Trifexis for Dogs 60-120 lbs: A Comprehensive Guide to Protection and Prevention

Protecting your furry companion from parasites is paramount for their health and well-being. Trifexis is a highly effective monthly chewable that provides broad-spectrum protection against common parasites that can cause serious health issues. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about Trifexis for dogs 60-120 lbs, including its mechanism of action, benefits, administration, and important precautions.

What is Trifexis and How Does It Work?

Trifexis is a monthly chewable medication that combines three active ingredients:

• Spinosad: An insecticide that kills adult fleas and prevents flea infestations for up to 30 days.
• Milbemycin oxime: An antiparasitic that kills heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
• Praziquantel: An antiparasitic that eliminates tapeworms.

Once administered orally, Trifexis is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, where it begins to target and eliminate parasites. Spinosad disrupts the nervous system of fleas, causing paralysis and death. Milbemycin oxime inhibits nerve transmission in heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms, resulting in their paralysis and death. Praziquantel damages the outer layer of tapeworms, causing them to disintegrate and be expelled from the digestive tract.

Benefits of Trifexis for Dogs 60-120 lbs

Trifexis offers a range of significant benefits for dogs weighing between 60 and 120 lbs:

• Broad-spectrum protection: Trifexis targets multiple types of parasites, providing comprehensive protection against fleas, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms.
• Convenient monthly administration: The monthly chewable format makes parasite prevention easy and convenient, reducing the risk of missed doses.
• Palatable chewable: Trifexis is a highly palatable chewable that most dogs eagerly consume, making administration stress-free.
• Prevention and treatment: Trifexis not only prevents parasite infestations but also treats existing infections, eliminating the need for multiple medications.
• Cost-effective: Compared to separate medications for each parasite, Trifexis offers a cost-effective solution for comprehensive parasite control.

How to Administer Trifexis

Administering Trifexis to your dog is straightforward:

1. Determine the appropriate dosage: Trifexis is available in different dosages based on the weight of the dog. For dogs weighing 60-120 lbs, choose Trifexis Large Dog Chewables.
2. Give orally: Offer the chewable to your dog directly or hide it in a small amount of food.
3. Frequency: Administer Trifexis monthly, on the same day each month, to ensure continuous protection.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

While Trifexis is generally safe and effective, it's important to consider certain precautions:

• Do not use in puppies under 8 weeks of age or weighing less than 5 lbs.
• Do not use in dogs allergic to any of the active ingredients.
• Use caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurological disorders.
• Inform your veterinarian about any other medications your dog is taking, as some may interact with Trifexis**.
• Keep Trifexis out of reach of children and pets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping doses: Regular monthly administration is crucial for maintaining continuous protection. Skipping doses can leave your dog vulnerable to parasite infestations.
• Using an incorrect dosage: Administering an inappropriate dosage can compromise the effectiveness of Trifexis. Always follow the veterinarian's instructions or refer to the product packaging.
• Giving Trifexis to a dog with a known allergy: Allergies to Trifexis are rare but can have serious consequences. Never administer Trifexis to a dog known to be allergic to the medication.
• Not informing the veterinarian about other medications: Certain medications can interact with Trifexis, potentially affecting its efficacy. Always disclose all medications your dog is taking to your veterinarian.

Why Trifexis Matters for Your Dog's Health

Parasites can pose significant health risks to dogs, including:

• Fleas: Fleas can cause itching, allergic reactions, and anemia.
• Heartworms: Heartworms can lead to heart failure, lung disease, and even death.
• Hookworms: Hookworms can cause gastrointestinal problems, anemia, and weight loss.
• Roundworms: Roundworms can cause digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Tapeworms: Tapeworms can compete for nutrients in the digestive tract, leading to malnutrition.

By using Trifexis regularly, you can protect your dog from these parasites, safeguarding their health and well-being.

Call to Action

Protect your beloved furry friend from the threat of parasites with Trifexis for dogs 60-120 lbs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate dosage and schedule for your dog.

Remember, regular administration of Trifexis is essential for continuous protection. Keep Trifexis out of reach of children and pets, and always inform your veterinarian about any other medications your dog is taking. By following these recommendations, you can help ensure your dog's optimal health and well-being for many years to come.

Additional Information

• Trifexis is manufactured by Elanco Animal Health.
• The active ingredient spinosad is derived from a naturally occurring soil bacterium.
• Trifexis has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in dogs.

Tables

Table 1: Trifexis Dosage for Dogs 60-120 lbs

Table 2: Parasites Targeted by Trifexis

Table 3: Common Side Effects of Trifexis