Sentinel vs Trifexis vs Revolution

As pet owners, protecting our furry friends from fleas, ticks, and heartworm is a top priority. With a variety of medications available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the most effective and suitable option for our pets. In this article, we will compare three popular medications – Sentinel, Trifexis, and Revolution – to help you make an informed decision for your dog’s health.

Sentinel

Overview: Sentinel is a monthly oral medication that provides broad-spectrum protection against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. It also prevents flea eggs from hatching, thereby controlling the flea population.

Pros:

• Easy to administer oral tablet
• Broad-spectrum protection against various parasites
• Prevents flea eggs from hatching, reducing the chance of infestation

Cons:

• Does not kill adult fleas or ticks
• May not be suitable for dogs with a history of seizures or allergies to milbemycin oxime or lufenuron

Trifexis

Overview: Trifexis is another monthly oral medication that offers protection against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Additionally, it kills adult fleas, preventing further infestations.

Pros:

• Effective against various parasites, including adult fleas
• Easy to administer oral tablet
• Can be given to puppies as young as eight weeks old

Cons:

• Does not offer tick protection
• Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal side effects
• May not be suitable for dogs with a history of seizures or allergies to spinosad or milbemycin oxime

Revolution

Overview: Revolution is a monthly topical medication that protects dogs against heartworms, fleas, ticks, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange. It is applied directly to the skin and is absorbed into the bloodstream, providing systemic protection.

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum protection, including tick protection
• Topical application, which may be preferable for some pet owners
• Can be used on puppies as young as six weeks old

Cons:

• May not be as effective as oral medications for heartworm prevention
• Topical application can be messy and requires careful handling
• Some dogs may experience skin irritation at the application site

Conclusion

When choosing between Sentinel, Trifexis, and Revolution, it is essential to consider your dog’s specific needs, potential allergies, and lifestyle. Sentinel is an excellent option for broad-spectrum parasite protection but does not kill adult fleas or ticks. Trifexis offers similar protection, with the added benefit of killing adult fleas but lacks tick protection. Revolution provides the most comprehensive coverage, including tick protection, but may not be as effective in heartworm prevention as the oral medications.

Consult your veterinarian before starting any new medication for your dog, and discuss the best option based on your pet’s health and risk factors. Remember that no medication is 100% effective, and it’s essential to maintain a consistent prevention routine to keep your pet healthy and protected.

FAQs about Sentinel, Trifexis, and Revolution

We will discuss three popular choices: Sentinel, Trifexis, and Revolution. By understanding the key differences and benefits of each, you can make an informed decision for your pet’s health.

What is the difference between Sentinel, Trifexis, and Revolution?

Sentinel is an oral medication that provides broad-spectrum protection against heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and fleas. It contains two active ingredients: milbemycin oxime and lufenuron. Milbemycin oxime protects against heartworms and intestinal parasites, while lufenuron serves as a flea birth control, preventing flea eggs from hatching.

Trifexis is another oral medication that offers protection against heartworms, adult fleas, and various intestinal parasites, such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It contains two active ingredients: spinosad and milbemycin oxime. Spinosad kills adult fleas, and milbemycin oxime protects against heartworms and intestinal parasites.

Revolution is a topical medication applied directly to the skin. It protects against heartworms, fleas, ticks, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange. The active ingredient in Revolution is selamectin, which provides a broad range of parasite protection.

Which is Better?

Flea Protection

Both Sentinel and Trifexis provide protection against fleas. Sentinel targets flea eggs, whereas Trifexis kills adult fleas. Revolution, on the other hand, offers comprehensive flea protection by killing adult fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae.

Tick Protection

Revolution is the only medication among the three that offers tick protection.

Heartworm Prevention

All three medications – Sentinel, Trifexis, and Revolution – provide heartworm prevention.

Intestinal Parasite Protection

Sentinel and Trifexis protect against common intestinal parasites, such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Revolution does not offer this protection.

Which is safer?

Sentinel is generally well-tolerated by most dogs. However, side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. It is safe for dogs over four weeks of age and weighing at least 2 pounds.

Trifexis may cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and itching. It is safe for dogs eight weeks of age or older and weighing at least 5 pounds.

Revolution is generally safe and well-tolerated. Potential side effects include temporary hair loss at the application site, skin irritation, and vomiting. It is safe for dogs six weeks of age or older.

Which is cheaper?

The cost of each medication may vary depending on the size of your dog and the location where you purchase it. Generally, Trifexis tends to be the most expensive option, followed by Revolution and Sentinel.

Can I use Sentinel and Revolution together?

Yes, you can use Sentinel and Revolution together. While both medications protect against heartworms, they offer different types of parasite protection. Sentinel focuses on flea prevention and intestinal parasite protection, while Revolution offers flea, tick, ear mite, and sarcoptic mange protection.

Can I switch from Trifexis to Sentinel or Revolution?

Yes, you can switch from Trifexis to Sentinel or Revolution. However, consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s medications. They will guide you on the appropriate transitioning process to ensure continuous protection.

Are there any breed-specific concerns with Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution?

Some herding breeds, such as Collies and Australian Shepherds, may be sensitive to ivermectin, a common ingredient in heartworm medications. Sentinel and Trifexis do not contain ivermectin and are generally safe for these breeds. Revolution contains selamectin, which is also considered safe for herding breeds.

How often should I administer Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution?

All three medications are designed for monthly administration. It is essential to follow the recommended dosing schedule to ensure optimal protection against parasites.

Can Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution be used in pregnant or nursing dogs?

Consult your veterinarian before using any medication in pregnant or nursing dogs. Sentinel is considered safe for use in pregnant and nursing dogs. Trifexis is not recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs. Revolution’s safety in pregnant or nursing dogs has not been established.

Can I use Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution for my puppy?

Sentinel is safe for puppies four weeks of age and older, weighing at least 2 pounds. Trifexis is safe for puppies eight weeks of age and older, weighing at least 5 pounds. Revolution is safe for puppies six weeks of age and older.

Are there any alternatives to Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution?

There are several alternatives available for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, such as NexGard, Bravecto, and Simparica Trio. These medications offer various combinations of protection. Consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable option for your dog’s needs.

How can I save money on Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution?

To save money on these medications, consider purchasing in bulk or asking your veterinarian about available rebates and promotions. Additionally, compare prices from different retailers and online stores to find the best deals.

How long does it take for Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution to start working?

Sentinel starts working within 24 to 48 hours to prevent flea eggs from hatching. Trifexis begins killing adult fleas within 30 minutes and achieves 100% effectiveness within 4 hours. Revolution starts killing adult fleas within 36 hours and prevents flea eggs from hatching for one month.

Are there any known drug interactions with Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution?

While Sentinel, Trifexis, and Revolution are generally safe, they may interact with other medications. Always inform your veterinarian of any medications or supplements your dog is taking before starting a new treatment.

Can I bathe my dog after applying Revolution?

Yes, you can bathe your dog after applying Revolution. However, it’s best to wait at least two hours after application to ensure the medication has been absorbed into the skin.

What should I do if my dog experiences side effects from Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution?

If your dog experiences any side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or skin irritation, contact your veterinarian for guidance. They may recommend adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication.

Can I use Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution for my cat?

While Revolution has a formulation specifically designed for cats, Sentinel and Trifexis are not recommended for feline use. Consult your veterinarian for appropriate flea, tick, and heartworm prevention options for your cat.

What if I miss a dose of Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution?

If you miss a dose, administer the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then resume the regular monthly dosing schedule. If you’re unsure how to proceed, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

How should I store Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution?

Store these medications in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets. Always follow the storage recommendations provided on the product packaging.

Do I need a prescription for Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution?

Yes, Sentinel, Trifexis, and Revolution are prescription medications. Your veterinarian will need to evaluate your dog and provide a prescription based on their specific needs and health status.

Can I use flea collars or other topical flea treatments with Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution?

Consult your veterinarian before using additional flea treatments with Sentinel, Trifexis, or Revolution, as combining treatments may not be necessary and could increase the risk of side effects.