What Sentinel Does and Does Not Protect Against
Sentinel Flavor Tabs are a widely used, veterinarian-prescribed medication for dogs designed to prevent heartworm disease and control multiple types of intestinal parasites. While Sentinel offers broad-spectrum protection, pet owners should understand both its capabilities and limitations to ensure comprehensive parasite control.
What Sentinel Covers
Sentinel contains two key active ingredients:
milbemycin oxime and
lufenuron. These work in tandem to offer multi-faceted protection for dogs.
- Heartworm Prevention: Milbemycin oxime protects against Dirofilaria immitis, the parasitic worm responsible for heartworm disease.
- Intestinal Parasite Control: Sentinel treats and controls the following adult intestinal worms:
- Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum)
- Roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina)
- Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis)
- Flea Population Control: Lufenuron prevents flea egg development, effectively breaking the flea life cycle by ensuring flea eggs do not hatch.
What Sentinel Does Not Cover
Despite its broad coverage, Sentinel does not provide complete protection against all parasites. It's important to understand these limitations in order to take necessary complementary measures.
- Adult Fleas: Sentinel does not kill adult fleas. Although it prevents the development of new fleas by halting egg hatching, dogs already infested with adult fleas will require an additional flea adulticide.
- External Parasites: Sentinel provides no coverage against ticks, lice, or mites. These require separate treatment options.
- Other Internal Parasites: Sentinel does not treat tapeworms or other less common intestinal parasites.
- Inappropriate Species: Sentinel is not indicated for use in cats or horses.
Recommended Supplementary Measures
To ensure your pet is fully protected, consider additional treatments depending on environmental factors and your dog’s health history.
- Use Adulticide Flea Treatments: For rapid control of existing flea infestations, pair Sentinel with a suitable flea adulticide, as recommended by your veterinarian.
- Tick Prevention: If ticks are prevalent in your region, a compatible tick-control medication should be added to your dog’s routine.
- Good Hygiene Practices: Regularly cleaning pet bedding, promptly disposing of feces, and flea-proofing your home can help reduce parasite exposure.
- Household-Wide Flea Control: Treat all pets in your household for fleas to prevent re-infestation.
Storage and Safety
Sentinel should be stored in a dry place at temperatures between 59–77°F (15–25°C), in its original packaging and out of reach of children and pets. Always administer Sentinel after a normal meal to enhance absorption, particularly of lufenuron.
Veterinary Supervision
Because Sentinel is a prescription medication, it must be used under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. Inform your vet of all medications your dog is currently taking, as certain drugs may interact with Sentinel.
Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Itching and urticaria
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Neurological symptoms like ataxia and convulsions in rare cases
In dogs with high microfilaria counts, mild hypersensitivity reactions such as labored breathing or hypersalivation may occur.
Conclusion
Sentinel provides exceptional defense against heartworms, major intestinal worms, and flea egg development. However, it does
not kill adult fleas or cover external parasites like ticks. For thorough parasite protection, discuss comprehensive treatment strategies with your veterinarian. Understanding what Sentinel doesn’t cover is just as important as knowing its strengths—ensuring your dog lives a healthy, pest-free life.
