Understanding Simparica: What Is It?

Looking for a simple, effective all-in-one solution to protect your beloved pup from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms? 

Then you might want to consider Simparica Trio - the first chewable monthly parasite preventative that takes the bite out of multiple pests in just one easy chew.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about Simparica Trio. We'll cover the science behind this innovative 3-in-1 medication, how it works its magic, potential side effects, dosage guidelines, and more.

Understanding Simparica: What Is It?

Simparica is a prescription medication for dogs that helps control fleas and treats ticks. It is an easy-to-use chew tablet that pet owners can give their dogs once a month.

Simparica is the easy one-chew, month-long solution for your flea and tick problems. Just give your pup one tasty Simparica tablet based on their weight and prescribed by your vet, then sit back and enjoy 30 days of flea and tick freedom. 

Does Simparica kill flea eggs?

Yes, Simparica, and specifically Simparica Trio, does kill flea eggs. One of its benefits is interrupting the flea life cycle by preventing egg production.

Within half an hour, Simparica starts killing fleas of all stages—adults, eggs, and larvae—so the infestation stops spreading. 

The active ingredient attacks parasites from the inside out, so they can't reproduce. No more itchy skin or constant grooming - just transparent, flea-free fur and a healthier, happier pup. So say goodbye to those pesky bloodsucking pests for a month with your vet-recommended Simparica dose. 

One chew and you're done - so give those fleas the boot and give your pet the parasite-free life they deserve!

How Does Simparica Trio Work?

Active Ingredients in Simparica:

Three active ingredients make up Simparica Trio, Sarolaner, Moxidectin, and Pyrantel.

More specifically:

• Sarolaner blocks the neurotransmitter receptors GABA and glutamate in fleas. This causes uncontrolled muscle activity that leads to their death.
• Moxidectin interferes with chloride channels in parasites, which disrupts how their nerves conduct signals. This paralysis eventually kills the parasite.
• Pyrantel acts as a "nerve blocker" in roundworms by causing their nerves to become overstimulated. This paralysis either kills the roundworms or helps expel them from the body.

Targeted Parasites:

The targeted parasites for Simparica Trio are:

• Fleas (all flea life stages)
• Ticks (including brown dog tick and American dog tick)
• Intestinal parasites like:
• Roundworms 
• Hookworms 
• Whipworms 
• Lungworms 

It controls fleas in all life stages - eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas. This helps prevent future infestations.

Simparica Trio also kills certain tick species like the brown dog tick and American dog tick that can attach to your dog.

 Mode of Action:

• One dose was 100.0% effective at preventing flea egg production for 35 days.
• Immediate and persistent tick-killing activity for 5 weeks against Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes ricinus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus and for 4 weeks against Dermacentor reticulatus
• Prevents flea infestation by killing fleas before they can even lay eggs. Starts killing within 4 hours, and achieves 100% effectiveness in 8 hours in a study.

The Benefits of Simparica

1. Effectiveness

2. Long-lasting Protection

The moxidectin component prevents heartworm disease and treats existing early-stage heartworm infections. It kills developing and adult hookworms and roundworms to control intestinal parasite infections, which can cause weight loss and other health issues in dogs.

Simparica Trio offers long-lasting protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms in one convenient monthly chew. A veterinarian can recommend the right dose based on your dog's weight and lifestyle needs.

3. Waterproof Formula

4. Convenient Administration

How does Simparica work?

Each of Simparica Trio ingredients works through a different mechanism:

• Sarolaner works by blocking neurotransmitter receptors in fleas that they need for muscle function. This causes fleas to experience uncontrolled twitching and eventually die.
• Moxidectin and pyrantel pamoate both disrupt the nerve signaling in intestinal parasites, causing paralysis and death of the worms and they will get out of the body.

Together, these 3 active ingredients provide multifaceted protection against fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms in your dog:

• Sarolaner and pyrantel control existing and prevent future flea infestations.
• Moxidectin and pyrantel eliminate existing intestinal worms.
• Moxidectin also prevents future invasion by intestinal worm larvae for 1 month.

The 3 active ingredients target fleas, ticks, and worms in different but complementary ways. They disrupt neurological functions and muscle control in the parasites, ultimately resulting in their paralysis and death. This provides comprehensive protection against fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms for a full month.

Does Simparica Trio Kill Worms?

Yes, Simparica Trio is effective against worms in dogs. Specifically, it targets roundworms and hookworms

How Long Does it Take Simparica Trio to Kill Worms?

While Simparica Trio doesn't advertise an exact timeframe for killing worms, we know it works quickly. Studies show it treats and controls roundworms and hookworms.
However, it's best to consult your veterinarian for the most accurate information on how long it will take to kill worms in your dog. They can consider your dog's situation and the severity of the worm infestation to give you a more specific answer.

Safety and Side Effects

Safety Precautions

• Only give Simparica Trio to dogs, not cats or other animals. It is specifically formulated for use in canines.
• Only give to dogs weighing at least 2.8 lbs and that are at least 6 months old. Younger and smaller dogs may be at higher risk.
• Give the correct dose based on your dog's weight to avoid underdosing or overdosing. Accurate dosing is important for safety and efficacy.
• Have your dog sit or lie down for a few minutes after taking Simparica Trio in case they experience nausea or vomit the tablet.
• Monitor your dog for potential side effects after the first and subsequent doses.

Simparica Trio Side Effects 

Luckily, most dogs tolerate Simparica Trio well with few side effects. In studies, the most common issues were mild things like vomiting or diarrhea.

While uncommon, some dogs may experience side effects when taking Simparica Trio. In clinical trials:

• Vomiting - Some dogs lost their appetite and vomited a day or two after getting their Simparica Trio dose. This was usually temporary and didn't last long.
• Simparica trio diarrhea - Soft or loose stools occurred in a small number of dogs for a couple of days after starting Simparica Trio. This is often resolved on its own.
• Lethargy or fatigue may occur, especially after the first dose. Your dog may seem more tired or less active for a day or two.
• Itching, skin redness, or hair loss have been reported in some dogs. These dermal reactions usually go away after switching to different flea & tick treatments.

Can Simparica Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Recommended Dosage 

The recommended dosage of Simparica Trio depends on the weight of your dog, at the recommended minimum dose of 0.54 mg/lb (1.2 mg/kg) sarolaner, 0.011 mg/lb (24 µg/kg) moxidectin, and 2.27 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) pyrantel (as pamoate salt) and can be given with or without food.

Provide a source of water after administering Simparica Trio in case your dog requires a drink. 

It is important to weigh your dog and give the appropriate dosage to ensure that Simparica Trio is both effective and safe. Do not divide or split the chewable tablets.

Administration Process

Simparica is an oral flea and tick treatment for dogs that needs to be administered once per month. Giving Simparica exactly once per month will provide the best ongoing protection against fleas and ticks for your pet.

The key things to remember about Simparica dosing are:

• Give Simparica on the same day each month. Pick a day of the week or date that will be easiest for you to remember, like the first Monday of the month. Mark your calendar so you don't forget!
• Only give one dose per month. Do not double up doses or give an extra dose to "make up" for a missed treatment. This could cause an overdose.
• Store Simparica in its original packaging away from excess heat and moisture. Do not leave it out of the package for an extended time before giving to your pet.
• Have your pet sit or lie down for a few minutes after taking Simparica in case they experience any nausea that may cause vomiting.

Before the administration of SIMPARICA TRIO, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections. Infected dogs should be treated with an adulticide to remove adult heartworms. 

6.3. Storage Instructions

Store Simparica Trio chews in their original packaging, at room temperature at or below 30°C (86°F).

Do not freeze the chews. Avoid high temperatures above 104 degrees - the chews should not be exposed to extreme heat.

It is important to keep Simparica Trio out of reach of pets, children, and other people. The packaging is not child-resistant, so store the chews up high or in a secure location.

Can Simparica Trio Be Split?

No, Simparica Trio should not be split. Here's why splitting Simparica Trio is not recommended:

• Uneven Dosing: The medication in Simparica Trio tablets is not guaranteed to be distributed uniformly throughout the pill. If you split it, your dog might receive an uneven dose, potentially getting too much or too little medication. This can be dangerous and ineffective.
• Disrupted Release: Simparica Trio is designed for controlled release. The medication is released gradually over time for optimal effectiveness. Splitting the tablet could disrupt this controlled release mechanism, compromising the medication's effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is Simparica suitable for all dog breeds?

Simparica can generally be used for all dog breeds as long as the dosage is appropriate for the individual dog's weight. Some things to consider for your specific dog include Age, weight, and health.

• Can I use Simparica for my cat? 

No, Simparica should not be used for cats. Simparica was specifically designed and formulated for dogs. It would likely be ineffective for cats and could potentially be toxic. Because: 

• Cats metabolize drugs differently than dogs. 
• Simparica dosages are only designed for dogs based on their weight.
•  Some ingredients in Simparica, like cyphenothrin, could potentially be toxic to cats at the dosages designed for dogs.

Also, you can check out these Cat Flea & Tick Treatments that will surely suit your feline companion.

• How often should I administer Simparica to my pet?

Simply give Simparica once per month, on the same day each month. If you miss the day, give it to your pet as soon as you remember, and Then go back to your regular monthly dosing schedule.

Treating dogs requires meticulous attention to ensure they consume the entire dose, and observing them for a few minutes to ensure they do not lose or refuse any part of the dose.

• Are there any interactions with other medications? 

In three controlled studies, Simparica Trio was used at the same time as other medications like vaccines, antibiotics, dewormers, antiprotozoals, steroids, anti-inflammatories, anesthetics, and painkillers. No harmful side effects were seen from giving Simparica Trio together with these other drugs.

The studies showed that Simparica Trio can be administered concurrently with a variety of common veterinary medications without causing issues. No adverse reactions were observed when Simparica Trio was given along with vaccines, antibiotics, anthelmintics, antiprotozoals, steroids, NSAIDs, anesthetics, or analgesics.

• Can Simparica be used in pregnant or nursing pets?

Dogs that are breeding, pregnant, or lactating have not been tested for the safety of Simparica Trio. If your dog becomes pregnant while taking Simparica, discuss the risks and benefits of continuing treatment with your vet. They may recommend stopping Simparica during pregnancy and nursing, then resuming normal dosing after the puppies are weaned.

• Does Simparica Trio Kill Roundworms?

Yes, Simparica Trio is effective in killing roundworms in dogs