Interceptor is the ONLY safe heartworm prevention medication for
Ivermectin is the medication found in the heartworm preventatives Heartgard and Heartgard Plus, Iverhart Plus and Iverhart MAX, and Tri-Heart Plus.
Simparica contains Saroloner, while Heartgard Plus contains Pyrantel Pamoate and Ivermectin as active ingredients. Simparica is safe for use in dogs ages 6 months and up, and Heartgard Plus can be administered to puppies from the age of 6 weeks.
Neither of these product contain Ivermectin or mectin derivative active ingredients. Both are a monthly product that will prevent heartworm infestations and also control all intestinal worms including roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm.
Some breeds of dogs (e.g., collies, sheepdogs, and collie- or sheepdog-cross breeds) are more sensitive to ivermectin than others. This is typically due to a specific genetic mutation (MDR1) that makes them less able to tolerate high doses of ivermectin.
MDR1 is the abbreviated name of a gene called Multi-Drug Resistance 1. A mutation of this gene causes sensitivity to Ivermectin and a number of other drugs. Dogs with the mutation will react to those drugs.
Heartgard contains ivermectin, a macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic drug effective at killing heartworm larvae. Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin as well as pyrantel, an anthelmintic (worm-killing) drug in the tetrahydropyrimidine class that kills roundworms and hookworms.
Frontline Plus does not contain Ivermectin.
As you can see, both Nexgard and Simparica are extremely good and effective flea and tick treatment and they do not have a major difference between them. But that being said, Simparica does kill an additional tick specie and is relatively faster in eliminating fleas and ticks.
Selamectin. Selamectin is another anti-parasite medication that is the main ingredient in certain flea, tick and heartworm preventative medications. Selamectin also kills ear mites and sarcoptic mange (scabies), according to veterinarian Dawn Ruben of the Pet Place website.
Overview of Ivermectin (Ivomec®, Heartgard®) for Dogs and Cats. Ivermectin, also known as Ivomec® or Heartgard®, is used to control skin parasites, gastrointestinal parasites, and parasites within the bloodstream in dogs and cats.
If you have a breeding dog, a pregnant dog, or a puppy between 6 and 8 weeks old, Heartgard Plus is the safest option. If you're hoping to find a broad-spectrum product that protects against fleas and ticks while it defends against internal parasites, Simparica Trio is the clear winner.
Sentinel is a heartworm, flea, and tick prevention medicine effective against intestinal worms. The chewable tablet is safe for puppies, pregnant dogs, and lactating dogs. It's also safe for dogs with epilepsy.
Treatment often is centered around supportive care, which may include intravenous fluid therapy, nutritional support and appropriate nursing care. Although ivermectin toxicity can be fatal in rare cases, many dogs do well and make full recoveries.
There are two active ingredients in NexGard SPECTRA: Afoxolaner and Milbemycin oxime.
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Very bad dizziness or passing out.
Heartgard (ivermectin) has been discontinued. Please talk to your veterinarian about Heartgard PLUS Chewables for Dogs (Ivermectin and Pyrantel) or other heartworm preventatives.
Nexgard will kill the fleas on your dog, while Heartgard will prevent heartworm. If your dog isn't prone to flea allergies and you don't live in an area with a lot of fleas, then you may not need to use both products. Nexgard alone may be enough to protect your dog from fleas and ticks.
Drugs such as ivermectin, selamectin, milbemycin, and moxidectin, are commonly used to treat and prevent parasites like heartworms. At low doses, such as those used in heartworm prevention, these drugs have been shown to be safe even for dogs with the MDR1 mutation.
Multidrug Resistance
For years veterinarians simply avoided using ivermectin in herding breeds, but now there is a DNA test that can specifically identify dogs who are at risk for side effects from certain medications. Testing him early in life can prevent drug-related toxicity.
Ivermectin toxicity cannot be reversed. If the drug was given within the past 4 – 6 hours, your veterinarian may induce vomiting and/or give your dog activated charcoal to help minimize the amount of ivermectin that is absorbed.