Interceptor For Dogs Is Killer Heartworm Treatment. | Dogs

By RebeccaFoxton
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Novartis manufactures Interceptor, which is a treatment for dogs that is designed to prevent internal parasites.

Interceptor is effective in controlling heartworms, two species of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.

Interceptor Flavor Tabs by Novartis are for both dogs and cats. Interceptor only protects against heartworms, adult roundworms and adult hookworms in cats, however.

Heartworm disease is often fatal in dogs if not detected and treated in time, so it is essential that all pets be administered some type of heartworm preventative medication.

The incidents of dogs reacting poorly to Interceptor were very low in trials.

Likewise, Interceptor tested on cats at ten times the recommended dosage caused no side effects (although you should take precautions to ensure that your cat does not become over dosed at home!)

The following symptoms have occasionally been reported as side effects: depression/lethargy, vomiting, ataxia, anorexia, diarrhea, convulsions, weakness, and hypersalivation.

Interceptor heartworm medication is essentially milbemycin oxime in differing doses, according to the weight of dog you are treating.

The ranges are 2.3mg (coded brown for dogs 2-10 lbs), 5.75mg (coded green for dogs 11-25lbs), 11.5mg (coded yellow for dogs 26-50lbs) and 23.0 mg (coded white for dogs 51-100 lbs).

Interceptor Flavor Tabs contain the heartworm medication packaged into an appetizing dog treat.

Your dog should be given Interceptor on a monthly basis and you should make sure that the entire dose has been consumed.

The dose will need to be repeated in the unlikely event that the dog does not ingest the entire first dose.

Interceptor heartworm preventative should not be used on puppies of less than four weeks of age and less than 2lbs of body weight.

Once dogs have reached the minimum age and weight requirements, they should have a negative heartworm test prior to starting on Interceptor heartworm preventative treatment.

Interceptor's main competitors are Heartgard Plus, Iverhart Plus and Sentinel.

All are available in highly palatable flavored treats to make them easy to give directly to your dog orally.

Sentinel, which contains Lufeneuron, offers additional protection against fleas as well as heartworms and some intestinal parasites.

Heartgard and Iverhart contain ivermectin to control heartworms and pyrantel for treating intestinal worms.

Enterceptor and Sentinel include whipworms in their spectrum of influence, whereas Heartgard does not, but it does control more species of hookworms than its rivals.

About the Author

Author Rebecca Foxton can help you give your pet better health with heartworm medication. Check out her health tips for people with dogs and cats and read her Fortiflora Feline articles on Dog Buffs.

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