We all want to protect our furry friends from pests and the diseases like anemia, heartworms, roundworms and hookworms those pests bring along with them. 

But in the past it took three or more different treatments to protect our dogs and puppies from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites. 

Now there’s a new treatment to handle all of them: Simparica Trio

The staff at Cliffdale is now recommending this treatment for dogs and puppies over 8 weeks old and weighing at least 2.8 pounds.

What is Simparica Trio, and how does it help?

Simparica Trio is a new combination of three antiparasitic drugs, designed to protect dogs from fleas, ticks, heart-worms, roundworms, and hookworms. 

All three active ingredients have already been approved by the FDA. 

Those ingredients are:

• Sarolaner which treats and controls flea and tick infestations 
• Moxidectin which aids in the prevention of heartworms in dogs, and 
• Pyrantel Pamoate for the treatment and control of adult roundworms and adult hookworms in dogs

Why does your canine friend need a Simparica Trio tablet?

Because the aforenamed insects bring nasty diseases along with them. Other parasites lurk in nature, sometimes in the systems of other dogs and cats, or in their fecal matter. 

It’s much easier on your dog and your pocketbook, to prevent these problems before they occur. 

Fleas and ticks: Fleas and ticks are one of the most common enemies of pet health. If your dog or cat becomes infected with fleas and ticks, they might become anemic through the loss of blood. In extreme infestations, the pet could die. 

Many pets are also allergic to fleas and ticks, which can cause major skin reactions.

Heartworms: Heartworms, passed to dogs via mosquito bites, are very hard to cure. If your pet becomes infected with them, and it is not treated early on, the worms can lead to lung disease, heart failure, damage to other organs, and eventually death. 

The treatment for advanced heart-worms is aggressive, and very tough on dogs, especially puppies and older dogs. It is also expensive, because it requires many visits to the vet, blood tests, x-rays, multiple injections, and overnight hospitalization. 

It is best to take a proactive strategy with a preventative, like Moxidectin, to inhibit their development, though it also works to control heart-worms once they are diagnosed.

Before prescribing any heart-worm preventative, a test for existing heart-worms must be carried out by a veterinarian. 

Roundworms and Adult Hookworms: Less commonly known, though more common in occurrence than the parasites associated with fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, roundworms and hookworms are often passed from pet to pet via fecal matter. They can also be passed from mother to puppy or kitten. They grow in the pet’s intestines. 

They can lead to loss of appetite, loss of weight, and can cause death, especially in young puppies and kittens.

They can even be passed to humans, usually through the accidental ingestion of pet feces found in the soil. They can cause problems with the eyes, lungs, and heart, as well as have neurological effects.

To prevent spread to humans, don’t allow children to play in areas where pets have passed feces. If they do, make sure to wash their hands thoroughly as soon as possible to prevent an infection.

Prescribing Simparica Trio

Simparica Trio chewable tablets have been approved as a once-a-month treatment for these issues in dogs and puppies eight weeks of age and older who weigh 2.8 pounds or more.

Simparica Trio must be prescribed by a veterinarian. 

Because the treatment addresses heart-worm infection, we’ll need to examine them and run a blood test to ensure they don’t already have heart-worm disease. 

What are the possible side-effects?

According to the FDA:

“Side effects of Simparica Trio observed in safety and effectiveness studies included vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, otitis externa (ear infection), pruritus (itching), polyuria (urinating more frequently), hyperactivity and polydipsia (drinking more water). 

While neurological side effects were not observed in these studies, Sarolaner, one of the active ingredients in Simparica Trio, is in the isoxazoline drug class. FDA considers these drugs to be safe and effective, but the agency has issued a public alert that, in some cases, isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats.” FDA article, “FDA Approves Simparica Trio, a Combination Drug for Heartworm and Other Parasites,” March 2, 2020.

For More information on Simparica Trio and the diseases it prevents:

• FDA Approves Simparica Trio, a Combination Drug for Heartworm and Other Parasites
• Fact Sheet for Pet Owners and Veterinarians about Potential Adverse Events Associated with Isoxazoline Flea and Tick Products
• Keep the Worms Out of Your Pet’s Heart! The Facts about Heartworm Disease 
• Safe Use of Flea and Tick Products in Pets

Cliffdale Animal Hospital: Experienced Vets You Can Rely On

Cliffdale Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, N.C., is home to a team of skilled veterinarians with years of experience treating pet ailments, including fleas, ticks, heart-worms, roundworms, and hookworms. 

Bring your beloved four-legged companion to us. We’ll take care of them like our own! 

Call (910) 487-5013 or fill out this form to book an appointment.