Interceptor Spectrum is a monthly tasty chew for the prevention and control of heartworm and intestinal worms in dogs.

Properties

Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews active ingredients are milbemycin oxime and praziquantel.

Milbemycin oxime interferes with nerve transmission in invertebrates, which helps protect against heartworm, roundworm, hookworm and whipworm (minimum dose rate: 0.5mg/kg).

Praziquantel causes muscle spasm in tapeworm, which are then attacked by enzymes and disintegrate (minimum dose rate: 5mg/kg). It kills all intestinal forms of tapeworm except Spirometra spp, which require a higher than standard dose rate.

Indications

Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews prevent heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) and control roundworm (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina), whipworm (Trichuris vulpis), hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinariastenocephala) and adult tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia pisiformis) in dogs.

Dosage and Administration

The dose can be added to a small meal or placed directly in the mouth, similar to tablet dosing.

Treat once a month, ideally on the same date. If the dose is overdue by >15 days, give one chew immediately and then resume monthly dosing.

When a dose is missed by 15-30 days, heartworm prevention can be maintained if treated immediately and monthly dosing resumes for at least the next 2 months.

If a dose is missed by >60 days, a veterinarian must be consulted in case the animal has contracted heartworm. Dosing may be recommenced, and a blood test for adult heartworm must be performed after 6 months.

Formulations and Packaging:

Very Small Dogs: Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews containing 2.3mg milbemycin oxime and 22.8mg praziquantel in orange pack.

Small Dogs: Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews containing 5.75mg milbemycin oxime and 57mg praziquantel in green pack.

Medium Dogs: Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews containing 11.5mg milbemycin oxime and 114mg praziquantel in yellow pack.

Large Dogs: Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews containing 23mg milbemycin oxime and 228mg praziquantel in blue pack.

Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews are flavoured with real cooked chicken. Chicken meat is cooked, ground and dried before being added to the formulation. Studies have shown that Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews are so palatable that 94% of dogs accept them straight from the hand.

Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews come in packs of three (a 3-month supply) and six (a 6-month supply).

Safety

Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews can be safely used in puppies from 2 weeks of age, breeding males and females, pregnant females, and in collies sensitive to ivermectin.

If an animal with adult heartworm infection (and therefore circulating microfilariae) is given Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews, a transient shock-like reaction can occur. To avoid this, dogs should be tested for adult heartworm and treated if necessary, before starting Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews.