2017: The year of the tick

This spring and summer we have been seeing pets with numerous ticks. In talking to owners, they are under the impression that administering a monthly dose of Sentinel will prevent or control their pet’s tick problem. We have also gotten questions online about the difference between Sentinel and Simparica and because of this confusion, we decided to address these questions in a post. Many people are under the impression that if you are using one, you don’t have to use the other, but it’s important to use both.

courtesy pestworld.org

Sentinel

Sentinel is a montly chewable oral medication given with food and is effective in preventing heartworm and preventing and controlling fleas. It also prevents or eliminates hookworm, roundworm and whipworm, though it should not be given to a dog under 4 weeks of age. According to the Sentinel label it is effective in killing flea eggs, but another medication must be used in conjunction if your dog or cat already has a flea problem.

Simparica

Simparica, another oral monthly treatment, is effective in treating and preventing flea and tick infestations. This includes killing adult fleas and deer ticks (that are so prevalent this year). It is not, however, a treatment for any kind of worm (i.e, heart, round, whip and hook). There have been studies conducted comparing the the speed and length of efficacy of Simparica to NexGard (another flea and tick preventive) and it was found that Simparica works faster (within 24 hours) and its efficacy lasts longer than Frontline.

So use Sentinel primarily to control worms, and Simparica for for fleas and ticks. We know that the world of pet medications can seem overwhelming at times and we hope this bit of information helps dispel some of the confusion behind these two drugs. As always, we are here to help! Be sure to ask your vet if you have any questions or need further information.