This isn't the best place to cut corners. While trio seems expensive, Lyme is far more costly. There are other multi-part options, but compliance is key here. Topicals are greasy and gross for days, so if your pet shares space with you, they may not be the best option. Check efficacy on some of the other options; collars are notoriously ineffective.

Anonymous wrote:DE for fleas and ticks

To treat the yard, sure. But not as a topical for pets who shake the dust loose. DE is dangerous if inhaled.

DE for fleas and ticks

Also I didn't include topicals in the previous list, but here are some possibilities 6 months for 55 lb dog
Generic heartgard $50 Frontline plus $69 = $119
Generic heartgard $50 advantage ii $67 =$117
Generic heartgard $50 k9 advantix ii $80 = $130
Generic heartgard $50 Vectra 3d $90 = $140
Generic heartgard $50 Nextstar $63 =$113
Advantage multi $130
Revolution $175

I haven't used a topical on a dog for a while, so no insight on how well any of these work, but they'll reduce cost over the Simparica Trio I do use Advantage multi on my cat, but he's indoor only and hasn't had any issues with it.

Using my 55 lb dog as an example, here's what I found using online prices and not considering rebates or discount programs
Simparica trio $211 for 6 months
Heartgard (generic) $50 for 6 months Bravecto $160 for 6 months = $210
Trifexis $158 for 6 months
Nexgard plus $225 for 6 months
Credilo Quattro $214 for 6 months
Heartgard (generic) $50 Nexgard $158 for 6 months = $208
Heartgard (generic) $50 Seresto collar $60 =$110
Sentinel spectrum $77 Seresto collar $60 = $137


There are other options, but if you want to continue a combo pill, Trifexis is cheaper. If you want to split it up and don't mind a collar, Heartgard/Seresto is the least expensive

Costco carries pet meds for way cheaper.

Bravecto* it last 12 weeks

Simpatico trio is the most expensive thing you can buy. Heartguard takes care of the heart worms and you can try frontline or buy brace to and use it in warm months. We don’t give flea/tick meds during the winter.

Cheapest place for Trio near me is the Humane Rescue Alliance. Second cheapest was Chewy pharmacy with a promo coupon (i.e. wait for a sale).

Can you find a cheaper combo? probably. Will it be as reliable? maybe not. Consider where you are and what your risk level is; maybe you can switch to heartgard only during winter when ticks are hopefully dormant. Where I am, there are mosquitos from April to October and we get deer who cruise right through our yard year-round. It didn't get cold enough last winter to kill off the ticks so we're in a boom year. For me, the risks are too great to not have year-round protection. We do the Lyme vax and trio all year.

Ask your vet, but generally yes, you can separate it out.

I get my Simparica Trio from Costco pharmacy, which was cheaper than buying from the vet.

I have two dogs on Simparica Trio. I'm wondering if I need to have them on this expensive drug vs something like Heartguard plus a flea & tick preventative.