Heartworm and Flea Control
We are fortunate to have many safe and effective products for heartworms and fleas. In general, we recommend year-round heartworm preventative and flea medicine for all dogs and cats. Below is a summary of the products that we recommend.
Monthly Topical All In One Products
Advantage Multi for Dogs by Bayer: Advantage Multi (imidacloprid + moxidectin) is my preferred topical all in one product for dogs. It combines prevention of heartworm disease with the flea control of Advantage. It is also labeled for the treatment and control of intestinal worms (hookworms, roundworms and whipworms) - all in one, convenient, monthly topical solution. It is safe for dogs older than 7 weeks and greater than 3 pounds.
Revolution for Cats by Pfizer: Revolution (Selamectin) is my preferred topical all in one product for cats. It was the first FDA-approved, topically applied flea and heartworm product for cats and dogs. It also treats and controls ear mites and sarcoptic mange (dogs). In cats it also treats and controls roundworms and hookworms. Revolution enters the bloodstream through the skin then selectively redistributes from the blood to the skin and other tissues, where it provides protection against fleas, heartworms, and ear mites. It is safe for cats older than 6 weeks.
Monthly Oral Heartworm Products
Interceptor/Sentinel for Dogs by Novartis: These are my preferred oral monthly heartworm preventatives for dogs. They are both flavored tablets and are very effective in preventing heartworm disease. They also will control and treat roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. They are both safe for dogs older than 4 weeks of age and greater than 2 pounds.
Milbemycin oxime, the active ingredient in both Interceptor and Sentinel, is a macrocyclic anthelmintic that eliminates the tissue stage of heartworm larvae and the adult stage of hookworm, roundworm and whipworm infestations.
Lufenuron, the other active ingredient in Sentinel, is an insect development inhibitor which breaks the flea life cycle by inhibiting egg development. After biting a lufenuron-treated dog, the female flea ingests a blood meal containing lufenuron which is subsequently deposited in her eggs. It has no effect on the adult flea.
Monthly Topical Tick and Flea Contol
Frontline Plus for Dogs and Cats by Merial: Frontline (fipronil) is my preferred topical product for dogs and cats that are at risk for ticks. It kills up to 100% of existing fleas in less than 24 hours and continues to provide fast-acting, long-lasting flea and tick control for 30 days. Fipronil, the active ingredient, is stored under your pet's skin, in the oil glands, so it continuously reapplies to the skin and hair through the hair follicles making it waterproof. In addition, not only does Frontline Plus kill up to 100% of adult fleas on your pet within 24 hours, it also contains an insect growth inhibitor that kills flea eggs and larvae. Frontline will remain waterproof and won’t rinse off.
Oral Flea Control Products
Comfortis by Lilly: Comfortis (spinosad) is a FDA approved oral chewable tablet that is designed to kill fleas on dogs for 30 days, and has the unique ability to kill fleas within minutes of the flea jumping on a dog.The active ingredient is a natural occurring byproduct of a fermentation process, and is biodegradable. Comfortis, however, does not make a claim of efficacy against ticks, mosquitoes, or any intestinal parasites. It is currently only available by presciption for dogs older than 14 weeks and greater than 5 pounds. It probably should not be used with dogs that are epileptic.
Capstar, by Novartis: Capstar (nitenpyram) is a short acting but very effective and safe flea killer. Almost all adult fleas will be gone within 4 hours for dogs and 6 hours for cats. Capstar tablets may be used together with other products including shampoos and other flea products, as well as with heartworm preventives. Capstar starts working in just 30 minutes, and you can safely give another dose as often as once per day. To prevent the fleas that may be in and around your house from multiplying, you may want to treat your pet with an insect development inhibitor like lufenuron which will interrupt the life cycle of the fleas and prevent new flea populations from developing. Capstar is safe for dogs and cats older than 4 weeks and greater than 2 pounds.