxime and Praziquantel
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 ages 6 weeks and 2lbs or more
Manufacturer Elanco Elanco
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use.

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