Interceptor vs Heartgard Plus
 

The day I took Sophie to be spayed, I had to also pick up their Interceptor and Flea meds.since I had a manufacturer's coupon I gave it to the receptionist and she gave me all the post op. instructions receipts and the bag with meds.Once I got in the car I realized that she hd given me Heartgard instead, I called back and they had already sent for the rebate, but told me that the DR. said it was fine to give it to Max and Sophie, if they have any adverse reaction I could bring it and they would take it back and give me Interceptor. Just by her mentioning "adverse reaction" had made me reluctant to give it to them, Im 1 week late and don't know what to do.
I need your opinion. Has anyone had any problems with Heartgard? Compared to Interceptor ?:confused:

Heartgard is a great drug. No worries.
They all can cause adverse reactions, so I think the receptionist was just speaking in general about their policy.

I used Heartguard for years with no problems. I personally would go ahead and use it. The only reason I switched from Heartguard to Interceptor was because after I moved and changed vets, my new vet didn't carry Heartguard (at that time - he does now).

So I should give it to them now that it is still early "just in case" .What should I look for, and how soon the adverse reaction, if any, will show. Can they still have a reaction tomorrow?

One more question !:D She gave me the one for up to 25 lbs.when the interceptor is up to 10 lbs, she said that I could cut it in half and give 1 to Sophie (8 lbs) and the other half to Max ( 5 lbs)I want to make sure that by doing this Im not under medicating, or if I give the whole thing, it would be too much, specially for Max.Im used to the small pill of Interceptor, and Heargard looks like a brick

The reason I use Interceptor over Heartgard Plus is because it comes in a dose for smaller dogs, like you mentioned (2-10 lbs), AND because it protects against roundworms, hookworms, and WHIPWORMS (Heartgard Plus doesn't protect against whipworms, which are difficult to detect and can be deadly!) That being said, and even though my preference is Interceptor (for the above reasons), I don't think it would hurt your furbabies to use the Heartgard Plus...and it makes me feel even better about it that you were told to give them each 1/2. I know lots and lots of people use Heartgard Plus with great results. (But truthfully, if it were me, I'd go back and get the Interceptor...it was their mistake, not yours! But I'm funny like that ;) )

What do you mean give it to them early just in case?

It can cause a reaction at any time. If the first 2-3 dosings go well, then I doubt you will have any major problems. A reaction can happen minutes to years after any drug. It just depends on the type of reaction. The immediate life threatening type...I'd watch closely for a few hours. Don't expect anything to happen though...

Some sites on the internet say don't give half the dose because the Ivermection is unevenly injected into the pill. But then somebody's vet said they talked to Merial and that isn't true. I couldn't tell you for sure. Personally, I don't split heartworm meds. It's too serious. But I won't say to ignore your vet either... You can always call the company.

The Heartgard does look like you are giving more drug, but then the up to 10 pound Interception supposedly contains 4/5 more drugs than what is needed to kill heartworm larvae just to be able to say that it controls intestinal parasites. Sooo, the dosing isn't a major concern, IMO.

People on YT usually recommend Interceptor because it seems to cause less reactions in small dogs (very subjective), but that doesn't mean Heartgard is best. I have given the plain Heartgard to Ellie and would again.

Interception? Oh my goodness...back to bed for me.:rolleyes:

And bad, not best.

Need caffeine.

I dont like to try anything new, either on Friday, with the weekend coming, or in the afternoon, in case I need to call the vet. I got used to this when my kids were small, now I do the same with the furkids ;-)

I already gave it to them and they loved the taste. they are both in the "seat"position, waiting for more.
Thank you all for your opinion. I'll keep my eyes open for anything different and will keep you all posted.

Oooo, I do that too. When Ellie is getting a new drug, I ask her vet to stay by the phone. lol

I have been using Heartgard Plus for the past 12 years and never had a problem. I even give it to my puppies as early as 6 weeks, but I cut them in half also and use only a half per dog. Of course having several dogs, it helps using only a half per dog.

We use interceptor (or Interception if you are Ellie May's mom) - never have had any problems.

I've had my soda and it's all good now. :)

LOL!!! :p