Composition and release form
The drug in the form of drops intended for external use is packaged in polymer pipettes. Depending on the purpose (for large or small cats), the volume is 0.8 or 0.4 ml. A cardboard package usually holds 4 pipettes.
Externally, the liquid is yellow or light brown in color. It has a rather specific smell, but it is not very pronounced. The active ingredient is imidacloprid. Its concentration in the drug is 10%. The composition also includes additional components:
- benzyl alcohol;
- butylated hydroxytoluene;
- propylene carbonate.
Instructions and method of use
The product involves applying a medicinal substance to an area of skin over which a certain number of drops are distributed (the weight of the dog is taken into account). Advantix is distributed on large dogs (over 40 kg) at four points located equidistantly along the dog’s back (from the tail to the withers).
Advantix drops are applied to the dog's skin between the shoulder blades.
To ensure that the buyer does not forget the date of application of the product, the manufacturer attached a sticker with a chart on the back of the blister on which the dates of last use can be indicated. It is not necessary to determine the dosage: 1 tube contains the required concentration for a single application of the product (from 0.4 to 2.5 ml).
Application technique:
- remove the pipette tube from the blister;
- pierce the membrane;
- spread the animal's fur to the sides;
- Apply the product to the area of the shoulder blades.
It is extremely important to distribute the product only in those places that the animal cannot reach in order to lick off the applied consistency. The treatment area must be dry and clean, therefore, to enhance the effect of Advantix, the animal can be pre-washed with shampoo and dried with a hairdryer
The death of fleas continues within 48 hours; re-infection does not occur for at least 2 weeks.
Before using Advantix drops, the animal can be washed with a special shampoo.
According to the manufacturer, the protective effect of the drug appears within 1 month from the moment of its application. More frequent use is possible if the animal is often or for a long time in water - in this case, the frequency of treatment can be reduced to 1 time per week. For small dogs up to 4 kg, the instructions require that the ointment from the tube be applied to only one place - between the shoulder blades.
Contraindications to the use of Advantix
Restrictions on the use of drops are dictated by the imidacloprid and permethrin included in the composition.
Taboo on admission:
- convalescent or immunocompromised animals;
- infectious diseases;
- puppies up to 7 weeks of age.
Some veterinary medications can be used simultaneously on other species of animals, but these drops are not used on cats (due to toxicity).
Side effects of the drug
The use of the product for dogs, the instructions for which contain information about possible negative reactions, is limited to mild dermatological problems - itching and redness. These manifestations do not require special treatment: they disappear within 1–4 days from the moment the product is applied.
An overdose is only possible if more than one tube is applied at the same time or if it is processed too frequently (more than once every 4 weeks). Possible consequences: drowsiness, increased salivation, dilated pupils and seizures.
How it works
The active substance disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses, which causes paralysis in parasitic insects. As a result of this, they die in a fairly short period of time. A special feature of Advantage drops for cats is that the active substance is evenly distributed throughout the skin. Can accumulate in wool, sebaceous glands and hair follicles.
The drug begins to act before fleas or lice begin to bite your pet. The effect of the medicine lasts for 4 weeks, so treatment must be carried out monthly. It affects not only adults, but also larvae and eggs.
Important instructions
The toxicity of the product is quite low, but precautions are still necessary
It is important not to apply it to the skin where any damage is observed, so that the drug does not enter the bloodstream; also, you should not drip it if there are ulcers or even wounds on the dog’s skin. Another important piece of advice from the manufacturer of the drug is that you should not wash your dog before applying it, as the protective layer of the skin will be partially washed off, making the application no longer as safe.
There are also some tips for dog owners: do not drink alcohol, smoke or eat during application, as if the product gets into the digestive system, everything can end sadly. Also, do not allow the animal to come into contact with children until the product has completely dried, which will happen in just a few hours.
All this is practically no different from the rules for working with many medications. After this, wash your hands as thoroughly as possible, using soap. If for some reason the drug gets on the mucous membrane of the eye, it should be washed immediately using plenty of water.
If you have hypersensitivity to the previously discussed components of the drug, then do not use it or use it with gloves, avoiding contact
If you have an allergic reaction, then the only solution is to contact a specialist (it is important to take the drug itself and the box with you so that the doctor can prescribe the correct treatment)
Currently reading:
- Seven Signs and Remedies for Getting Rid of Fleas in Dogs
- Powerful anti-parasite drug Prazicide complex for dogs
- Fleas, ticks and parasites will not go away with Stronghold for dogs
- Review of the best eye drops for all dogs
Indications for use
According to the instructions, you need to use Advantage for cats when infected with parasitic insects:
- fleas;
- lice;
- lice eaters.
The drug can also be used to prevent the appearance of insects that parasitize animals. The appearance of external ectoparasites should be prevented in adult cats and kittens. Be sure to regularly treat pets that often walk outside or come into contact with other animals.
Description of the drug Advantage for cats
Advantage is available in the form of drops. The active component of the product is imidacloride. The substance is an insecticide used to combat ectoparasites. It is the action of the active component that determines the successful use of Advantage against ticks, fleas, lice and other ectoparasites. Imidacloride affects the central nervous system of insects, causing paralysis. The medication also contains auxiliary components: butylated hydroxytoluene, propylene carbonate and benzyl alcohol.
The drug has a yellowish tint and may be transparent. It has a specific smell. Available in the form of a solution with a volume of 0.4 or 0.8 ml. The drops are packaged in polyethylene pipettes, which are packed in blisters of 4 pieces.
The optimal ratio of active components in the solution has a detrimental effect on parasitic insects at all phases of development. The product has a bitter taste and if the cat licks the treated area before the drug dries, it may drool profusely, which is not a sign of intoxication and goes away without intervention in a few minutes.
Advantage has a number of advantages that make it popular:
- The medicine is distributed over the skin and does not penetrate the systemic bloodstream, which allows it to be used to treat kittens and pregnant cats, as well as to treat animals with weakened bodies. The drug is absolutely safe for humans.
- The death of pests occurs within 12 hours after treatment.
- The solution has the property of a lauricide, that is, it has a detrimental effect not only on adult insects, but also on the eggs and larvae of pests that may be in the place where the cat lives. Contact of the treated wool with the body of the larva causes the death of the latter, which leads to the destruction of the population without additional medications.
- The protective properties of the drops last for a month.
- The drops are waterproof, which allows you to let your cat go for a walk immediately after treatment.
- The medicine has an umbrella effect, that is, treating a nursing female can protect against parasites and small kittens.
Advantages
The drug has a number of advantages:
- High efficiency. Kills fleas, lice and lice within 12 hours. Affects parasites at any stage of development.
- Long lasting. The medicine protects the animal from parasites for 1 month.
- Safety. According to GOST, it belongs to hazard class 4 (low-hazard substances), does not contain strong toxic substances.
- Approved for use by pregnant and lactating females and kittens (from 8 weeks).
- Does not penetrate the bloodstream. Affects only externally.
- Has convenient packaging. One pipette is designed for one treatment.
- It is moisture resistant. The effectiveness of the drug does not decrease after swimming or exposure to rain.
- Easy to use. The animal does not require special preparation or additional measures.
- It has virtually no contraindications and rarely causes side effects.
- Destroys insects not only on the animal, but also in its habitat, for example, on the litter, which reduces the risk of re-infestation.
Anti-tick drops for dogs “Advantix”
With the arrival of spring, various parasitic insects wake up and become more active: ticks, midges, fleas, mosquitoes. Their peak activity is between April and October.
During this period, the dog especially needs protection from tick bites and other parasites. Veterinarians recommend using Advantix drops before going for a walk. This product has a wide spectrum of action and forms lasting protection against ticks, fleas and other flying and crawling insects, the bites of which can cause serious health problems for the dog.
Advantix drops are allowed:
- for adult dogs;
- representatives of small breeds (from 1.5 kg);
- puppies from 7 weeks of life.
Pharmacological description
“Advantix” is an insectoacaricidal agent for external use. Used for various purposes:
- Prevention of tick bites.
- Treatment of dogs that have already been bitten by insects.
- Therapeutic use when there is a suspicion of a tick on an animal's body.
The product is available in the form of drops. Inside the package there is 1 blister, which contains 4 ready-made pipette tubes with a medicinal substance. The drug is produced in Germany (by Bayer).
The packaging of the veterinary product is different: you can find drops for small, medium and large pets. Dosage according to weight gain: 0.4, 1, 2.5 and 4 ml.
Pros of use:
- Ease of use.
- Substances from the composition do not penetrate the bloodstream.
- It is acceptable to treat pregnant individuals.
Disadvantages of use:
- The cost is above average.
- Contact of children with treated animals is prohibited for 24 hours.
- When using drops, cats and dogs should be kept separately.
Instructions for use
Drops should only be applied to areas that the dog cannot reach. The treatment area must be dry and clean. For small breeds, it is enough to apply the drops once on the withers; large breeds require treatment at 4 points along the back (from tail to withers).
Algorithm of actions:
- Remove the pipette tube from the packaging.
- We pierce the protective surface.
- We spread the animal's fur to the sides.
- Apply drops precisely.
After application, the active substances from the composition quickly spread and become fixed in the wool and lipid layer. The effect of use is the prevention of bites and the death of parasites.
Dosage depending on the pet's weight:
- up to 4 kg – 0.4 ml;
- 4-10 kg – 1 ml;
- 10-24 kg – 2.5 ml;
- 25-40 kg – 4 ml.
Reference. When an insect comes into contact with treated wool, it cannot gain a foothold on it, and it begins to develop “burnt paws” syndrome. Then the parasite jumps out of the fur and dies.
The protective effect lasts for 1 month. If the animal likes to bathe, more frequent use of Advantix drops is allowed (once a week).
Learn how to properly treat your dog with drops in this video:
Price
You can now view the current price of the drug and buy it right here:
Advantage drops against fleas for cats have a higher price compared to domestic analogues. The cost of one pipette is approximately as follows:
- 0.4 ml (up to 4 kg) – 160-200 rubles;
- 0.8 ml (over 4 kg) – 220-260 rubles.
What to do if a cat licked Advantage and how to avoid poisoning?
A veterinary pharmacy convinced us to buy Advantage for cats. The drug is non-toxic, one treatment is enough. It also affects larvae. The cat is large, Siberian, and lived in a private house for 2 months. During this time, large-scale dermatitis developed. They dripped onto the withers in the evening. Already in the morning I stopped itching. Alexey, 20 years old
I definitely give my cat a drop of Advantage for prevention. Especially if we take it with us to the dacha. There were parasites only once, through our fault - we forgot to buy the drug. By the way: 1.5 months after the last treatment. The instructions say that it lasts only 30 days. Elizaveta Andreevna, 40 years old
This video talks about one of the most popular flea remedies, Advantage drops on the withers from the German company Bayer.
These drops should not be applied to:
- animals with hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the drug;
- kittens up to 2.5 months old;
- pets whose skin integrity in the area where the solution is applied is compromised.
The use of an anti-flea agent for pregnant cats, as well as during lactation, is not contraindicated. But their use must be agreed upon with a veterinary specialist. Some experts recommend avoiding antiparasitic treatments during cat pregnancy and lactation. This is due to the fact that during the period of gestation of kittens, the body’s immune defenses are weakened and against the background of the use of imidocloprid, the body may react inadequately.
For a nursing cat, not all veterinarians recommend treatment with any anti-flea drugs that penetrate the skin. Despite the low toxicity of the drug, individual sensitivity may increase in cats before or after birth. During this period, the animal is prone to allergic reactions. In addition, the cat may experience allergic reactions, manifested by itching and hyperemia of the skin.
The greatest danger lies in the case if it is decided to treat a pregnant or lactating female with Advantage for the first time.
It is important to note that cats whose body weight does not reach 4 kg are prohibited from being treated against fleas, ticks and lice using the drug Advantage
It is convenient to use Advantage flea drops for pregnant and lactating females, especially if the use of special anti-flea shampoos is not possible.
Imidocloprid is the main active ingredient in the flea and tick drug Advantage, although it is low-toxic, it is still a serious chemical component.
Naturally, if a cat licks Advantage, it will not die, but poisoning of the animal is quite possible
It is extremely important for cat owners to know how intoxication manifests itself and what to do. The condition of the animal depends not only on the dose of insectoacaricide that has entered the body, but also on the state of its defenses.
The main signs of poisoning are:
- refusal to eat;
- increased feeling of thirst;
- increased salivation;
- stool disorder (diarrhea for several days);
- dilated pupils;
- severe itching (an allergic reaction);
- discharge from the lacrimal canal;
- impaired coordination of movements.
The first thing to do in this case is to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. In addition, you can provide first aid at home. You can use rice water for this. Medications such as Smecta, Enterosgel or activated carbon have an excellent absorption function.
Instructions for use
If an insecticide is used to kill insects, the treatment is carried out once. The following symptoms usually indicate the appearance of fleas and other external parasites:
- the animal is very itchy;
- becomes restless;
- the fur falls out in clumps;
- the beautiful shine of the coat disappears;
- Appetite may worsen. The animal will refuse to play and eat.
For preventive purposes, Advantage is applied to the animal once a month. If the cat is constantly in the house and does not come into contact with other animals, prophylaxis can be carried out once every 3 months.
The dosage is calculated as follows:
- For animals whose weight does not exceed 4 kg, you will need one pipette of Advantage 40 (0.4 ml).
- For pets weighing from 4 to 8 kg, one pipette of Advantage 80 (0.8 ml) is needed.
- If the weight of a cat exceeds 8 kg, then you should combine pipettes of different volumes, taking into account that for each kilogram of weight you need 0.1 ml of the drug.
How to use
Before treatment, bathe the animal with flea shampoo. Allow the coat to dry completely before applying the product. Follow these steps:
- Take one pipette. Unscrew the cap. Turn it over and put it back on to break through the protective membrane.
- Hold the animal with your hands.
- Gently part the fur so that the medicine gets onto your pet's skin.
- Add a few drops. On large pets, the product must be applied in several places.
- The drug should be dripped in places inaccessible to the animal for licking. The back of the head and the area around the neck are great.
Rules of application
Applying flea drops
A simple method of use is one of the main advantages of Advantage drops.
- Remove the protective cap from the tube and put it back onto the “nose” of the pipette.
- You can pierce the protective membrane of the drops if you twist the cap a little.
- The drug is applied to the surface of the skin by pressing on the tube, after first spreading the cat's fur. It is important to choose an area that is not accessible to the animal for licking (Advantage drops are usually used on the withers).
- It is contraindicated to apply the product to damaged skin where there are abrasions and wounds.
- The product is applied at the rate of 1 tube per pet.
- The result of the drug can be observed after 12 hours.
- Advantage drops retain their protective power for 30 days.
Advantage flea remedy must be stored in a dry, dark place out of reach of children at a temperature of 0 to 25 °C. The drug is good for 4 years in sealed packaging.
Features of application
In order for Advantage for cats to be effective and safe, you should follow a number of simple recommendations and rules:
- Treatment cannot be carried out if there are wounds, bruises, scratches or other injuries on the animal’s body.
- After applying the medicine in the first days, you need to avoid swimming and accidental contact with water (getting caught in the rain, walking on wet grass, and so on).
- If there are several animals in the house, on the first day they need to be isolated from each other so that they cannot lick the drug.
- In case of severe infestation, it is recommended to additionally treat the litter and household items.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- For treatment and prevention, the drug is used in equal doses.
Security measures
For maximum effect, you must study the instructions and follow all recommendations:
Treatment should be carried out in an open area with good air circulation. If this is not possible, the procedure is carried out in a cool and ventilated room. During the manipulation process, it is not recommended to eat, smoke, or drink alcohol. To avoid an allergic response in humans, it is necessary to protect your hands with rubber gloves. After finishing the treatment, you need to wash your hands using soap. If antiparasitic drops get on the mucous membrane, you should immediately wash them off with water. The cat should not be wetted for 24 hours after the procedure. During this time, the medicine will be absorbed into the animal’s skin.
During these hours, it is important to exclude any contact between the pet and babies. If 2 cats are being treated, then they need to be seated in different rooms. This will eliminate the possibility of one pet licking the product from the fur of another.
Contraindications and side effects
Since the product is low-toxic and does not have a negative effect on the body, it has practically no contraindications. It should not be used for kittens whose age has not reached 8 weeks, and if there is an individual intolerance to the components. In this case, allergic reactions may occur.
In rare cases, Advantage causes skin redness and irritation. Usually, unpleasant symptoms go away on their own within a couple of days. If this does not happen or the irritation intensifies and causes discomfort to the animal, you should contact a veterinarian.
In case of an overdose, your pet may experience:
- muscle tremors;
- increased salivation;
- dilated pupils;
- depressed state.
If such symptoms appear, you must immediately wash the animal with soap or shampoo, and also take measures to remove the active substance from the body. Symptomatic treatment may be necessary depending on the signs of overdose.
If the medicine gets inside the body, appetite may worsen, vomiting and nausea, general weakness, and so on may appear. In this case, it is necessary to give the animal activated carbon or another sorbent and seek help from a doctor.
Advantages and disadvantages of Advantix
You can form an objective opinion about the product after studying the advantages and disadvantages of the product.
Pros of use:
- ease of use is ensured by disposable pipette tubes;
- preventing substances from entering the bloodstream allows pregnant dogs to be treated with drops;
- there is no need to give the product orally - it is applied only superficially.
The advantages of Advantix include the possibility of treating pregnant dogs, but the disadvantages are the high cost.
Disadvantages of use:
- significant financial costs due to the relatively high cost of the product;
- negative impact on the dog’s health if the components of the drug accidentally enter the body;
- a ban on keeping dogs and cats together in the same room while using drops;
- restriction on communication between the animal and children for up to 24 hours after treatment.
Among the nuances of use, the lack of an antiallergic effect should also be highlighted, therefore, to eliminate the itching caused by bites, the pet owner will have to supplement the therapy with antihistamines.
Safety precautions and storage rules
According to the instructions for use, Advantage is safe for cats and people, but you still need to take basic precautions when using it:
- When carrying out insecticide treatment, use rubber gloves, especially if you have hypersensitivity and a tendency to allergic reactions.
- Upon completion of the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly.
- Do not stroke the animal with your hands until the preparation is completely dry.
- In the first 1-2 days, contact between the cat and small children should be avoided.
- It is recommended to carry out the procedure in the fresh air or in a ventilated area.
- Empty pipettes should not be used for household purposes or allowed to be played with by children. They must be disposed of.
- If you accidentally ingest the drug into your body, you should immediately go to the hospital. Don't forget to take your packaging with you.
The drug should be stored in its original packaging in a place protected from the sun and excessive humidity. The air temperature should be between 0 and 25˚C. Pay attention to expiration dates; do not use Advantage for cats after they have expired.
Advantage, for cats over 4 kg, 1 pipette 0.8 ml
INSTRUCTIONS for the use of Advantage for the treatment and prevention of entomosis in dogs and cats (Developer organization: Germany)
GENERAL INFORMATION Trade name of the medicinal product: Advantage. International nonproprietary name: imidacloprid. Dosage form: solution for external use. Advantage in 1 ml contains imidacloprid - 100 mg as an active ingredient, as well as excipients: benzyl alcohol - 832 mg, propylene carbonate - 165 mg and butylated hydroxytoluene - up to 1 ml. In appearance it is a transparent liquid from yellow to light brown. Advantage is produced packaged in 0.4; 0.8; 1.0; 2.5 and 4.0 ml in polymer pipettes, sealed with a protective cap. The shelf life of the medicinal product, subject to storage conditions, is 5 years from the date of production. It is prohibited to use Advantage after the expiration date. Store the drug in the manufacturer's sealed packaging, in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight, separately from food and feed, at a temperature of 0°C to 25°C. Advantage should be kept out of the reach of children. Unused drug is disposed of in accordance with legal requirements.
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES Advantage belongs to the insecticidal preparations of the chloronicotinyl insecticide group. Imidacloprid {1-(6-chloro-3-pyredylmethyl) - N-nitro-imidazolidine-2}, which is part of the drug, has a pronounced insecticidal and larvicidal effect on fleas, lice, and lice that parasitize dogs and cats. The mechanism of action of imidoclaprid is based on interaction with acetylcholine receptors of arthropods and disruption of the transmission of nerve impulses, which causes the death of insects. After applying the drug to the skin, imidocloprid is gradually distributed over the entire surface of the body and, practically without being absorbed into the systemic bloodstream, accumulates in the epidermis, hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the animal, providing a long-term (up to 4 weeks) contact insecticidal effect. In terms of the degree of impact on the body, Advantage is classified as a low-hazard substance (hazard class 4 according to GOST 12.1.007-76); when applied to the skin, it does not have a locally irritating, resorptive-toxic, embryotoxic, teratogenic, mutagenic or sensitizing effect. in the eyes causes mild irritation.
ORDER OF APPLICATION Advantage is used to kill insects (fleas, lice, lice) that parasitize dogs and cats. A contraindication for use is the animal’s individual hypersensitivity to the components of the drug (including a history of it). Advantage should not be used on kittens under 10 weeks of age and puppies under 8 weeks of age. Treatment of pregnant and lactating females, if necessary, should be carried out with caution under the supervision of a veterinarian. Advantage is administered to animals once by drop (“spot-on”) application to dry, intact skin. Before use, remove the protective cap from the pipette and, positioning it vertically, pierce the protective membrane of the pipette nose (putting the cap on the back side), then remove the cap again and, spreading the fur, apply the drug to the animal, squeezing it out of the pipette onto the skin in places inaccessible for licking (for dogs, between the shoulder blades at the base of the neck; for cats, on the back of the head). Depending on the type and weight of the animal, Advantage of various packaging is used in the doses indicated in the table:
Type and weight of the animal | Pipette markings | Number of pipettes used (pieces) |
Dogs: | ||
up to 4 kg | Advantage 40 | 1 |
4-10 kg | Advantage 100 | 1 |
11-25 kg | Advantage 250 | 1 |
25-40 kg | Advantage 400 | 1 |
More than 40 kg | Advantage | Combination of pipettes of various packaging |
Cats: | ||
up to 4 kg | Advantage 40 | 1 |
4-8 kg | Advantage 80 | 1 |
More than 8 kg | Advantage 40 Advantage 80 | Combination of pipettes of various packaging |
When treating dogs weighing more than 40 kg and cats weighing more than 8 kg, use combinations of pipettes of various packaging at a rate of 0.1 ml/kg. When treating large dogs, the contents of the pipette are applied to the skin in three or four places from the shoulder blades to the base of the tail; the death of insects parasitizing the animal occurs within 12 hours. The protective effect of the drug after a single treatment of the animal lasts up to 4 weeks. Repeated treatments of animals during the season of parasite activity are carried out according to indications, but not more than once every 28 days. When treating allergic dermatitis caused by insects, it is advisable to use the drug in combination with drugs for pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy. In case of an overdose of the drug, some animals may experience a depressed state, dilated pupils, increased salivation, and muscle tremors. In this case, the drug is washed off with water and detergent and general measures are used to remove it from the body. No specific effects of the drug upon first use or upon its discontinuation have been identified. Violations of the drug use regimen should be avoided, as this may lead to a decrease in effectiveness. As a rule, there are no side effects or complications when using the drug in accordance with these instructions. In rare cases, after using the drug in animals, individual skin reactions (redness, itching) are possible, which spontaneously disappear within 1-4 days and do not require the use of medications. Licking the drug can cause increased salivation in the animal, since the drug has a bitter taste, which is not a sign of poisoning and goes away spontaneously after a few minutes. If allergic reactions occur in an animal sensitive to the components of the drug, the drug should be thoroughly washed off with soap and water and the fur should be rinsed with plenty of running water, and, if necessary, antihistamines and symptomatic agents should be prescribed. Advantage should not be used simultaneously with other insectoacaricidal drugs. Advantage is not intended for use in productive animals.
PERSONAL PREVENTION MEASURES When working with Advantage, you should follow the general rules of personal hygiene and safety precautions provided for when working with medicines. While working with the drug, it is not allowed to smoke, drink or eat. After finishing work, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Do not pet or allow the animal near small children (until the area where the drug is applied becomes dry) for 24 hours after treatment. In case of accidental contact of the drug with the skin or mucous membranes of the eyes, they must be rinsed with plenty of water. People with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug should avoid direct contact with Advantagegem. If allergic reactions occur or if the drug accidentally enters the human body, you should immediately contact a medical facility (bring with you the instructions for use of the drug or the label). Empty drug packaging must not be used for household purposes; they must be disposed of with household waste.
Owner reviews
Lyudmila, owner of a 5-month-old kitten:
“We adopted a cute kitten from a friend. When we went to the dacha, I noticed that I was starting to itch. I bought Bars drops, but there was no effect. Upon returning to the city we went to the clinic. On the advice of the veterinarian, I used German drops. After a few days, the kitten completely stopped itching. There were no negative reactions noted.”
Galina, owner of a 5-year-old cat:
“I don’t use antiparasitic agents, since our cat doesn’t leave the house and is rarely even on the balcony. One day I noticed two fleas. I decided to take action immediately. I bought Advantage drops (recommended at the pharmacy). Three days later I conducted a detailed inspection, no insects were found, so I can confirm the effectiveness of the product.”
Beneficial features
The flea remedy for cats, Advantage, has many positive reviews; veterinarians often recommend this particular drug to combat insects.
Features of the medicine:
- Can be used to treat pregnant and lactating females and kittens (consultation with a veterinarian is required first).
- Does not pose a danger to humans.
- Destroys parasites in 12 hours.
- Protects after disinfestation for 30 days.
- The liquid is resistant to water.
Despite the many advantages of Advantage, it has contraindications - if you are individually intolerant to the drug, you cannot use it. There is also a risk of side effects - in this case, these drops cannot be used and you will need to consult a doctor.
Contraindications
Advantage drops are low-toxic, which allows them to be used by pregnant and lactating cats. You need to be careful when using the drug, since any insecticide is poison, and ingestion can cause serious problems. Like all chemicals, the medicine has contraindications:
- It is not recommended to use the product on sick, weakened or exhausted animals. It is prohibited to use it to treat animals that have recently undergone surgery or serious illness. It is not recommended to use the medicine during the rehabilitation period after surgery or in case of serious illness;
- It is prohibited to use the medication in the presence of dermatological damage, with the exception of flea dermatitis, which occurs as an allergic reaction to a flea bite;
- It is not recommended to use the drug if you are individually sensitive to its components;
- It is not allowed to use the product for animals weighing up to 4 kg and for treating kittens up to 10 weeks.
You might like to read: What is the most effective flea treatment for cats?
Side effects
According to reviews from experts and cat owners, Advantage is well tolerated by animals and adverse reactions rarely occur as a result of exceeding the dosage or violating the requirements specified in the instructions.
Occasionally, skin irritation may occur at the site of application of the drug, which goes away on its own, without treatment, within a few days. Side effects may bother your pet if he has an individual intolerance to the components of the drug. In this case, the cat may develop weakness, apathy, lack of appetite, tremors, nausea with vomiting, and convulsions.
The appearance of these symptoms is a reason to contact a veterinarian. In some cases, the area where the drug is applied is washed with warm soapy water and wiped with alcohol. Afterwards, symptomatic treatment is prescribed.
A negative reaction in the form of excessive salivation may also be due to the fact that the cat licked itself after treatment. The instructions indicate that the best place to apply the product is at the withers, since the cat cannot reach there to lick the fur. But if this happens, don't worry too much. This reaction does not require treatment and goes away within a maximum of an hour, without intervention. If a cat observes such a reaction, you can give a sorbent (half a tablet of activated carbon) and provide access to clean drinking water.
special instructions
Before processing, you need to prepare protective gloves for your hands, avoid contact of the substance with human skin, as well as licking drops by animals. If there are several pets in the house, each of them should be treated to avoid re-infection.
How to achieve maximum effect:
- Apply Advantage liquid directly to the animal's skin, not to the fur.
- You should not bathe the animal after disinfestation for 2-3 days.
- Before applying the drops, you need to weigh your pet to know the exact dosage.
When purchasing, you should pay attention to the expiration date, manufacturer and integrity of the packaging. It is advisable to purchase the product only from popular pet store chains, as there is a risk of purchasing a counterfeit flea drug.
Advantage flea drops allow you to get rid of fleas after the first treatment, cause virtually no side effects and are safe. The product has a high rating and good reviews and is recommended by veterinarians. However, before use, you should carefully read the instructions so as not to harm your pet.
Mechanism of action
After applying the drug to the cat’s skin, the active substance is gradually and evenly distributed throughout the animal’s body without being absorbed into the bloodstream. Imidacloprid accumulates in hair follicles, on the skin and in the sebaceous glands, thereby providing long-term insecticidal contact effects. The effect lasts for a month.
If the instructions and standards are followed, Advantage drops do not cause skin irritation or other negative reactions of the body. Under the influence of the drug, pests begin to convulse, followed by death.
Precautionary measures
Based on the type of effect on the body of mammals, Advantage belongs to the category of low-hazard substances (hazard class 4). During the treatment of a cat, the drug does not have a locally irritating, resorptive-toxic, teratogenic, embryotoxic, mutagenic or sensitizing effect. If the drug gets into the eyes, a reaction characteristic of mild irritation of the mucous membranes may occur.
The product should be applied not to the fur, but to the skin. After applying the fluff, it is better to hold it on your hands for a while until the medication is completely absorbed into the skin and the fur dries. Treating a cat with Advantage drops should be done outdoors. If this is not possible, the procedure is carried out in a well-ventilated area.
It is recommended to bathe your pet no earlier than 4-5 days after using the drops, despite the fact that the drug is waterproof.
Advantage must be stored in places inaccessible to children and pets, in dry and protected from light conditions, at a temperature of 0-25 degrees.
Persons prone to allergic reactions should avoid direct contact with the drug. Pipettes and empty containers must be disposed of with household waste after use.
It is not allowed to pet or allow the cat near children and people prone to allergies for 24 hours after treatment.