Advantix for Dogs

Fleas and ticks are disgusting pests that can transmit diseases to our furry friends. Enter flea and tick prevention. There have been products on the market for many years, with varying levels of effectiveness. Using a reliable flea and tick preventative product can help prevent your dog from becoming infested with these parasites and help minimize the possibility of developing diseases. 

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks are classified as parasites. They need to feed off of a host to survive, and in the case of these bugs, that host is often your pooch. These can cause infections, such as Lyme disease, or cause skin irritations and rashes, particularly in the case of fleas. 

If your pet becomes infested with fleas and ticks, it can be very difficult to get rid of them. These parasites can infest your house, a problem that is more common with fleas but can occur with ticks. The old adage goes, “A ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that is especially true with parasites. While your dog might need antibiotics with these pests, some infections are lifelong and can cause neurologic and blood issues. 

Advantix for Dogs

Bayer came out with a product known as Advantix for dogs. It then improved upon the product with Advantix II for dogs, which is the more common formulation of the product now available on the market. Advantix contained imidacloprid and premethrin. The permethrin in the product means that it cannot be used on cats, or it could cause devastating consequences, such as seizures. 

The imidacloprid and premethrin kill or repel fleas and ticks when they come into contact or proximity to the product. Advantix II also contains a product known as a insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen. Instead of only working on adult fleas and ticks, the pyriproxyfen allows it to work on all life stages of fleas and ticks. 

Now the product can kill these pests in any life stage after the product has been applied to your dog’s skin. In addition to getting rid of live, adult insects, the product also eliminates eggs, pupae and larvae, which are young stages of these parasites. The product also kills biting flies, mosquitoes, and chewing lice, all of which can also cause diseases. 

Treating Fleas and Ticks

Advantix is a product that can help keep your dog healthy. Rather than just treating the pests when they have already become an issue, it offers dog owners a way to help prevent these infections. You have to apply it monthly to the skin on your dog’s back, and you can get the product from your veterinarian, online retailers, or pet stores. It’s important to apply the product to the skin, as it will not be effective if only applied to the hair. Some pets have skin irritations or itchiness at the site of the application, but this is uncommon. 

In Summary

It is better to prevent parasites infections than to treat them. Using a reliable preventative product can be an adjunct to your dog’s preventative care plan, helping to keep your pooch happy and healthy for longer. 

Resources

Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention for Large Dogs
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fleas-and-ticks