Heartgard Plus vs Interceptor Spectrum

We compare Heartgard Plus vs Interceptor heartworm treatments for dogs. To the blind eye there is no difference in what these products do, however when you look a little closer they are slightly different.

What They Treat

This is the most important section to look at when comparing Interceptor Spectrum and Heartgard Plus. Interceptor prevents heartworm infection and controls roundworm, whipworm, hookworm & tapeworm. Heartgard Plus prevents heartworm infection and controls roundworm & hookworm. Heartgard Plus does not treat whipworm and tapeworm where Interceptor Spectrum does. Is it important to treat your dog for these other worms? Yes, it is important. They are common intestinal worms, esspecially in puppies.

What Is In Them

Interceptor uses the components milbemycin oxime & praziquantel. Heartgard Plus uses the components ivermectine & pyrantel.

How Old Do Dogs Need To Be

Interceptor Spectrum can be given to puppies from 2 weeks of age. Heartgard Plus can be given to puppies from 6 weeks of age.

How To Administer

Both of these products are chewable tablets that can be given with food or on there own. Both Heartgard and Interceptor should be given to your dog on a monthly basis. Your dog should be tested for heartworm before using either of these products.

What Size Dogs

Heartgard Plus comes in 3 different weight ranges; Dogs up to 11kgs in a blue packet, Dogs 12-22kgs in a green packet and Dogs 23-45kgs in a brown packet. Interceptor comes in 4 different weight ranges; Dogs 2-10lbs (up to 4kgs) in a orange/brown packet, Dogs 11-25lbs (4-11kgs) in a green packet, Dogs 26-50lbs (11-22kgs) in a yellow packet and Dogs 51-100lbs (22-45kgs) in a blue/white packet.

Product Pack Sizes

Heartgard Plus can be purchased in a single dose which will treat 1 dog for 1 month, 6 pack which will treat 1 dog for 6 months and 12 pack which will treat 1 dog for 12 months. Interceptor Spectrum can be purchased in a single dose which will 3 pack which will treat 1 dog for 3 months, 6 pack which will treat 1 dog for 6 months and 12 pack which will treat 1 dog for 12 months.

The Price

Both products have similar pricing and are expected to stay in the same price range over time.

Conclusion

Overall we think that Interceptor Spectrum is the better product. It treats for all the worms, comes in more size packs and is in the same price range of Heartgard Plus. Heartgard Plus is still a very good product, although in this race Interceptor Spectrum beats it to the finish line.