There are many heartworm preventatives available on the market. Are you trying to choose between Heartgard Plus and Simparica TRIO for your dog? Both are monthly chews and prevent heartworm disease in dogs, yet they’re not equivalent products. There’s a big difference in active ingredients, parasite coverage, your dog’s eligibility, and other factors. In this blog, we have compared Heartgard Plus and Simparica TRIO for dogs in detail to help make your decision easier.
What is HeartGard Plus for Dogs?
Heartgard Plus is a monthly heartworm disease preventive for dogs. It comes in a real-beef chewable form for easy administration. Heartgard Plus is also indicated for the treatment and control of roundworms and hookworms. Heartgard Plus is recommended for dogs 6 weeks of age and older.
How Do HeartGard Plus Chews Work?
Heartgard Plus for dogs contains two active ingredients, Ivermectin and Pyrantel. Ivermectin works to prevent heartworm disease by allowing the immune system to recognize and inactivate heartworm larvae before they can develop into adults. The Pyrantel treats and controls roundworms and hookworms.
What is Simparica TRIO for Dogs?
Simparica TRIO is a monthly treatment that protects your dog from heartworm disease, fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. It comes in a flavored, chewable tablet form for easy administration. Simparica TRIO is indicated for use in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, and weighing 2.8 pounds or greater.
How Does Simparica TRIO Work?
Simparica Trio for dogs contains three active ingredients, Sarolaner, Moxidectin, and Pyrantel—that work together to protect dogs from parasites.
Sarolaner causes uncontrolled neuromuscular activities in parasites, causing death in them. Moxidectin interferes with the neurotransmission in parasites, causing paralysis and death. Pyrantel affects the neuromuscular function of susceptible parasites, causing paralysis and death or expulsion of the organism.
Similarities between HeartGard Plus and Simparica TRIO
Both Heartgard Plus and Simparica TRIO:
- Come in flavored chewables form for easy administration.
- Are administered once a month.
- Prevent heartworm disease in dogs.
- Treat and control roundworms in dogs.
- Treat and control hookworms in dogs.
- Are available in different weight-specific dosage strengths.
Difference between HeartGard Plus and Simparica TRIO
Active Ingredients
Heartgard Plus contains Ivermectin and Pyrantel, while Simparica TRIO is formulated with Sarolaner, Moxidectin, and Pyrantel.
Parasite Coverage
Simparica TRIO kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestation and helps prevent flea tapeworm infections as a direct result of killing fleas on treated dogs, while Heartgard Plus does not claim flea protection and prevention of flea tapeworm infection.
Simparica TRIO treats and controls infestations caused by six tick species, including the Lone Star Tick, Gulf Coast Tick, American Dog Tick, Black-Legged Tick, Brown Dog Tick, and Asian Longhorned Tick. Heartgard Plus does not provide tick protection.
Simparica TRIO also prevents Lyme infections as a direct result of killing Black-Legged Ticks in dogs. Heartgard Plus does not prevent Lyme infections.
Age and Weight Requirement
Heartgard Plus chews are suitable for dogs 6 weeks of age and older. In comparison, the minimum age suitability of Simparica TRIO for dogs and puppies is at least 8 weeks of age.
When it comes to weight criteria, there is no minimum weight requirement to use Heartgard Plus. For Simparica TRIO, the minimum weight requirement is 2.8 pounds or greater.
Quick Comparison Table of Heartgard Plus and Simparica TRIO
Which is Ideal for Your Dog?
- Choose Heartgard Plus: If your dog already has a separate, effective flea and tick product you’re happy with and you’re specifically looking for roundworm, hookworm, and heartworm prevention option.
- Choose Simparica TRIO: If you want all-in-one parasite coverage for your dog in a single monthly chew.
Consult your veterinarian before choosing the “ONE.” The final decision usually depends on multiple factors such as your dog’s age, weight, parasite risks, and health condition.
Final Thoughts
Neither product is objectively “better” in a blog. Heartgard Plus is a proven, narrower, more affordable heartworm-and-intestinal-worm preventive. Simparica TRIO is a broader shield that adds flea, tick, and Lyme protection in one monthly chew. Both Heartgard Plus and Simparica TRIO are widely used in veterinary practices. Buy heartworm prevention for dogs and other pet care products from reputable brands at DiscountPetCare. If you are still confused, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian to keep your dog’s life happy and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I switch my dog from Heartgard Plus to Simparica TRIO?
A. Yes, this is a common switch and generally straightforward, but the timing is important. The new treatment should –be given within one month of the last dose of the previous one to avoid a gap in heartworm protection. Talk to your veterinarian before switching.
Q. Does Simparica TRIO replace a separate flea and tick product?
A. Simparica TRIO already covers fleas and ticks in addition to intestinal worms and heartworms. So, many dogs may not need a separate flea and tick preventive. Your veterinarian would be the best person to consult for guidance.
Q. Does Heartgard Plus or Simparica TRIO treat an existing heartworm infection?
A. Both Heartgard Plus and Simparica TRIO only prevent heartworm disease; neither is effective against adult heartworms. Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting a heartworm-prevention program. Moreover, heartworm-positive dogs require veterinary evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Q. Can I give my dog Heartgard Plus and Simparica TRIO at the same time?
A. Don’t combine them unless your veterinarian specifically recommends doing so. Giving Heartgard Plus and Simparica TRIO together usually means duplicating heartworm and intestinal worm protection unnecessarily, since both already cover those parasites.
