by Janet Figarra, DVM

Choosing the best parasite prevention for your pets can be confusing so let’s break it down to help you make the right decision for your particular needs. We have several topical and oral products to choose from. Some have fairly narrow uses while others are effective against a wider variety of parasites. (Want more information on parasites? Check out our post on parasites of spring and summer.)

In the Ann Arbor area, all cats and dogs should be on year-round heartworm prevention. Flea and tick preventive should be provided for all pets that go outdoors at least for the months of March to November (may vary some depending on weather). If you have fleas in your house in the fall, plan to continue monthly flea prevention year-round. The importance of intestinal parasite control depends on you and your pet’s lifestyle and environment. Discuss the needs of your particular pet with your veterinarian!

Monthly Oral Products:

• *Feline Heartguard (Ivermectin) prevents heartworm and kills hookworm
• Heartguard Plus (Ivermectin and Pyrantel) prevents heartworm, kills roundworm and hookworm
• Interceptor Plus (Milbamycin and Praziquantel) prevents heartworm, kills roundworm, hookworm and whipworm as well as tapeworm
• Sentinel (Milbamycin and Lufeneron) prevents heartworm, kills roundworm, hookworm and whipworm; also causes fleas to lay eggs that will not hatch (aka “birth control for fleas”)
• Nexguard (Afoxolaner) kills fleas and ticks
• Simparica (Sarolaner) kills fleas and ticks (not labeled for puppies under 6 months of age)

Monthly Topical Products:

• *Revolution (Selamectin) prevents heartworm and kills fleas and earmites; prevents roundworm and hookworm in cats. Effective against Sarcoptic mange and American Dog Ticks in dogs.
• *Frontline Plus (Fipronil and Methoprene) kills fleas and ticks
• Effitix (Fipronil and permethrin) kills fleas and ticks

Collar, lasts up to 8 months:

• Seresto (Flumethrin and Imidacloprid) kills fleas and ticks

*products safe for cats