Is Interceptor Plus for Dogs a Good Choice?

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One of the most important jobs dog owners have is keeping their dogs safe from internal parasites. In this instance, we are talking about hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and heartworms. These 5 parasites can cause all sorts of trouble for our dogs, and some of them can even infect humans.

Some worms will cause health issues, but they might not be deadly. However, parasites like heartworms, if left untreated, can kill a dog. They will continue multiplying until your dog’s body simply cannot take it anymore. That is why medications like Interceptor Plus are absolutely necessary. Here’s what you should know about Interceptor Plus for dogs.

What is Interceptor Plus for dogs?

Interceptor Plus is a deworming medication that is given to dogs to keep them parasite-free. This dewormer combines two powerful parasiticides - milbemycin oxime and praziquantel. Milbemycin oxime is included for treating heartworms, roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and praziquantel should keep your dog tapeworm-free.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Interceptor Plus is a prescription medicine. You shouldn’t give it to your dog without consulting your vet first.

Is Interceptor Plus effective?

One of the two vital questions dog owners ask their vets is, “Is Interceptor Plus effective?” Powerful medications can cause adverse reactions, and dog owners might be willing to risk them if that means their dogs are fully protected against nasty internal parasites. However, if the medication is only partly effective, most might reconsider giving it to their dogs.

Luckily, Interceptor Plus is considered very effective. In a controlled study, this medication eliminated 100% of all 4 species of adult tapeworms in dogs. If this medication is used for 6 months straight, it will provide your dog with 100% protection against heartworm. The study also focused on other parasites and showed significant levels of eliminations and protection. In short - Interceptor Plus is very effective, but only if you don’t skip doses.

Is it safe?

The second most important question dog owners want to know the answer to is, “Is Interceptor Plus safe for my dog?” The effectiveness might be impressive, but it makes no sense to give your dog a medication that causes such adverse reactions your dog needs a couple of days to recooperate.

The good news is that Interceptor Plus is considered extremely safe. In the same study performed by the production company, Dogs were exposed up to 5X the recommended dosage of this medication. There were only mild side effects noted. Keep in mind that this is a deworming medication, and some reactions are expected.

Interceptor Plus side effects

Like every other deworming oral medication, Interceptor Plus can cause some side effects. This is not something you shouldn’t expect, and if this is your preferred method of keeping your dog parasite-free, you should know which side effects are possible and what you might expect. The most common Interceptor Plus side effects are;

• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Vomiting
• Convulsions
• Ataxia
• Weakness
• Salivation
• Loss of appetite

Keep in mind that most side effects should pass 24 hours after the initial exposure. However, they can last longer in dogs with kidney or liver issues.

How is it given to dogs?

Interceptor Plus comes in the form of a chewable tablet. It is a chewable treat dogs will gladly take. The company that produces this medication performed a study where they offered 115 dogs their chewable tablet, and 94% (108 dogs) had taken it without a complaint. In fact, they enjoyed the taste of the medication.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Interceptor Plus is considered safe, but it should not be given to dogs that are under 6 weeks old.

This medication provides about 30 days of protection, and after that, a new dose needs to be given to dogs. Parasites like heartworms are resilient, and the dog needs to take at least 6 monthly doses over 6 months for 100% effective protection against heartworms.

Where can I get it?

Since Interceptor Plus is only available with a licensed vet’s prescription, you can pick it up in your local pet pharmacy. If you prefer online shopping, you can order it from Chewy’s online pharmacy. You just need to make sure you ordered the correct package for your dog’s size.

World Dog Finder team