Interceptor Plus vs. Heartgard Plus: A Detailed Comparison

Heartworm prevention is one of the most crucial aspects of dog health care. Heartworms as well as intestinal worms may be fatal to your dog, and therefore, veterinarians emphasize protecting your pets from these awful creatures year-round. This blog is a comprehensive guide to comparing two popular products designed for this purpose: Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus.

Overview: Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus

Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus both are vet-recommended worming treatments for dogs. Available in the form of easy-to-dose chews, these treatments effectively help prevent heartworms and intestinal worms. Here’s an overview of both these products:

Interceptor Plus

Interceptor Plus is a monthly chewable tablet designed to prevent heartworm disease in dogs. It is effective against heartworms as well as various intestinal worms. This tasty, chicken-flavored chew is convenient and hassle-free to use, making protection easier for pet parents. It contains It contains two active ingredients: milbemycin oxime and praziquantel. One tasty Interceptor Plus chew provides full protection to your dog for 30 days. It is available in different dosage strengths based on the dog’s weight and is administered once a month.

Heartgard Plus

Heartgard Plus is also a monthly chewable tablet for heartworm disease prevention in dogs. It also treats and controls ascarid and hookworm infestations and is administered once a month. This real-beef flavored chew contains two active ingredients: ivermectin and pyrantel. Just like Interceptor Plus, Heartgard Plus is also available in different dosage strengths based on the weight of the dog and is typically administered once a month.

Both products offer a comprehensive approach to protecting dogs from heartworm disease and certain intestinal parasites. Let’s understand them in detail.

Featured Similarities: What is Common in Interceptor Plus & Heartgard Plus?

  • Oral Treatment: Both Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus are tasty, chewable tablets that are administered orally. This makes the administration simple and less time-consuming, making it convenient for pet parents.
  • Heartworm Prevention: Both products are designed to prevent canine heartworm disease by killing the heartworm larvae transmitted by mosquitoes. They provide 30 days of effective protection against heartworms.
  • Intestinal Worm Protection: Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus both provide intestinal parasite protection. Interceptor Plus treats and controls roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and hookworms, whereas Heartgard Plus is effective against roundworms and hookworms.
  • Trusted Formulation: Both treatments are formulated and manufactured by globally recognized pharmaceutical companies. Plus, millions of pet parents across the world have been using them to protect their furry friends.

Key Differences: What’s Different between Interceptor Plus & Heartgard Plus?

  • Activity spectrum: In addition to heartworm prevention, Interceptor Plus treats and controls hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms, whereas Heartgard Plus only covers roundworms and hookworms.
  • Active Ingredients: Interceptor Plus contains praziquantel and milbemycin oxime, whereas Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate as its active ingredients.
  • Age Requirements: Interceptor Plus is suitable for dogs six weeks or older and weighing at least 2 pounds. Heartgard Plus is recommended for all dogs 6 weeks of age and older.
  • Safety considerations: Heartgard Plus has been shown to be safe at the recommended dose level in dogs, including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and puppies aged 6 or more weeks. Interceptor Plus

Also compare: Interceptor Plus and Simparica Trio

Comparison between Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus

Here is a full comparison table that provides a quick and easy visual comparison of the salient features of both products, allowing you to determine the similarities and differences between them. The comparison chart will help you understand which product best meets your dog’s needs, making the selection process easier and more efficient. Let’s delve into the details and find the perfect protection for your beloved pet.

Which One is Better – Interceptor Plus or Heartgard Plus?

By now, you already know that both Interceptor Plus and Heartgard Plus are safe, reliable, and effective treatments. But the question is which one you should pick for your dog. If your dog weighs less than 2 pounds, or if you want to protect your dog from tapeworms and whipworms, Inteceptor may be your best choice. If you are only looking for a trusted heartworm preventative, Heartgard Plus is a great option. If your dog is breeding or pregnant, again, Heartgard is your pick. But whatever decision you make, remember it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most suitable preventative for your dog based on their individual health needs and circumstances.