Interceptor Dosage Calculator For Dogs
Estimate the appropriate Interceptor tablet size based on your dog’s weight.
Dosage Recommendation
Important Safety Notes
• Do not administer to puppies under 4 weeks of age.
• Do not administer to dogs weighing less than 2 lbs (0.9 kg).
• Dogs over 100 lbs typically require a veterinarian-directed combination of tablet sizes.
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• Always confirm dosing with your veterinarian.
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Interceptor Dosage for dogs depends on the product being used and the weight of your dog. Interceptor and Interceptor Plus are oral chewable medications that are given by mouth once a month to prevent some of the most common and potentially harmful worm infections in dogs and puppies. Administered at the correct dose, these products prevent heartworm disease and treat and control various intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. Interceptor Plus is also tapeworm active for more wide-ranging protection in one chew per month.
Interceptor Plus dosage For Dogs is a combination of two active ingredients milbemycin oxime and praziquantel providing broad spectrum parasite control. The flavored chewable tabs come in several different strengths based on the weight of the dog and contain at least 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) of milbemycin oxime and 2.28 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) of praziquantel. These convenient monthly chews are formulated to be simple to give and help defend your dog against parasites that can be found through mosquitoes, contaminated areas, dog parks, yards and outdoor trails.
To achieve safe and effective protection, it is important to select the right dosage of Interceptor. Interceptor Plus for dogs can generally be administered to dogs and puppies 6 weeks of age and older and 2 lbs. or more in weight under the direction of a veterinarian. Tablets are colour coded and correlated to a specific weight range so choose the correct tablet for your dog's current weight. In this guide, you'll discover a complete Interceptor dosage chart, dosage calculator, administration guidelines, safety precautions, possible side effects and answers to common questions to help keep your dog protected all year long.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving Interceptor or any medication to your dog.
Key Takeaways
- Interceptor and Interceptor Plus are monthly prescription only parasite control for dogs.
- Interceptor dosage for dogs protects against heartworm disease when given on a regular basis and treats and controls hookworm, roundworm and whipworm infections.
- Interceptor Plus is effective on tapeworm infections as well for the added protection.
- Dosage depends on your dog's body weight, and, always, the correct tablet strength should be selected, based on the manufacturer's weight guidelines.
- Interceptor products will be offered in flavored tablets or chewable tablets, and will be easy to give every month.
- Intercept or Interceptor Plus is generally well-tolerated by most dogs and side effects are minimal.
- Side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling, or slight stomach upset.
- Puppies should be at least as old and as heavy as indicated on the product label before using.
- Dogs over 100 lbs. may need multiple strengths of tablets as directed by a veterinarian.
- Always talk to your veterinarian prior to beginning, changing or stopping any parasite medication.
Interceptor Dosage Chart For Dogs
| Dog Weight | Dog Weight | Interceptor Tablet Strength | Package Color | Monthly Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2–10 lbs | 0.9–4.5 kg | 2.3 mg Milbemycin Oxime | Brown | 1 tablet monthly |
| 11–25 lbs | 5–11.3 kg | 5.75 mg Milbemycin Oxime | Green | 1 tablet monthly |
| 26–50 lbs | 11.8–22.7 kg | 11.5 mg Milbemycin Oxime | Yellow | 1 tablet monthly |
| 51–100 lbs | 23.1–45.4 kg | 23 mg Milbemycin Oxime | White | 1 tablet monthly |
| Over 100 lbs | Over 45.4 kg | Combination of appropriate tablet sizes | Multiple | As directed by a veterinarian |
Interceptor is administered once monthly and provides a minimum dosage of 0.5 mg/kg (0.23 mg/lb) of milbemycin oxime for heartworm prevention and treatment/control of certain intestinal parasites. Dogs weighing over 100 lbs typically receive a veterinarian-recommended combination of tablet strengths.
Important Notes
- Use only in puppies 4 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 2 lbs (0.9 kg).
- Ensure the entire tablet is consumed.
- If your dog's weight falls between ranges, consult your veterinarian before selecting a tablet size.
- Always follow your veterinarian's recommendations for dosing and heartworm testing.
What Are Interceptor and Interceptor Plus Used for in Dogs?
Interceptor (milbemycin oxime) or Interceptor Plus (milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) are prescription parasite prevention products that help protect against a variety of common internal parasites that can be harmful to dogs. These drugs function by interfering with the way that the nerves in a parasite communicate with each other, so the parasite dies, and infection is prevented or controlled.
Both products are labelled for the prevention of heartworm disease - Dirofilaria immitis, and the treatment and control of adult hookworm, roundworm and whipworm infections. Interceptor Plus is more effective because it treats and controls adult tapeworm infections too, such as Taenia pisiformis, Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus. This all-in-one five-part protection takes care of common deficiencies in coverage and guards dogs against parasites typically found in backyards, dog parks, trails and more.
Interceptor Plus dose comes in a tasty chicken flavored monthly chew which makes it easy and convenient to administer, and offers full month protection. Can be used on dogs and puppies 6 weeks and older and 2 pounds in weight or greater. Prior to beginning treatment, it is advisable to check for a possible heartworm infection as determined by a vet.
Beyond its approved indications, Interceptor dosage for dogs by weight can be used off-label by a veterinarian for a variety of parasitic diseases such as demodectic mange (also known as demodex), sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) and ear mites. Using regularly every month helps prevent parasite-related health issues like diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, anemia and discomfort.
Interceptor vs Interceptor Plus
Interceptor and Interceptor Plus are two very similar monthly dog parasite protection treatments with the same primary active ingredient, milbemycin oxime. The ingredient is effective against heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis and in the treatment and control of common intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.
The only difference in the two products is that Interceptor Plus has an extra active ingredient called praziquantel. To provide greater protection against parasites, praziquantel is added for the treatment and control of tapeworm infections. Both products work against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms, but Interceptor Plus provides 5-in-1 protection against these parasites plus tapeworms.
If additional broad-spectrum protection against a variety of intestinal parasites is desired, Interceptor Plus might be the better choice as it provides the benefits of both milbemycin oxime and the tapeworm control of praziquantel, all in one monthly dose.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Interceptor in Dogs?
When properly used, Interceptor and Interceptor Plus are relatively safe medications with minimal side effects. These monthly medications are generally well-tolerated by most dogs, but some will have digestive or neurological responses.
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Common side effects are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Increased salivation (drooling)
- Low energy, sluggish, drowsy, or unresponsive.
- Depression
- Weakness
- Wobbly walking or coordination problems (ataxia)
Occasionally, more severe neurologic responses like convulsions or seizures can arise. If there are any unusual symptoms after administration, the pet owner should contact the veterinarian.
However, dogs homozygous for the MDR1 gene mutation, especially Collies and Australian Shepherds, might be more sensitive to milbemycin oxime because they may metabolize some drugs differently. Most MDR1-positive dogs can be given the standard 1 mg/kg dose every month with no adverse reactions; however, higher or more frequent doses may be associated with an increased risk of adverse reactions.
Dogs should be tested for heartworm disease as recommended by a veterinarian before starting Interceptor or Interceptor Plus. It is possible that some side effects may occur and monitoring your dog after every dose will help ensure that they are spotted and corrected as soon as possible.
What Are the Most Serious Risks of Interceptor for Dogs?
Interceptor and Interceptor Plus are safe for use when applied as directed, but major concerns are if the dog is already infected with heartworm. Dogs with heartworms can have a huge reaction when these are administered, sometimes even resulting in the death of the larvae, which necessitates veterinary intervention.
Severe reaction to a heartworm infection can be indicated by:
- Difficulty breathing
- A very low level of energy or lethargy
- Acute, severe vomiting
- Excessive salivation (drooling)
- In rare severe cases, death.
Veterinarians usually test dogs for heartworm disease before prescribing Interceptor and Interceptor Plus due to this risk. If your dog is already diagnosed with heartworms, then they should not start a heartworm prevention program without veterinary supervision.
Other safety measures are:
- For use in dogs and puppies 6 weeks of age or older and over 2 lb.
- Not to be used in cats or humans.
- Store away from children.
- Less than a 6-month uninterrupted course of treatment following the last exposure to mosquitoes may not ensure complete heartworm prevention.
- Do not use in dogs intended for breeding or in lactating females until safety has been demonstrated in these populations.
With veterinary advice and regular monthly treatment, the chances of complications are minimized and proper protection against parasites is maintained.
Does Interceptor Interact With Any Other Dog Medications?
Interceptor and Interceptor Plus are considered to have few drug interactions and can be used safely with many commonly used veterinary products. Interceptor Plus, however, contains praziquantel which may be incompatible with some drugs and should only be used under the direction of a veterinarian.
Some medicines that can interact with Interceptor Plus are listed below:
- Cimetidine
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
Dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation can also be more susceptible to drug interactions or side effects with the use of Interceptor or Interceptor Plus. This mutation occurs more frequently in breeds like Collies and Australian Shepherds and genetic testing can be used to ascertain whether a dog is a carrier of the mutation.
It should also not be used concurrently with other heartworm preventives unless directed by a veterinarian, as the combination of heartworm preventives may increase the risk of problems.
Treatment with Interceptor and Interceptor Plus is only safe with a veterinarian's prescription as individual health and medication status can influence treatment. Make sure to let your veterinarian know if your dog is on any other medications, supplements, or parasite preventives prior to starting treatment.
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FAQs
For which dogs is Interceptor or Interceptor Plus not suitable?
Interceptor and Interceptor Plus should not be given to dogs under 2lbs. Puppies under 4 weeks of age should not be treated with Interceptor and puppies under 6 weeks of age should not be treated with Interceptor Plus.
If my dog misses a dose of Interceptor or Interceptor Plus what should I do?
Take the missed dose as soon as you can; then, resume the monthly dose schedule. If your dog has missed more than one dose, ask your vet – there may be a need for repeated heartworm or intestinal parasite testing.
If I miss a monthly dose, can I take a double dose?
No. In case of missed dose, give it as soon as it can be done without jeopardizing the effectiveness of the treatment; do not give a double dose to make up a missed dose.
What are the difference between Interceptor and Heartgard Plus?
While both medications can prevent heartworm disease, Interceptor provides protection against hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and heartworms. Interceptor Plus contains ivermectin and is effective against tapeworms. Heartgard Plus will help prevent heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms, but will not prevent whipworms or tapeworms.
Does Interceptor medication kill fleas?
Interceptor (and Interceptor Plus) do not kill fleas. They have been approved for heartworm prevention and control, and for control of certain intestinal parasites.
How do I give Interceptor Plus to my dog?
Interceptor Plus is a true chicken flavoured chewable tablet that is administered once a month. Can be given alone or mixed with a little food. Make your dog chew on the tablet and ensure that the whole tablet is consumed.
If my dog spits out part of the dose, what should I do?
Watch your dog for several minutes after giving it to be sure that none of it is lost or rejected. If it is suspected that part of the dose was not administered, please consult your veterinarian because re-dosing may be indicated.
What will happen if my dog takes too much Interceptor Plus?
If you think that your dog has gotten more than the recommended dosage, call your vet right away for guidance and surveillance.
Final Thoughts
Interceptor (milbemycin oxime) and Interceptor Plus (milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) are well-known monthly parasite control products that help guard against some of the most prevalent, sometimes serious, internal parasites. Interceptor prevents heartworm, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms when applied as directed, and Interceptor Plus provides additional spectrum by also treating and controlling tapeworm infection.
These medications are crucial for managing and preventing health issues caused by parasites, and they contribute to the long-term health and well-being of your canine. Veterinarians also may prescribe Interceptor for some off-label parasitic diseases in some instances. These pills are well tolerated by most dogs and side effects are not common when administered correctly by a veterinarian.
To provide the best protection, it is important to follow a regular heartworm testing schedule, routine veterinary visits, and consistent monthly dosing. With the right Interceptor product, and advice from your vet, you can help protect your dog from serious parasitic infections all year round.
