What Is Simparica Trio for Dogs? Risks and Benefits

What Is Simparica Trio for Dogs? Risks and Benefits
What Is Simparica Trio for Dogs? Risks and Benefits

As a dog owner, you want to protect your pet from heartworms, fleas, ticks, and other parasites. You may have heard of Simparica Trio, but what is it? Are there any side effects you should know about? Today, we’ll take a closer look at this popular parasite protection for dogs. 

What is Simparica Trio for Dogs?

Simparica Trio is a once-a-month chewable tablet that protects your dog against a range of parasites. It combines three active ingredients—sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel—each proven to target specific parasites. These ingredients work together to protect dogs from several common parasites. Here’s a breakdown of how each ingredient works:

  • Sarolaner kills fleas and ticks by disrupting their nervous system.
  • Moxidectin prevents heartworm disease by preventing larvae from maturing into adult worms.
  • Pyrantel paralyzes roundworms and hookworms, so the body can remove them naturally in the stool.

Simparica Trio works from the inside out, stopping these parasites before they can transmit harmful diseases. By tackling multiple parasites with one monthly chewable, your dog stays protected and healthy.

Benefits of Simparica Trio for Dogs

Trusted by vets across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, Simparica Trio was FDA-approved in the U.S. on February 27, 2020. It was the first FDA-approved product of its kind. Simparica Trio is available by prescription only from your vet. With several key advantages, Simparica Trio is an ideal choice for pet owners looking for reliable parasite protection. 

Easy to Give Once a Month

Unlike some medications that require frequent doses or additional treatments for different parasites, Simparica Trio simplifies parasite protection with just one dose. This one-and-done approach makes it easier for pet parents to stay on top of their dog’s health. Plus, many dogs enjoy the liver-flavored chewable, making it as easy to give as a treat. 

Prevents Heartworm Disease

Perhaps the most important benefit of Simparica Trio is its ability to prevent heartworm disease. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites and have been diagnosed in both dogs and cats in all 50 U.S. states. If left untreated, heartworm disease can cause serious damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs. In severe cases, the disease becomes fatal. 

Simparica Trio works by preventing heartworm larvae (called microfilaria) from maturing into adult worms, allowing the body to clear them naturally before they can cause harm. It does not kill adult heartworms. 

Kills Fleas Fast

Fleas are one of the most common and uncomfortable parasites for dogs. They cause itching, skin irritation, and sometimes, more serious health issues. Fleas carry tapeworms and can spread infectious diseases like Bartonellosis.

Simparica Trio is highly effective at killing fleas quickly. It begins working just 4 hours after your dog eats it and continues killing fleas for a full month. It kills fleas before they can lay eggs and helps stop infestations by breaking the flea lifecycle.

Stops Ticks in Their Tracks

Ticks are a serious concern for dogs because they can spread dangerous diseases. Lyme disease is common and serious, affecting both people and pets. In fact, there have been reports of Lyme disease in nearly every state. Other diseases spread by ticks include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis—all of which can make your dog very sick.

Simparica Trio helps protect your dog by killing five common tick species: the black-legged (deer) ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and brown dog ticks. It starts working within 8 hours of being given to your dog. Since ticks usually need at least 24 hours to pass an infection, giving Simparica Trio every month can stop tick-borne illnesses before they start.

Roundworms and Hookworms No More

Roundworms and hook works are common intestinal parasites in dogs, especially puppies. They can cause serious health problems if left untreated. These worms live in your dog’s digestive system, where they can cause symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and even anemia.

Simparica Trio contains pyrantel, a medication that paralyzes these worms. Once they can’t move, the body naturally eliminates them through the stool. 

Ideal for Dogs of All Sizes

Simparica Trio has been proven safe for dogs as young as 8 weeks old and weighing at least 2.8 pounds. The largest size covers dogs up to 132 pounds. For even larger dogs, you can combine tablets to match their weight. It’s also been proven safe at up to 5 times the standard dose, so even if your dog eats an entire six-pack, they’ll be okay. However, if your dog accidentally takes more than they’re prescribed, it’s always a good idea to call your vet just to be safe. 

Side Effects and Risks of Simparica Trio in Dogs

While Simparica Trio is generally safe for most dogs, it can cause side effects in some. Most side effects are mild and temporary. But, pet owners should be aware of potential risks. Let’s break down the common side effects and considerations for dogs with a seizure history. 

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Simparica Trio are short-lived vomiting and diarrhea. In a clinical study of 404 dogs (272 medicated dogs and 132 non-medicated dogs in the control group), 14.3% experienced vomiting, and 13.2% had diarrhea, both of which resolved quickly. Other studies, as noted in the product insert, also reported vomiting and diarrhea as the primary side effects. 

Seizure Dogs and Simparica Trio

Seizures affect roughly 5% of the canine population. Simparica Trio contains sarolaner, a drug in the isoxazoline class, which has been shown to lower the seizure threshold in some dogs. The medication itself does NOT cause seizures.

However, dogs with a history of seizures may have slightly higher risk of having one after taking Simparica Trio. If your dog doesn’t have a seizure history but has one after taking Simparica Trio, contact your vet immediately. Don’t give them any more Simparica Trio unless your vet approves. 

Other Potential Risks

Though rare, some dogs may experience more severe side effects after taking Simparica Trio. In the 272-dog study, only about 4.5% of dogs had side effects other than vomiting or diarrhea. Other symptoms to watch for include loss of appetite, lethargy, and increased drinking or urination. If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours, contact your vet. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face and difficulty breathing, seek veterinary help immediately

Simparica Trio: An All-in-One Parasite Solution for Dogs

Simparica Trio is a convenient and effective way to protect your dog from a range of harmful parasites. While most dogs tolerate it well, some may experience side effects. Simparica Trio requires a prescription from your vet, so we recommend consulting with them to ensure it’s the right choice for your dog’s health and needs.

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