Using Sentinel Flavor Tabs For Dogs

Sentinel for Dogs is growing in popularity. Introduced by Novartis, it takes a relatively ordinary heartworm prevention method (Interceptor Flavor Tabs) and adds another ingredient to control fleas. In addition these monthly tablets also combat a host of intestinal worms including whipworms, roundworms and hookworms.

Sentinel are provided in four different sized doses depending on the weight of your dog. To ensure your pet's well being it is critical that you buy the correct sized flavor tabs for the size of your pet. Too large a dose could be dangerous could cause adverse reactions to the medication and too small a dose may leave some heartworm parasites untreated.

These heartworm pills are provided in the form of a tasty beef flavored tablet, that most dogs enjoy and are happy to take. They can be broken up and mixed with a favorite meal if your pet is particularly adverse to 'taking their medicine', but make sure they do consume the entire tablet.

Like most oral heartworm preventatives Sentinel Flavor Tabs are designed to be used every 30 days. Once given the active components enter the bloodstream. Here they destroy all larval heartworms that have been passed to your dog during the previous month. Used year round, they are completely effective at preventing heartworm disease. As with all heartworm preventatives it is important these are used correctly:

Never use them with any other form of heartworm prevention (such as Revolution or Advantage Multi).
Use every 30 days.
Have your dog tested for the disease prior to using a heartworm preventative.
Use year round to guarantee effectiveness.

If you forget to use a monthly heartworm pill, give it to your dog as soon as possible. Continue using the product every 30 days from this new date. If more than two months elapse between treatments see your vet about a repeat heartworm test.

Seasonal use of heartworm meds should be preceded by a yearly test for the disease, and though widely practiced is not recognised as an effective form of heartworm prevention by The American Heartworm Society.