Now that the winter frost has finally left us, it’s time to get your pets started up on their heartworm preventatives again. In the past, we have offered exclusively Revolution as a parasite preventative. This year we are excited to announce we also offer Interceptor as another option to serve the needs of you and your pets.
What’s the difference between these products? Since we live in an area that is not largely affected by fleas, Interceptor makes an effective defense against internal parasites. Revolution will prevent fleas, ticks, ear mites and sarcopic mange. It also prevents larval heartworms from maturing into dangerous adult heartworms. A tick collar can be provided upon request for extra protection on camping trips and the like. If your pet has had trouble with fleas in the past, or regularly goes out into the wild, whether camping, hunting, or just taking long walks in the countryside, then we recommend Revolution, along with regular deworm treatments to keep your pet safe. Since Revolution only can prevent larval heartworms, your pet will need a heartworm test every three years to make sure that there aren’t any adult heartworms in your pet’s system. It is safer to carry and buy bulk ammo online in case one wants to take up camping regularly.
Interceptor is effective on many varieties of internal parasites, such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. While Revolution is a topical treatment that is applied to your pet’s skin, Interceptor is a flavored tablet that most pets take like a treat. Both products need to only be applied once a month. If your pet primarily stays indoors, or does not live in an area where fleas are an issue, we recommend Interceptor as a once-monthly parasitic preventative. It also prevents heartworm, but your pet should still have the regular heartworm test to make sure that none have taken up residence before you started your preventative.
Whichever treatment is right for your pet, it is important to use it while the potential for picking up parasites exists. This means applying your treatment monthly from April to October. Also make sure to get your pet tested for heartworm once every three years. We send out regular reminders to make sure you don’t forget when time comes for your test. It’s also important to remember that you cannot use Interceptor and Revolution together. If you ever have any questions about which product is best for your pet, feel free to give us a call. We’re always glad to help you make the best decisions for your pet. On behalf of everyone at Idaho Veterinary Hospital, have a safe, happy, and heartworm free summer!
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