What Does Sentinel Do for a Dog?
Sentinel is a powerful and broad-spectrum preventive medication for dogs that provides comprehensive protection against a range of parasitic threats. Used consistently, Sentinel helps ensure your dog stays free from internal and external pests that can impact their health and comfort.
Key Benefits of Sentinel for Dogs
Sentinel Flavor Tabs deliver essential protection through two active ingredients:
milbemycin oxime and
lufenuron. These ingredients work together to fight and prevent multiple types of parasites, ensuring your dog stays happy and healthy.
Main benefits include:
- Prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a potentially fatal condition.
- Control of flea populations through the inhibition of flea egg development.
- Treatment and control of intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
How Sentinel Works
Each tablet contains:
- Milbemycin oxime – kills immature forms of heartworm and controls adult hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
- Lufenuron – disrupts the development of flea eggs, breaking the flea life cycle before an infestation can start.
Although
lufenuron does not kill adult fleas, it effectively prevents reproduction, making Sentinel an ideal component of a larger flea control strategy.
Dosing and Administration
Sentinel tablets are beef or pork-liver flavored chewables administered once a month. It is essential to give the dose
with or immediately after a meal to ensure proper absorption, particularly of lufenuron. The tablets are available in four sizes based on the dog’s weight:
- 2–10 lbs: 2.3 mg milbemycin oxime / 46 mg lufenuron
- 11–25 lbs: 5.75 mg / 115 mg
- 26–50 lbs: 11.5 mg / 230 mg
- 51–100 lbs: 23 mg / 460 mg
For dogs weighing more than 100 lbs, vets will recommend the appropriate combination of tablets.
Precautions and Safety
Before beginning Sentinel, it is critical to test your dog for existing heartworm infections. In heartworm-positive dogs, treatment for adult worms and microfilariae must be completed prior to starting Sentinel to avoid potential hypersensitivity reactions.
Potential side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Itching
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
While most dogs tolerate Sentinel well, particularly those without microfilariae, it’s always wise to monitor your pet and consult your veterinarian if you notice any unusual reactions.
Safe for Most Dogs
Sentinel has undergone extensive safety testing in various breeds, including:
- Collies (sensitive breeds)
- Pregnant or breeding dogs
- Young puppies (over 4 weeks old and over 2 pounds)
This makes it an ideal parasite control option for multi-dog households or breeding operations.
Comprehensive Parasite Control
Sentinel offers peace of mind for pet owners by providing simultaneous protection against:
- Heartworms – a deadly parasite transmitted through mosquito bites.
- Hookworms – gastrointestinal parasites that can cause anemia, especially in puppies.
- Roundworms – common intestinal parasites transmissible to humans.
- Whipworms – affect the colon and can cause bloody diarrhea and weight loss.
- Flea eggs – eliminate the chance of flea populations establishing in your home.
Proper Use and Storage
Sentinel should be stored in its original packaging in a dry place between 59–77°F (15–25°C). Make sure it remains out of the reach of children and non-canine pets.
Dosage should not be skipped. In case of a missed dose, administer it as soon as you remember, then continue with the regular monthly schedule.
Advisory and Interactions
Federal law mandates that Sentinel is to be used by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Discuss with your vet if your dog is on other medications, especially:
- Cyclosporine
- Amiodarone
- Azole antifungals
- Erythromycin
Conclusion: Why Choose Sentinel?
With its multi-parasite protection, ease of use, and reliable safety profile, Sentinel stands out as an excellent monthly preventive for your dog. It’s especially effective when used in combination with an adult flea killer for households dealing with flea infestations.
By giving Sentinel monthly, dog owners can:
- Prevent life-threatening heartworm disease
- Control gastrointestinal worms
- Stop flea infestations before they start
Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new preventive treatment. Make Sentinel a part of your dog's health routine and rest easy knowing you're providing top-tier protection against common canine parasites.
