Very few products do the arduous task of preventing dogs from fleas, ticks, heartworm, and gastrointestinal worms. Two such products that excel in the just mentioned conditions are Sentinel and Sentinel Spectrum. While they are both exceptional in doing what they do, it is obvious pet parents will go for one. It could be difficult to pick one but fret not; our comparison below should assist you in simplifying your choice.
Sentinel or Sentinel Spectrum
To compare the two products, we must first understand what these products are all about.
1. Sentinel – These beef-flavored oral preventative tablets protects dogs from heartworm, fleas, ticks, adult hookworms, adult roundworms, whipworms and various other internal and external parasites for one whole month.
2. Sentinel Spectrum – This bacon and beef flavored chewable provide a broad spectrum of thorough protection from heartworm, adult roundworms, adult tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, fleas (both egg and larval stage), ticks, and other parasitic creatures.
The below-drawn table will aid in clearing your doubts regarding Sentinel and Sentinel Spectrum.
Subject | Sentinel | Sentinel Spectrum |
Preventative Type | Tablets | Chews |
Administration | Orally | Orally |
Heartworm | Prevents heartworm | Prevents heartworm |
Fleas | Prohibits larval growth and thus aids in preventing fleas from multiplying | Controls fleas in both the egg and larval stages. Prevents flea infestation too |
Ticks | Effectively prevents ticks | Prevents ticks |
Hookworms | Protects dogs from adult hookworms | Treats and controls hookworms |
Roundworms | Prevents adult roundworms (toxocara canis & toxascaris leonina) | Provides treatment and effectively controls adult roundworms |
Tapeworms | Not effective against tapeworms | Effective in controlling adult tapeworms |
Whipworms | Forbids whipworms (trichuris vulpis) from entering the body | Prevents and controls whipworms effectively |
Taste | Beef flavored | Beef and bacon flavored |
Safety | Safe for puppies (above six weeks), pregnant and lactating dogs | Not yet been evaluated as safe for pregnant and lactating dogs |
Suitability | Suitable for dogs above 6 weeks old | Only for dogs above 6 weeks and/or above 2lbs |
Dosage | Monthly treatment | Monthly treatment |
Active Ingredients | Milbemycin Oxime and/or Lufenuron | Milbemycin Oxime, Lufenuron and Praziquantel |
Manufacturer | Novartis | Novartis |
Side Effects | Side effects are rare but in some cases dogs may exhibit the following:
Appetite loss Depression Diarrhea Dizziness Hives Hyper salivation Itchiness Seizures Vomiting Weakness | The following side effected have been brought to notice:
Anorexia Ataxa Body Weakness Convulsions Depression Diarrhea Lethargy Pruritus Salivation Skin Congestion Urticaria Vomiting |
Additional Information | According to the weight and color of the pack should you select the product:
Brown pack – 2-10lbs Green pack – 11-25lbs Yellow pack – 26-50lbs Grey pack – 51-100lbs
| One chewable should be given but remember to select the right pack based on the weight of your dog:
Orange box – 2-8lbs Green box – 8.1-25lbs Yellow box – 25.1-50lbs Blue box – 50.1-100lbs
Note: Over 100lbs dogs should be given an appropriate combination. |
So which one is better – Sentinel or Sentinel Spectrum?
As you can see by the table above, there’s hardly much that separates the two products. Hence, it is important to know the symptoms first (and later, the issue your pet is facing) and based on that should you select the ideal treatment method.
Also, if you’re having trouble picking one, there’s always the option of contacting your local vet. Do not hesitate to call your vet if you’re having second thoughts about something because where health is concerned, it’s imperative to be safe and sure rather than sorry.