Ultimate Guide to Interceptor Plus
Meet the Dangerous Parasite Protector: Interceptor Plus!
Interceptor Plus is an FDA-approved dog medication that protects your dogs from five dangerous (and potentially fatal) internal parasites: heartworms, roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Interceptor Plus is a monthly chicken-flavored oral chewable tablet that ensures that your dog is safe, happy, and healthy.
How does Interceptor Plus work?
Interceptor Plus for dogs is a medication with two powerful active ingredients - Milbemycin Oxime and Prazantiquel. These ingredients in Interceptor Plus prevent, control, and expel internal anti-parasitic worms in your dog.
Milbemycin Oxime is a strong parasiticide and a 100% effective heartworm disease preventative against D. immitis (i.e., heartworm larvae). The active ingredient controls intestinal worms that are found in dogs by intercepting the major neurotransmitter in a vertebrate's nervous system that causes parasite paralysis and its eventual death.
Milbemycin Oxime is the generic name for the brand Interceptor and Praziquantel is the Plus. Praziquantel is a prescription anthelmintic that expels anti-parasitic worms like trematodes (e.g, tapeworms). Praziquantel is also an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) that inhibits newly hatched insect larvae from reaching adulthood or reproducing.
How is Interceptor Plus administered?
Interceptor Plus for dogs is administered orally through a monthly chicken-flavored chewable that protects your dog for the next 30 days. The dog's body weight determines the milligrams (mg) of Milbemycin Oxime and milligrams (mg) of Praziquantel in each monthly Interceptor Plus chewable from the correct colored box.
See the dosage chart below:
Body Weight
| Color |
Milbemycin Oxime (mg) |
Praziquantel (mg) |
Interceptor Plus 2 - 8 lbs.
| Orange |
2.3 |
22.8 |
Interceptor Plus 8.1 - 25 lbs.
| Green |
5.75 |
57 |
Interceptor Plus 25.1 - 50 lbs.
| Yellow |
11.5 |
114 |
Interceptor Plus 50.1 - 100 lbs.
| Blue |
23 |
228 |
What are the precautions of which you should be aware?
Test for heartworm disease before using Interceptor Plus. Avoid pregnant and lactating dogs from using Interceptor Plus.
What are the Interceptor Plus side effects of which you should be aware?
Interceptor Plus's common adverse reactions reported are vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lethargy, ataxia, hypersalivation, seizures, weakness, and decreased appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Interceptor Plus reviews say?
Interceptor Plus reviews rate 5 out of 5 stars. Most reviewers say that they love that Interceptor Plus is in a tasty treat form and the best combination of protection for their dogs.
What is Interceptor Plus?
Interceptor Plus is a monthly, prescription chewable that protects dogs from five dangerous (and potentially fatal) internal parasites. Interceptor Plus prevents heartworm larvae and disease, expels tapeworms, and paralyzes/controls adult hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
What is the difference between Interceptor vs Interceptor Plus for dogs?
Interceptor has only one active ingredient (i.e., Milbemycin Oxime) to prevent and control four dangerous parasitic worms. Interceptor Plus also has Praziquantel, an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) and an anthelmintic (de-wormer) substance that expels trematodes (i.e., tapeworms) and inhibits insect larvae from developing into adulthood.
How long does Interceptor Plus take to kill worms?
This medication should take effect within one to two days to create a layer of protection against these internal parasites. If you see intestinal parasites or worms in your pet's stool, it means that the medication is working, since the dog's gastrointestinal system is clearing itself out.
Is Interceptor Plus for puppies?
Interceptor Plus can be administered to puppies that are at least 6 weeks of age and weigh 2 lbs.
Concluding Thoughts
The most important thing that you should know about Interceptor Plus is it is the best combination of protection against five different dangerous parasitic worms. Interceptor Plus ensures that your dogs will be safe from heartworms (and fatal heartworm disease). Safety first!
DISCLAIMER: FDA law restricts Interceptor Plus only on order or prescription of a licensed veterinarian for the best pet health care advice. Ask your veterinarian or consult with one of our pet care specialists at 1-800-844-1427. This informative article is not meant to substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, and professional advice from your veterinarian or other qualified professionals regarding a medical condition. Ask your veterinarian if it's a good idea to treat all of the animals in your household to control intestinal parasites.