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Trifexis is a medication for treating heartworm and other parasitic infections in dogs. However, some dogs experience mild side effects after taking Trifexis, including vomiting.
A dog throwing up after eating Trifexis may or may not be a cause for concern. It is nonetheless crucial that you immediately contact a pet helpline or your vet. They will advise you on how to proceed and help your dog to recover.
This article explains more facts about Trifexis, its side effects, potential alternatives, and more.
What is Trifexis?
Trifexis is a drug chiefly used to combat fleas and worms. It is also used to prevent future infestation in canines. The compound works quickly and starts to kill fleas within half an hour of consumption. The protective effects of Trifexis last for about a month.
How is Trifexis given to pets? It’s a beef-flavored oral medicine that can be given with food.
Trifexis has been surrounded by controversy ever since its launch. Some pet parents have even complained that Trifexis had led to their dog’s death. However, no study could prove this. No direct relation has been found between the intake of Trifexis and fatalities in dogs.
Like every other medication, it has passed rigorous tests and was approved by the FDA before it was released to the public.
Dog Vomits After Trifexis – What To Do Now?
If your pup throws up after a dose of Trifexis, you must contact your pet or a Trifexis department immediately. They are trained to advise owners on this matter. Make sure you provide all the necessary information to the vet or another expert, including the size, age, and breed of the dog, how big the dose of Trifexis was, and how soon the vomiting started after consumption.
Side Effects
Some common side effects are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Dermatitis
- Redness
- Itching
- Temporary loss of appetite
Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common effects of this medicine. These side effects are mostly typical, and they do not put your dog’s life at risk. However, if your pet has some pre-existing health conditions, then the effects could lead to complications.
It is therefore recommended that you provide all requisite information about your pet to the veterinarian. It will enable them to make an informed decision. Accordingly, the canine will be given Trifexis in the future only if it’s safe for the animal.
Generally, serious effects of this medicine are rare. However, you must still monitor your dog and report any side effects or abnormal behavior.
Trifexis is not recommended for pups below 14 weeks of age. Puppies less than 14 weeks may experience a higher rate of vomiting. Also, sick or senior dogs are more prone to its side effects.
Trifexis is also not recommended for pregnant canines and dogs with epilepsy. Thus, you should make sure that you disclose all the necessary information to your vet before giving Trifexis.
Allergic reactions are also linked with Trifexis. Make sure you immediately report to the vet if you observe any abnormalities.
Dosage Required
The dosage consists of a single tablet. There are different tablets for different weight categories. One tablet should protect your dog from parasites for a month.
Trifexis is given before and during the flea season. If the flea season exists throughout the year, then all year-round dosage of Trifexis may be recommended.
The dosage also varies depending on whether it is used for heartworm prevention or for treating fleas. In the case of heartworm prevention, the dog should take a pill once every three months. For flea treatment, Trifexis must be taken once every 30 days.
Signs of Overdose
Trifexis must only be given in the prescribed amount. An overdose of this medication may lead to side effects such as vomiting, drooling, skin rashes, coughing, and lethargy. It is advisable to contact your pet clinic immediately if you notice any of these signs.
Importance Of Heartworm Test
If your dog has already contracted heartworms, it can be dangerous to give Trifexis or any other preventive medicine. The pup must be brought back to full health before treating it with medications.
Medications will cause severe consequences like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if the dog is already suffering from heartworm disease. Thus, you must schedule vet checks for heartworms regularly.
Alternatives
Heart Gard Plus and Nexgard are good alternatives to Trifexis. Along with heartworm prevention and parasitic treatment, these products also get rid of ticks.
- Heartgard Plus is a beef-flavored tablet that is effective against roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms.
- Nexgard is another beef-flavored tablet that protects against fleas and ticks.
- There are other FDA approved medications like Sentinel and Bravecto.
Please consult a professional before deciding on any medication for your pet.
Key Takeaways
Whether Trifexis can lead to your dog’s death or not is a big mystery. No scientific data has proven this scary claim. However, heartworms have indeed resulted in the death of dogs. Therefore, heartworm prevention is a must and Trifexis is an effective treatment.
However, you do have options to decide which medication you wish to give to your canine companion. Whether you want your dog to go stick to Trifexis or switch to an alternative depends on you.
There are many allegations against Trifexis. Pet parents have complained of seizures and dog deaths. However, none of these have been confirmed. If you are still concerned about the usage of Trifexis, talk to your vet. They will find the best option for your pet.
Note if there are any adverse effects of a medication on your pet. Report this to your vet. Accordingly, make an informed decision about your furry friend!