What is Advantix?
Advantix is a canine-specific medication designed to eliminate fleas, ticks, and sandflies, thereby averting numerous diseases. Its primary components are imidacloprid and permethrin.
How To Use
To use K9 Advantix, apply it at the base of your dog's neck. The solution disseminates through your dog's body via the sebaceous glands, typically within a day. For optimal results, it's recommended to reapply K9 Advantix every 30 days, ideally on a consistent monthly day, to ward off fleas and other pests.
Administering K9 Advantix involves specific steps for your pet's safety. First and foremost, never let your dog ingest imidacloprid! To use the K9 Advantix topical remedy:
- Pierce the tube's seal with its cap.
- Part your dog's fur at the nape, just above the shoulder blades, revealing the skin underneath.
- Carefully squeeze the entire content of the tube directly onto the skin.
It's essential to avoid rubbing it in and never apply it on damp or injured skin.
Active Ingredients
Its primary components are imidacloprid and permethrin.
Imidacloprid works primarily against fleas by interfering with their central nervous system, ensuring they don't survive. However, it doesn't act against ticks. On the other hand, permethrin is a synthetic variant of pyrethrin, found naturally in chrysanthemum flowers. This ingredient is instrumental in repelling and exterminating ticks and mosquitoes when used on dogs. But it's important to note that it's not safe for feline usage.
Advantix Manufacturer
Bayer, a multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company, manufactures Advantix. Specifically, it's produced by the animal health division of Bayer.
Advantix Benefits
Advantix offers multiple benefits for dogs, mainly regarding protection against various pests. Some of these benefits include:
- Broad-spectrum protection: Advantix protects dogs against external parasites, including fleas, ticks, and sandflies.
- Flea Prevention and Treatment: Not only does it kill existing fleas on dogs, but it also stops fleas from biting in less than 5 minutes.
- Tick Protection: It is effective against various species of ticks and can help prevent diseases transmitted by ticks, such as Lyme disease.
- Protection against Flying Insects: Advantix repels and kills mosquitoes and sandflies, which can be carriers of various diseases.
- Repellent Activity: Besides killing pests on contact, Advantix repels them, reducing the risk of bites and subsequent diseases.
- Rapid Action: Most fleas on a dog are killed within 12 hours of application.
- Monthly Application: One application offers protection for up to a month, making it convenient for pet owners.
- Water-resistant: The treatment remains effective even after exposure to rain or swimming, provided the dog isn't bathed more than once a week and thoroughly dried after each bath/swimming session.
- Safe for Puppies: It's safe for puppies seven weeks and older.
- Can Reduce the Risk of Vector-borne Diseases: By effectively repelling and killing vectors like ticks and mosquitoes, Advantix reduces the risk of diseases they might carry.
Always read the product label and consult a veterinarian before using any treatment to ensure it's appropriate for your pet's needs.
Side Effects Of Advantix
Potential side effects in cats and dogs may include:
- Skin irritation
- Red patches resembling a burn
- Scratching
- Signs of pain or discomfort
- Behavioral changes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
How It Works
Imidacloprid acts on pests either through direct touch or consumption. Its mode of action targets the acetylcholine receptor in the flea's neural system. Since acetylcholine is a crucial neurotransmitter, any interference with its receptor disrupts the insect's neurological functions. As a result, most fleas on your pet are eliminated in about 12 hours.
On the other hand, permethrin exterminates ticks and various insects by latching onto their neural terminals, resulting in paralysis of their central nervous system.
Storage Information
Store at room temperature.
Forgot A Dose?
Administer the dose immediately when you remember. However, if the next dose is near or several doses have been overlooked, proceed with the upcoming regular monthly dose and bypass the forgotten ones. Avoid giving your pet a double dose. Inform your vet about the oversight.
Adverse Reactions And Medication Interactions
- Avoid administering imidacloprid to pregnant or nursing animals.
- Be careful when giving this medication to pets with a liver, kidney, or cardiac condition history.
- Permethrin is not suitable for cats.
- K9 Advantix is deemed safe for dogs older than seven weeks.
- Exercise caution when giving this medication to elderly or frail animals. Refrain from bathing or washing your pet for at least 48 hours post-application.
- It's advised to prevent direct human touch with this medication once it's applied to your pet.
Possible Side Effects Of K9 Advantix:
- Excessive salivation
- Discomfort in the application area
- Upset stomach
- Fatigue
Conclusion
Advantix stands out as a comprehensive external parasite solution for dogs. Its multi-pronged action eliminates and repels various pests, from fleas and ticks to flying insects like mosquitoes. Doing so not only ensures the comfort of our canine companions but also significantly reduces the risk of vector-borne diseases. With monthly application ease and water-resistant properties, it caters to the dynamic lifestyles of many pets. However, as with all medications and treatments, pet owners must be well-informed, read product guidelines, and regularly consult with veterinarians to ensure the health and safety of their beloved pets.
