Sentinal vs. Heartguard: What is Best for Your Dog?
As a dog parent, adding a heartworm prevention to your pup's health and wellness routine is one of the smartest things you can do. These infections can be devastating to your dog's health and longevity.
Heartworm preventions like Sentinel and Heartgard provide dependable protection. But Sentinel vs Heartgard have distinct differences you need to know to choose the best heartworm prevention for your dog.
What Are Sentinel and Heartgard?
Both are monthly, prescription-only heartworm preventatives that you give to protect against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms–3 of the most common dog parasites. Each has added protections and distinctions that you might want to consider based on your dog's environment, medical history, and other factors.
While they work similarly, Sentinel vs Heartgard have chosen to have different active ingredients: Milbemycin Oxime/Lufenuron or Ivermectin/Pyrantel Pamoate, respectively. One or the other may work better for individual dogs. For example, Sentinel is safe in puppies as early as 4 weeks. Heartgard should start at 6 weeks. However, both are considered safe for pregnant and nursing dogs.
Which One Offers Better Protection Against Parasites?
We'd have to say the better protection is Sentinel in most cases, but it really depends on your dog's risk factors.
Sentinel also prevents flea eggs and larvae from developing, drastically reducing the chance of a flea infestation and making flea management easier. Note: It doesn't kill fleas or ticks, so if your dog is in an infested area, they can still pick up adults that will be unable to breed on your dog and hopefully move on.
Sentinel also protects against whipworm. While whipworms are less common in most households and aren't life-threatening like heartworms, they can cause severe intestinal cramping and digestive distress. So, whipworm protection may be called for if your dog has a history or will be housed in a kennel while you're on vacation.
How Often Do You Need to Give Each Medication?
For both, you'll give your dog a beef-flavored tablet once a month on a schedule, with both providing immediate protection. It's vital to mark your calendar and stick with that date, as once infection occurs, you'll need to discuss other measures with your dog's veterinarian.
Safety and Side Effects: What Pet Owners Should Know
Both may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite, which typically subside within hours. It may suggest that your dog's dose needs to be adjusted by the dog doctor. Heartgard can additionally lead to depression and lack of coordination, while Sentinel can cause itching. In rare cases, seizures may occur.
Each of these side effects is typically mild and temporary. Always give the dose when you can stay with them for a while. And keep the water bowl next to them if they're experiencing lethargy or digestive upset. You should contact your veterinarian if your dog's reaction seems more than mild or if you're worried.
Which Is Right for Your Dog’s Lifestyle and Health Needs?
Sentinel is best for those who prefer more comprehensive protection, are struggling with flea reinfestation despite flea prevention measures, or feel the need to start protection at 4 weeks.
Heartgard is best for those who already have fleas under control, are okay with starting at 6 weeks, and do not plan to house their dog with other dogs who may have whipworm.
They're both excellent protection against heartworms and other parasites, and you should discuss with your dog's veterinarian.
