Choosing the right monthly heartworm prevention for your dog can be tough with so many options out there. One popular choice is Simparica Trio, which does a lot—it guards against heartworm disease, fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms all in one.
But is Simparico Trio safe for your dog? Well, it might not be for every pup. But if you talk to your vet, you can make sure you’re giving your furry friend a product that’s both safe and works well.
Let’s take a look at what studies say and what you can expect when giving your dog Simparica Trio.
What Is Simparica Trio?
Simparica Trio is a monthly pill approved by the FDA to keep dogs safe from specific parasites. Your vet needs to prescribe it.
This chewable pill has three main ingredients: sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel. Sarolaner fights fleas and ticks, moxidectin stops heartworm disease, and pyrantel treats and controls roundworms and hookworms in the intestines.
Simparica Vs. Simparica Trio
Regular Simparica and Simparica Trio are both chewable tablets for dogs. They’re really handy because they can kill these nasty ticks called deer ticks. These ticks can make dogs sick with something called Lyme disease, which is really bad because it can mess up a dog’s joints and kidneys.
But, here’s the thing: Regular Simparica can only deal with fleas and ticks. It doesn’t do anything for heartworm disease or those pesky worms that can hang out in a dog’s intestines. That’s where Simparica Trio shines! It not only fights ticks but also keeps heartworms and those intestinal worms away.
So, if you want to make sure your furry friend stays healthy and happy, choosing Simparica Trio gives them more protection against different kinds of health problems.
Is Simparica Trio Safe for Dogs?
Simparica Trio is a safe and effective treatment for most dogs, even those with heartworm. Dogs and puppies should be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2.8 pounds to take it.
There are good reasons to choose Simparica Trio over other products. It’s the first all-in-one treatment that you give to your dog once a month. It protects against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, and certain types of intestinal parasites. Another product, NexGard Plus, does the same but came later. Simparica Trio is also excellent at treating heartworm and killing five types of ticks compared to other brands.
Before giving this treatment, vets will make sure your dog meets the weight and age requirements to stay safe. If your dog has certain health issues like a history of seizures, vets will be cautious. They haven’t studied Simparica Trio’s safety for pregnant dogs.
Since Simparica Trio has sarolaner, an isoxazoline drug, it should be used carefully in dogs with a history of seizures or neurological conditions. It might cause side effects like incoordination or muscle tremors, though it’s rare.
Collies and Australian Shepherds dog breed can have a gene mutation making them sensitive to ivermectin, like moxidectin in Simparica Trio. So, they might have more side effects. Vets might suggest a different treatment for these breeds.
Some dogs might be sensitive to Simparica Trio’s ingredients, causing neurological issues or other side effects like vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog shows any bad effects, contact a vet. They might suggest switching to a different treatment.
Simparica Trio for Dogs: Precautions to Consider
When you give your dog Simparica Trio, keep an eye out for any side effects. Although most dogs handle this medicine well, some might experience:
- Throwing up
- Runny poop
- Not wanting to eat
- Being really tired
Usually, these side effects get better once you stop giving the medicine. If you see any of these signs, call your vet for advice. They might switch your dog to a different medicine that suits them better.
Before you start your dog on a monthly preventative, they need to be checked for heartworms. Simparica Trio kills baby heartworms but not adult ones. So if your dog has heartworms, they’ll need treatment to get rid of the adult ones. That means they’ll need both the adulticide and the monthly medicine.
There haven’t been any bad reactions reported when dogs take Simparica Trio with other medicines like vaccines, painkillers, steroids, antibiotics, or dewormers. It’s also safe for dogs having surgery like getting spayed, neutered, or having dental work. But it’s smart to talk with your vet about all the meds or supplements your pet is on before using Simparica Trio.
Pet owners need to know that giving too much Simparica Trio to their dog can be dangerous. Accidentally giving too much raises the chance of serious side effects, especially in breeds sensitive to the ingredients. To avoid this, only give the medicine as your vet tells you, and make sure to keep it in a safe place where pets can’t get to it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Simparica Trio is generally safe for dogs when used as directed by a veterinarian. Most dogs tolerate it well, but it’s important to watch out for possible side effects like vomiting or diarrhea. Before starting your dog on Simparica Trio, make sure they’re tested for heartworms. Also, be careful not to give too much, as it can be harmful. Always follow your vet’s advice and keep an eye on your furry friend for any signs of problems.
