Interceptor vs Sentinel Spectrum

Keeping your pet healthy and happy is one of your most important roles as a pet parent. Choosing a heartworm and parasite preventative for your pet can be tough because of the broad selection of products available. Two of the top treatment options are Interceptor and Sentinel Spectrum. These products are both incredibly effective, but they also differ in a number of ways. We’ve put together a table and some additional information to help you make an informed decision!

Interceptor for Dogs

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Sentinel Spectrum for Dogs and Puppies

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How does Interceptor differ from Sentinel Spectrum?

First, let’s discuss the similarities between these two top-of-the-line products. Both of these medications are chewable, once-monthly, beef-flavored tablets. They both contain Milbemycin Oxime as an active ingredient, which offers protection against roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms and works as a heartworm preventative.

Both products are safe for use in breeding or pregnant dogs, and they are both safe for puppies over 2 pounds as well - Interceptor can be administered to puppies from an age of 4 weeks, while Sentinel Spectrum can be administered to puppies 6 weeks old and up.

Now, it’s time to dive into the differences between Interceptor and Sentinel Spectrum. Firstly, Interceptor is safe for use in cats or nursing mother dogs, but Sentinel Spectrum is not formulated for feline use and has not been proven safe for use in lactating dogs. Sentinel Spectrum contains two additional active ingredients (Praziquantel and Lufenuron) for added protection against tapeworms and developing flea larvae and eggs.

Final thoughts on Interceptor vs. Sentinel Spectrum

Now that we’ve weighed the similarities and differences between these two treatment options, there are a couple of key ways to determine which product is best for your pet. These include:

  • Will you be treating a cat, a puppy between the ages of 4 and 6 weeks, or a lactating dog? If so, Interceptor is the safest choice for your pet.
  • Are you interested in a product that protects against developing fleas and against tapeworms? If so, you may want to choose Sentinel Spectrum.

Armed with this knowledge, it’s time to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your vet knows you and your pet best, so he or she can confirm whether or not the treatment you’ve chosen is the best one for your specific pet. Your veterinarian will also be able to answer any questions you may have about these medications. If you think of another question or concern after your vet appointment, the GiantEaglePetRx pharmacists are available for pet parent consultations!

Feature Interceptor Sentinel Spectrum
Kills Fleas No No
Repels Fleas No No
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae No Stops Development
Kills Ticks No No
Repels Ticks No No
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm Yes Yes
Other Parasites Hookworms, Whipworms, Roundworms Whipworms, Hookworms, Roundworms and Tapeworms
Waterproof Yes since taken orally Yes
How Long to work N/A Breaks cycle of fleas and eggs. Does not kill existing flea infestation.
Taste Beef Flavored Beef flavored
Active Ingredient Milbemycin Oxime Milbemycin oxime, lufenuron, 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 aged 6 weeks and weight 2lbs or more
Manufacturer Elanco Merck Animal Health
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. Safe for pregnant or breeding females.

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