Simparica Trio vs Trifexis Side Effects

It’s every pet owner’s responsibility to protect their furry companions from the numerous health threats lurking around. In the world of pet care, the market offers myriad options for flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, among which Simparica Trio and Trifexis have taken the spotlight.

What are Simparica Trio and Trifexis?

Simparica Trio and Trifexis are oral medications widely used for preventing flea infestations, heartworm disease, and control of intestinal parasite infections in dogs. While they both serve similar purposes, the active ingredients, safety profiles, and potential side effects differ.

Side Effects of Simparica Trio

Simparica Trio, produced by Zoetis, is a chewable tablet that offers broad-spectrum protection against heartworm disease, ticks, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms. The main active ingredients are sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel.

Most dogs tolerate Simparica Trio well, but potential side effects can include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Unusual behaviors such as excessive salivation, tremors, and ataxia (rare)

It is critical to follow your vet’s dosing instructions to minimize the risk of these side effects. Any sign of adverse reactions should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.

Side Effects of Trifexis

Trifexis, manufactured by Elanco, is a monthly, beef-flavored chewable tablet that combats fleas, heartworms, and intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It contains two active ingredients: spinosad and milbemycin oxime.

The possible side effects of Trifexis include:

• Vomiting
• Decreased activity or lethargy
• Itching or redness of the skin
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea

Again, observing the prescribed dosage is crucial, and any abnormal reactions must be promptly reported to your vet.

Simparica Trio vs Trifexis: Safety Profile

Both Simparica Trio and Trifexis are generally considered safe when used as directed. However, individual dogs may react differently. While some dogs might experience vomiting issues with Trifexis, they might fare better on Simparica Trio, or vice versa.

Importantly, the safety of these medications in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, it is essential to consult your vet before starting any new medication regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Simparica Trio and Trifexis be Administered Simultaneously?

Combining Simparica Trio and Trifexis is generally not recommended. Both medications are potent and deliver a wide array of protections against different parasites. Administering them together may increase the risk of side effects and drug interactions. Always consult with your vet before modifying your pet’s medication regimen.

2. Are there Breed-Specific Reactions to these Preventatives?

Both Simparica Trio and Trifexis have undergone extensive testing and are generally considered safe for all breeds when administered at the appropriate dosage. However, individual dogs, regardless of breed, may experience varying reactions to the medication. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or health after starting either medication, please contact your vet immediately.

3. Are Simparica Trio and Trifexis Safe for Puppies?

Simparica Trio can be administered to puppies as young as 8 weeks old and weighing at least 2.8 lbs. On the other hand, Trifexis is approved for puppies at least 8 weeks old and weighing a minimum of 5 lbs. As always, discuss with your vet to determine the best age to start these preventatives for your specific pet.

4. How Should I Respond to Side Effects?

In case of any adverse reactions, you should contact your vet immediately. Minor side effects like transient vomiting or reduced appetite may resolve without intervention. However, persistent or severe reactions necessitate immediate veterinary attention.

5. How Effective are Simparica Trio and Trifexis Against Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms?

Simparica Trio and Trifexis are highly effective against fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Simparica Trio provides protection against five different parasites: fleas, ticks, heartworm, roundworms, and hookworms. Trifexis also fights against fleas, heartworms, and three kinds of intestinal worms—roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.

Remember, the medications’ effectiveness depends on proper administration. Both should be given once a month, and for optimal heartworm prevention, it’s crucial to administer the medication year-round or at least within one month of the pet’s first exposure and within one month after the pet’s last exposure to mosquitoes.

6. Are there Any Natural Alternatives to these Medications?

Natural alternatives exist, such as certain essential oils and dietary supplements, believed to repel parasites. However, they often lack the same level of efficacy and are not a substitute for veterinarian-approved, scientifically validated preventatives like Simparica Trio or Trifexis. It’s critical to discuss any potential alternative treatments with your vet before implementing them.

7. How Long Does it Take for These Medications to Start Working?

Both Simparica Trio and Trifexis begin working swiftly after administration. Simparica Trio starts killing fleas within 3 hours and ticks within 8 hours, while Trifexis kills fleas and prevents infestations beginning within 30 minutes.

8. Can I Use These Medications for Cats?

Simparica Trio and Trifexis are both specifically formulated for dogs and should not be administered to cats. Cats metabolize medications differently, and these preventatives may have adverse effects. Always use cat-specific medications for your feline friends and consult your vet for the best choices.

9. Do Simparica Trio and Trifexis Protect Against the Same Parasites?

Both Simparica Trio and Trifexis offer protection against heartworms, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms. However, Simparica Trio also protects against ticks, an advantage not offered by Trifexis. Conversely, Trifexis offers protection against whipworms, which Simparica Trio does not.

10. What Should I Do If My Dog Misses a Dose?

If your dog misses a dose, administer the medication as soon as you remember. From then onwards, you can continue with the regular monthly dosing schedule. Avoid doubling doses as this could lead to potential overdose.

11. Are There Dietary Restrictions with These Medications?

Trifexis is best given with food to maximize absorption and effectiveness. Simparica Trio can be administered with or without food. Always ensure your pet has access to clean drinking water after administering medication.

12. How Should I Store Simparica Trio and Trifexis?

Both medications should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children and pets. Avoid storing these medications in hot or humid conditions, as it may affect their efficacy.

13. What If My Dog Vomits After Taking the Medication?

If your dog vomits shortly after taking Simparica Trio or Trifexis, it’s best to give another full dose. If vomiting continues, you should contact your vet, as this could be a sign of a more serious issue.

14. Can I Switch Between Simparica Trio and Trifexis?

Switching between preventatives should always be done under the guidance of a vet to ensure safe transition and continued protection for your pet. The vet will consider various factors such as your pet’s health history, age, weight, and specific needs before recommending any changes.

15. Can Pregnant or Lactating Dogs Use Simparica Trio or Trifexis?

While Simparica Trio has not been evaluated in pregnant or lactating dogs, Trifexis has. Studies suggest that Trifexis is safe for use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs. However, you should always consult your vet before administering any medications to pregnant or lactating dogs to ensure their safety and the safety of their offspring.

16. What Should I Do in Case of a Suspected Overdose?

If you suspect that your pet has overdosed on either Simparica Trio or Trifexis, contact your vet immediately or seek emergency veterinary care. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, loss of coordination, or seizures. Early intervention is crucial to prevent any potential harm.

17. Are There Any Interactions with Other Drugs?

There are no known significant drug interactions with Simparica Trio or Trifexis. However, it’s always best to tell your vet about any other medications, supplements, or over-the-counter products your pet is taking to prevent potential interactions and ensure effective treatment.

18. How Effective are Simparica Trio and Trifexis in Real-World Conditions?

Both Simparica Trio and Trifexis are highly effective when used as directed. Real-world conditions such as bathing or swimming do not reduce the efficacy of these medications. However, consistent, monthly use is vital for maintaining effective protection against parasites.

19. Do Simparica Trio and Trifexis Kill Existing Heartworms?

Simparica Trio and Trifexis are both heartworm preventatives, which means they work by killing the larvae before they become adult worms. They do not kill adult heartworms. For this reason, a heartworm test should be done before starting these preventatives to ensure your dog isn’t already infected.

20. What to Do If My Pet Has Side Effects?

If your pet exhibits any side effects after taking Simparica Trio or Trifexis, contact your vet immediately. Side effects can range from mild (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite) to severe (seizures, severe depression). If severe reactions occur, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.