Most people think that all parasites live on the inside of their pet. Though this is true for some, there are a lot of parasites that live on the outside of your pet too. Possible parasites include; fleas, ticks and ear mites.
What can you do to prevent your fur baby from getting these pesky little hitchhikers? There are several options to treat your pet and prevent them from becoming infected inside and out. Unfortunately, there isn’t any “all in one” product but depending on what you would like to prevent against you can use a combination of products together. Our McLean Animal Hospital veterinary team will help you to decide which product(s) are right for you and your pet.
Revolution is what I use on my dog, Madox. I choose to use Revolution as it has the broadest spectrum of all the products. It is a topical that goes on the back of the neck once a month. A heartworm test is recommended before starting this product. It is safe to use on animals as young as 6 weeks and can also be used on pregnant or nursing mothers. Revolution kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching, thus breaking the life cycle. It prevents against heartworm, tick, and roundworm infestations. It also treats and controls ear mites and sarcoptic mange.
In cats, it covers against the same parasites including hookworms, but not ticks or sarcoptic mange.
Interceptor is a once a month flavor tablet. A heartworm test must be done before prescribing this to your pet. It prevents heartworms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. This product can be used on cats.
Sentinel, much like Interceptor, is a once a month flavor tablet and must have a heartworm test done prior to prescribing it. Sentinel prevents fleas from reproducing on top of preventing heartworm and treating and controlling intestinal parasites such as whipworm, hookworm and roundworm. It is safe to use in puppies as young as 2 weeks old.
Heartgard is a once a month flavor chew. A heartworm test must be done before prescribing this to your pet. It prevents heartworms while treating and preventing roundworms and hookworms.
Revolution, Interceptor, Sentinel and Heartgard are recommended to use between June 1st and November 1st. These products protect against heartworm, which is contracted through infected mosquitos and these months are when your furry friends are most likely to get bit.
Advantage is for both cats and dogs and is a once a month topical. Advantage starts killing fleas within 3-5 minutes of the first application and in 24 hours starts to control the fleas and continues to work for up to 4 weeks. It is recommended to use for a minimum of 3 months to break the cycle. It can be used in puppies and kittens as young as 8 weeks of age.
Advantix is labeled for dogs and is exactly the same as Advantage but it also prevents ticks from attaching to your dog.
Last but not least, we have Profender. It is a topical for cats that protects and treats hookworms, toxocara cati and tapeworms. It can be used in kittens as young as 8 weeks of age.
All of these products are dosed by weight. The McLean veterinary staff will be sure to get the correct dosage for your pet. These products need to be prescribed by your veterinarian so an annual exam may be needed.
Please feel free to contact us at McLean Animal Hospital with any questions or to set up an appointment, call our Scarborough vet clinic at 416-752-5114.
Thank you for reading.
by Sarah Higney, Veterinary Technician