Is Trifexis Safe For Your Dog
Is Trifexis Safe For Your Dog
Health

Is Trifexis Safe For Your Dog? Understanding Flea and Heartworm Prevention Safety

As pet owners, we always want to ensure the safety and well-being of our furry friends.

When it comes to protecting them from parasites, Trifexis has become a popular option among dog owners.

It’s a monthly beef-flavored chewable tablet designed to safeguard dogs from fleas, heartworm, and other parasites.

Knowing whether Trifexis is safe for our dogs is crucial since we strive to provide the best care for our pets.

We understand the concerns that come with choosing the right treatment for our dogs.

Trifexis, recommended for dogs and puppies over eight weeks of age and weighing at least five pounds, is prescribed by veterinarians to tackle various parasitic infections.

With Trifexis, a single dose provides one month of protection, which adds convenience to our routine of keeping our dogs healthy.

However, like any medication, it’s essential to be aware of possible side effects and ensure it’s the right fit for our dog’s specific health needs.

Vomiting, decreased activity, itching, decreased appetite, and diarrhea are the most commonly reported adverse reactions, and it’s important to observe our dogs after administration.

Our commitment to our dogs’ health means taking the time to understand the treatments we give them and consulting with our vets to ensure their safety.

What Is Trifexis?

When we approach the topic of our dogs’ health, we’re often considering products like Trifexis.

It’s a monthly treatment known for its role in heartworm prevention, combat against flea infestations, and control of intestinal parasites.

Let’s dive into what Trifexis comprises and who stands behind this product.

Composition and Active Ingredients

At the heart of Trifexis are two active ingredients:

  • Spinosad: A compound effective in killing fleas before they can lay eggs.
  • Milbemycin oxime: Utilized for preventing heartworm disease and treating infections by adult intestinal parasites.

This potent combination comes in the form of a beef-flavored chewable tablet, making administration straightforward for us and palatable for our furry friends.

The company behind Trifexis is Elanco Animal Health, a well-known player in the pet healthcare space.

Benefits of Trifexis

When we consider the health of our furry friends, using the right products plays a crucial role.

Trifexis stands out as a comprehensive medication that not only repels parasites but also ensures regular dosing is stress-free for both dogs and owners.

Parasite Protection Efficacy

  • Fleas: Trifexis is remarkable for its ability to swiftly kill fleas and thwart infestations, providing a crucial layer of defense for our dogs.
  • Heartworm Disease: The medication is also a proactive measure to prevent the dreaded heartworm disease, an often-fatal condition if left untreated.
  • Intestinal Parasites: Beyond fleas and heartworm, Trifexis effectively treats and controls adult hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm infections, ensuring our dogs are safeguarded against a range of common parasites.

Regular administration of Trifexis helps maintain uninterrupted protection against these parasites, crucial for our dog’s ongoing health.

Ease of Use and Dosage

  • Monthly Doses: Trifexis comes in the form of a beef-flavored chewable tablet, which is given once a month.

    The simplicity of a single monthly dose eliminates the need for multiple medications.

  • Dosage: To suit our diverse canine companions, Trifexis is available in dosages appropriate for dogs starting at 5 pounds and for puppies aged 8 weeks and older, aligning well with veterinary medicine guidelines.

Our commitment to our dogs includes keeping them happy and healthy, and Trifexis offers an effective and convenient way to manage parasite protection and control.

Possible Side Effects

When we give our dogs Trifexis, it’s important to be aware of the possible side effects that may occur.

Being informed enables us to react quickly if our dog experiences any adverse reactions.

Common Adverse Reactions

Some dogs might experience mild side effects after taking Trifexis. These can include:

  • Loss of appetite: Our dogs may not feel as hungry as usual.
  • Vomiting and diarrhea: Digestive upset is a possible reaction.
  • Itching: Nearly 4% of dogs may feel itchy.
  • Lethargy: A small percentage of dogs might seem unusually tired.

These reactions are generally not severe but watching our dog closely after administering Trifexis can help us identify any issues promptly.

If you notice skin reddening or excessive salivation, it’s worth noting these as well.

Serious Health Concerns

While rare, more serious health issues could arise, such as:

  • Trembling
  • Seizures
  • Loss of coordination

If you witness any of these or are worried about your dog’s reaction after Trifexis, consider it an emergency and reach out to a veterinarian right away.

What to Do in Case of Side Effects

In case our dog shows any signs of side effects:

  1. Stay Calm: Our pets can pick up on our anxiety, so it’s best to remain calm.
  2. Contact Veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline: If our dog has any concerning symptoms like persistent vomiting or seizures, it’s imperative to seek professional help immediately.
  3. Follow Instructions: The vet may give us specific directions based on our dog’s condition, which we must follow exactly.

Remember, while adverse reactions can happen, they’re not guaranteed.

Each dog reacts differently to medication, which is why it’s crucial to have our dog under veterinarian supervision, especially when trying a new medication like Trifexis.

Usage and Administration Guidelines

When it comes to administering Trifexis to our dogs, we must ensure correct dosage and be aware of necessary precautions.

Trifexis is a prescription medication, so it should always be used under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Determining the Correct Dosage

The dosage of Trifexis, which is used to treat and protect against various parasites, is determined by the dog’s body weight.

It’s essential to give the correct size tablet to prevent an overdose or ineffective treatment. As a helpful reference:

  • Dogs weighing 5 to 10 lbs: 140 mg spinosad / 2.3 mg milbemycin oxime
  • 10.1 to 20 lbs: 270 mg spinosad / 4.5 mg milbemycin oxime
  • 20.1 to 40 lbs: 560 mg spinosad / 9.3 mg milbemycin oxime
  • 40.1 to 60 lbs: 810 mg spinosad / 13.5 mg milbemycin oxime
  • 60.1 to 120 lbs: 1620 mg spinosad / 27 mg milbemycin oxime

For puppies, it’s safe to administer Trifexis as long as they are over eight weeks of age and weigh more than five pounds.

Always follow the specific dosage guidelines provided by your veterinarian.

Precautions and Contraindications

Before starting treatment with Trifexis, a veterinarian should confirm the absence of heartworm disease.

It’s important not to use Trifexis in dogs with a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders.

Special attention should be given to breeding females and males; discussing risks and benefits with our veterinarian is crucial.

Although no adverse effects were reported in breeding females in clinical studies, the safety in breeding males has not been fully established.

Precautions should also be taken when administering the drug to puppies, ensuring they meet age and weight requirements.

As with any prescription medication, we must observe for any signs of adverse effects and contact our veterinarian if we have concerns or if side effects occur.

This ensures our beloved dogs receive the best and safest care possible.

Alternatives and Comparisons

When we consider the well-being of our furry friends, it’s vital to weigh all available options for flea and parasite treatment.

Among these, Trifexis is a known brand, but it’s always a good idea to explore various products to find the most suitable and secure choice for your dog.

Comparing Trifexis With Other Brands

Trifexis has been a go-to for many pet owners for controlling fleas and preventing heartworm disease, as well as tackling other parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.

It offers a monthly oral treatment, which is appreciated for its convenience.

However, when we look at alternatives such as NexGard and Bravecto, there are differences to consider:

  • NexGard: Also a monthly chew, NexGard focuses on fleas and ticks but does not cover heartworm or intestinal parasites.
  • Bravecto: Offers a longer-lasting solution with doses every 3 months but similarly to NexGard, does not prevent heartworms.

When comparing costs, Trifexis often falls into a higher price bracket, partly due to its broad spectrum of control.

Your vet can help weigh the cost against the benefits for your dog’s specific needs.

Natural and Herbal Alternatives

Some of us prefer natural options for flea and tick prevention.

While these may not be as scientifically backed as pharmaceutical treatments, they can offer less invasive alternatives:

  • Herbal formulations and essential oils (like neem and eucalyptus) are commonly cited, although their efficacy widely varies.
  • It’s crucial to consult with a vet before trying herbal alternatives, as some substances can be toxic to dogs even if they are natural.

In all cases, remember that the safety profile of any treatment should be our top priority, so we should keep abreast of ongoing research and consult with our veterinarian regularly.