Parasite Prevention Quick Reference
Heartworm, flea/tick, and deworming protocols for dogs & cats
Heartworm Preventatives
| Product | Active Ingredient | Species | Frequency | Spectrum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heartgard / Iverhart | Ivermectin | Dog | Monthly | Dirofilaria immitis (HW) |
| Interceptor / Sentinel | Milbemycin oxime | Dog, Cat | Monthly | HW, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms (dog) |
| Revolution / Stronghold | Selamectin | Dog, Cat | Monthly | HW, fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mites, ticks (dog) |
| Advantage Multi | Moxidectin + Imidacloprid | Dog, Cat | Monthly | HW, fleas, mites, intestinal nematodes |
| ProHeart 6 / 12 | Moxidectin | Dog | q6mo / q12mo | HW; also hookworms (ProHeart 6) |
| Tri-Heart Plus | Ivermectin + Pyrantel | Dog | Monthly | HW, roundworms, hookworms |
Flea & Tick Products
| Product | Active Ingredient | Species | Frequency | Spectrum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NexGard / Bravecto | Afoxolaner / Fluralaner | Dog | Monthly / q3mo | Fleas, ticks, mites (some) |
| Simparica / Credelio | Sarolaner / Lotilaner | Dog | Monthly | Fleas, ticks |
| Bravecto Plus (cat) | Fluralaner + Moxidectin | Cat | q2mo | Fleas, ticks, HW, intestinal worms |
| Revolution Plus | Selamectin + Sarolaner | Cat | Monthly | Fleas, ticks, HW, ear mites, intestinal worms |
| Frontline Gold | Fipronil + (S)-methoprene + Pyriproxyfen | Dog, Cat | Monthly | Fleas, ticks, lice |
| Cheristin / Comfortis | Spinetoram / Spinosad | Cat / Dog | Monthly | Fleas only |
| Seresto Collar | Imidacloprid + Flumethrin | Dog, Cat | q8mo | Fleas, ticks |
Deworming Schedules
Puppies
- 2 weeks: Pyrantel pamoate
- 4 weeks: Pyrantel pamoate
- 6 weeks: Pyrantel pamoate
- 8 weeks: Fenbendazole (3 days) or broad-spectrum
- 12 weeks: Fenbendazole (3 days)
- 16 weeks: Fenbendazole (3 days)
- Then: Monthly HW preventive with intestinal coverage
Kittens
- 2 weeks: Pyrantel pamoate
- 4 weeks: Pyrantel pamoate
- 6 weeks: Pyrantel pamoate
- 8 weeks: Fenbendazole (3 days) or broad-spectrum
- 12 weeks: Fenbendazole (3 days)
- Then: Monthly HW preventive with intestinal coverage
Adult Dogs
- Q6–12 months: Fecal examination
- Monthly: HW preventive (many cover roundworms + hookworms)
- High-risk: Quarterly fenbendazole (3 days)
- Before breeding: Deworm with fenbendazole
Adult Cats
- Q6–12 months: Fecal examination
- Monthly: HW preventive with intestinal coverage
- Outdoor / hunter: Quarterly deworming advised
- Queens: Deworm during gestation & lactation
Common Anthelmintics
| Drug | Dog Dose | Cat Dose | Spectrum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrantel pamoate | 5 mg/kg PO | 20 mg/kg PO | Roundworms, hookworms | Safe in pregnancy; puppies/kittens |
| Fenbendazole | 50 mg/kg PO × 3 days | 50 mg/kg PO × 3 days | Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia | Safe; can use extra-label for Giardia |
| Praziquantel | 5 mg/kg PO/SC | 5 mg/kg PO/SC | Tapeworms | Very safe; single dose |
| Milbemycin oxime | 0.5 mg/kg PO monthly | 2 mg/kg PO monthly | HW, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms | Test for HW before starting |
| Ivermectin | 6 mcg/kg PO monthly | 24 mcg/kg PO monthly | HW, some mites (off-label) | Avoid in MDR1 mutant collies / herding |
| Sulfadimethoxine | 55 mg/kg day 1, then 27.5 mg/kg daily × 9–20 days | — | Coccidia | Treat concurrently with supportive care |
| Ponazuril | 30–50 mg/kg PO once, repeat 1–2× | 30–50 mg/kg PO once | Coccidia, Neospora (extra-label) | Common extralabel use in coccidia |
CAPC Key Recommendations
Heartworm
- Year-round prevention for all dogs & cats
- Annual antigen test (dogs)
- Start puppies at 8 weeks
- Test before switching products
Fleas & Ticks
- Year-round control in endemic areas
- Combine adulticide + IGR when possible
- Treat all in-contact animals
- Environmental control for heavy infestations
Intestinal Parasites
- Fecal exam 1–2× yearly (adults)
- Deworm puppies/kittens serially
- Cover Toxocara in public health approach
- Zoonotic potential: counsel owners
Disclaimer: Product availability and labeling vary by region. Always verify product labels, local regulations, and CAPC/AAHA guidelines before prescribing. This reference is for educational use only.