Trifexis vs Sentinel
Trifexis and Sentinel are both popular medications used to protect dogs from fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Both medications are available by prescription from a veterinarian, but there are some key differences between the two.
Trifexis is a monthly chewable tablet that is given to dogs to prevent heartworm, fleas, and ticks. It contains two active ingredients: spinosad and milbemycin oxime. Spinosad is an insecticide that kills fleas, while milbemycin oxime kills heartworm and other internal parasites. Trifexis has been on the market for several years and is considered safe and effective for most dogs.
Sentinel, on the other hand, is also a monthly chewable tablet but it contains two active ingredients: milbemycin oxime and lufenuron. Milbemycin oxime helps in preventing heartworm and other internal parasites while Lufenuron is an insect development inhibitor (IDI) that stops flea eggs and larvae from developing into adult fleas. Sentinel also has been around for several years and is considered safe and effective for most dogs.
One major difference between the two medications is that Trifexis is effective against fleas, while Sentinel is not. Sentinel only targets flea eggs and larvae, preventing them from developing into adult fleas. This means that if your dog is already infested with fleas, Sentinel may not be the best choice, as it will not kill the adult fleas currently on your dog.
Trifexis reviews
Trifexis is a medication used to prevent heartworm disease, treat and control adult hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm infections, and also used to treat and control flea infestations in dogs.
Indications:
Trifexis is indicated for use in dogs 8 weeks of age or older and 5 pounds or more. It is recommended to give the medication once a month, on the same day each month, for continued prevention of heartworm disease, and control of flea infestations and the treatment of adult hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm infections.
Pros:
Trifexis is a convenient once-a-month medication that can prevent heartworm disease, flea infestations, and treat adult hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm infections all in one pill. Many pet owners find it easy to administer and appreciate the added peace of mind that comes with the all-in-one protection.
Cons:
Some pet owners have reported side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy in their dogs after administering Trifexis. In rare cases, some dogs have also experienced seizures. It’s also important to note that Trifexis does not protect against all types of worms, such as tapeworms.
Side Effects:
The most common side effects of Trifexis include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived, but if they persist or if your dog experiences severe side effects such as seizures, it is important to contact your veterinarian.
Toxicity:
Trifexis is generally safe for dogs when used as directed. Overdose or misuse of the medication can cause serious side effects and is not recommended.
Drug Interactions:
Trifexis may interact with other medications your dog is taking, so it’s important to inform your veterinarian of any other medications your dog is on before starting Trifexis.
Contraindications:
Trifexis is not recommended for use in dogs who are pregnant, breeding, or lactating. It is also not recommended for use in dogs who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication.
Research and Study:
Trifexis has been extensively tested in clinical trials and has been found to be safe and effective for the prevention of heartworm disease, control of flea infestations, and treatment of adult hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm infections in dogs.
Alternatives:
There are other heartworm preventatives and flea and tick control products available for dogs, such as Revolution, Heartgard Plus, and Bravecto.
Sentinel reviews
Sentinel is a medication that is used to prevent heartworm disease in dogs. It is a combination of two active ingredients, milbemycin oxime and lufenuron.
Indications:
Sentinel is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs. It is also used to control flea populations and prevent flea eggs from hatching.
Pros:
Sentinel is a convenient, once-a-month oral medication that can be used to prevent heartworm disease and flea infestations in dogs. It is generally well-tolerated and has a low incidence of side effects.
Cons:
Sentinel is relatively expensive compared to some other heartworm preventatives. Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea when taking the medication.
Side effects:
The most common side effects of Sentinel include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. These side effects are generally mild and short-lived. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as seizures or allergic reactions may occur.
Toxicity:
Sentinel is considered to be relatively safe for use in dogs. However, it should not be used in dogs with a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients.
Drug interactions:
Sentinel should not be used in conjunction with other heartworm preventatives. It may also interact with certain medications such as certain antibiotics and some anti-seizure medications, so it is important to let your veterinarian know about any other medications your dog is taking.
Contraindications:
Sentinel is contraindicated in dogs with a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients. It should also not be used in dogs with a history of seizures.
Research and study:
Sentinel has been studied extensively in dogs and has been found to be safe and effective for the prevention of heartworm disease.
Alternatives:
Some alternative heartworm preventatives include Interceptor Plus, Trifexis, Heartgard Plus, and Revolution. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your dog.
Alternative to Trifexis and Sentinel
There are several alternatives to Trifexis and Sentinel that can be used to prevent flea infestations, heartworm disease, and other internal parasites in dogs. Some of these alternatives include:
Topical Flea and Tick Preventives: These products are applied to the skin and coat of your pet, and work by killing fleas and ticks on contact. Examples include Frontline Plus, Advantage II, and Bravecto Topical.
Natural Preventives: These products are made from natural ingredients and are less harsh on your pet’s system. They are made from essential oils, herbs, and other natural ingredients that help repel and kill fleas, ticks and other parasites. They are safe for your pet but not effective as chemical-based alternatives.
Heartworm Preventives: These products are specifically designed to protect against heartworm disease, which can be fatal in dogs. Examples include Heartgard Plus, Iverhart Max, and Interceptor Plus.
Dewormers: Dewormers can be used to eliminate internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. They are usually given as a pill or a liquid and can be used in conjunction with a flea and tick preventive. Examples include Drontal and Panacur.
These alternatives may not provide the same level of protection as Trifexis and Sentinel, and they may not be effective against all types of parasites. It’s also important to consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions and to follow their advice.
What is the best flea and heartworm medication for dogs?
When it comes to flea and heartworm medication for dogs, there are several options available on the market. However, some are more effective and have fewer side effects than others. Here’s a list of some of the best flea and heartworm medications for dogs:
- Bravecto
- Nexgard
- Simparica
- Revolution
- Heartgard Plus
Keep in mind that prevention is the best way to avoid flea, tick and heartworm infections, so keep your pet’s environment clean, groom them regularly and keep them protected with regular preventive treatments.
FAQs about Sentinel vs Trifexis
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Sentinel vs Trifexis.
What is Sentinel, and how does it work?
Sentinel is a monthly oral medication that protects dogs against fleas, heartworms, and intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It contains an insect growth regulator (IGR) that prevents flea eggs from hatching, thus breaking the flea life cycle. Sentinel also contains milbemycin oxime, which kills heartworm larvae and prevents intestinal parasites from multiplying.
What is Trifexis, and how does it work?
Trifexis is also a monthly oral medication that protects dogs against fleas, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. However, it contains two active ingredients: spinosad and milbemycin oxime. Spinosad is a fast-acting flea killer, while milbemycin oxime kills heartworm larvae and prevents intestinal parasites from multiplying.
Which medication is more effective against fleas?
Both Sentinel and Trifexis are effective against fleas, but Trifexis may be more potent as it contains spinosad, which kills fleas within 30 minutes of administration. Sentinel, on the other hand, contains an IGR that prevents flea eggs from hatching but may take longer to eliminate existing flea infestations.
Which medication is more effective against heartworms?
Both Sentinel and Trifexis are effective against heartworms as they contain milbemycin oxime. This active ingredient kills heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms and cause serious health problems.
Which medication is more effective against intestinal parasites?
Both Sentinel and Trifexis are effective against intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. However, Trifexis may be more potent as it contains spinosad, which also kills some species of tapeworms.
Which medication has fewer side effects?
Both Sentinel and Trifexis are generally safe and well-tolerated by dogs. However, some dogs may experience side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Sentinel may be less likely to cause these side effects as it does not contain spinosad, which has been associated with a gastrointestinal upset in some dogs.
Can Sentinel and Trifexis be used together?
It is not recommended to use Sentinel and Trifexis together as they contain similar active ingredients and may increase the risk of side effects. If you need additional parasite protection, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian and explore other options.
Can Sentinel and Trifexis be used in puppies?
Both Sentinel and Trifexis are safe to use in puppies as young as six weeks old. However, the dosage may vary depending on the puppy’s weight, and it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before administering any medication to your puppy.
Are there any breed restrictions for using Sentinel or Trifexis?
Both Sentinel and Trifexis can be used on all dog breeds, including mixed breeds. However, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions.
How long does Sentinel or Trifexis take to start working?
Sentinel and Trifexis both start working immediately after administration, but it may take some time to see the full effects. Sentinel takes a few days to break the flea life cycle, while Trifexis starts killing fleas within 30 minutes of administration.
Do I need a prescription to purchase Sentinel or Trifexis?
Yes, both Sentinel and Trifexis require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. You cannot purchase these medications over the counter or online without a valid prescription.
Can Sentinel or Trifexis be given to pregnant or nursing dogs?
It’s best to consult with your veterinarian before administering Sentinel or Trifexis to pregnant or nursing dogs. While both medications are generally safe and well-tolerated, it’s essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks for each individual dog.
Can I give Sentinel or Trifexis to my cat?
No, neither Sentinel nor Trifexis should be given to cats. These medications are formulated specifically for dogs and may be toxic to cats if ingested.
Are there any interactions between Sentinel or Trifexis and other medications?
It’s essential to consult with your veterinarian before administering Sentinel or Trifexis alongside other medications. While there are no known interactions between Sentinel or Trifexis and most other medications, some drugs may increase the risk of side effects or affect the effectiveness of the medication.
What should I do if my dog experiences side effects from Sentinel or Trifexis?
If your dog experiences any side effects from Sentinel or Trifexis, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. In some cases, your vet may recommend stopping the medication or adjusting the dosage to prevent further side effects.
