Can sentinel dog medication be stopped after using it for 9 years?

Question

The medication is expensive, is it a big deal to stop using the medication after all this time?

Answer 1

Setinel is used monthly for the reason that it only lasts for one month, if you stop using it even after such a long time your dog will no longer be protected from heartworms, fleas or hook and roundworms. Even if you dog is an inside only dog mosquitos will come in contact with him when he goes out to the bathroom or when someone opens the door to your home. Keep your dog on the medication...its in his best interest.

Answer 2

Only if you want your dog to get several different types of worms that can put him/her in the hospital for a few days, and he might not survive the expensive treatment.

If Sentinel is too expensive for you, switch to Interceptor (made by the same company.) It's the exact same medication for heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm protection....but minus the flea prevention ingredient. It is a good bit less expensive.

ETA: It's not possible to become 'addicted' to Sentinel, and there are no ill effects from stopping cold turkey (other than losing the valuable protection it offers.)

Answer 3

Yes, it can be stopped. Is it safe to stop? No, your dog will more than likely get heartworms. You say the meds are too expensive, but do you realize the cost of hearworm treatment? The cheapest I've ever seen it run was $400. If you are talking about stopping Sentinel and starting some other kind of hearworm preventative, then go ahead. Sometimes Heartguard is cheaper.

Answer 4

Sentinel is a heartworm preventative. If you stop giving it monthly then your dog has a GREAT risk of getting heartworms. Which is VERY costly to treat. Talk to your vet before doing this

Answer 5

After 9 years, the dog is addicted to it, and will have serious withdrawal symptoms if it goes cold turkey. Check with your vet before you do anything.