The Best and Safest Flea Control: Advantage vs. Frontline Plus

When it comes to pet health, one of the most important elements to consider is flea and tick control and treatment. Cats and dogs can contract fleas and ticks from other animals, from the backyard, the long grass in the park or a host of other places. There are many flea and tick control treatments available in the market; the two best known are Advantage and Frontline Plus.

  1. Fleas

    • When it comes to a flea control treatment, both Advantage and Frontline Plus promise to kill up to 100 percent of fleas within 12 hours of application. Both treatments also require a monthly application, with one application continuing to kill fleas for up to four weeks. Both cats and dogs need to be treated for fleas for their entire lifespan. Once a pet is used to a specific brand, continue with it. A change might cause adverse effects. Advantage can be used on cats and dogs seven weeks and older, while Frontline Plus can be used on cats and dogs eight weeks and older. If the treatment is required for flea control only, both Advantage and Frontline Plus will be effective. Although both treatments are available over the counter, it is always safe to consult a veterinarian first as some pets might have skin sensitivities.

    Ticks

    • Frontline Plus treats fleas and ticks for a month, killing both within 12 hours of application and requiring a monthly application for both, over the entire lifespan of the animal. Advantage on the other hand, makes no claim with regard to tick treatment. So if the treatment is required for fleas and ticks, Frontline Plus would be the safer choice.

    Lice

    • Advantage treats fleas and lice for a month, killing both within 12 hours of application and requiring a monthly application for both, over the entire lifespan of the animal. Frontline Plus makes no claim with regard to lice treatment. So if the treatment is required for fleas and lice, Advantage would be the safer choice, dealing with both equally.

    Correct Dosage

    • Both treatments come in dosage selections based on weight. Advantage has four weight groups for dogs: (up to 10 lbs; 11 to 20 lbs; 21 to 55 lbs; and 55 lbs and over); two weight groups for cats (up to 9 lbs; and over 9 lbs). Frontline Plus also has four weight groups for dogs (up to 22 lbs; 23 to 44 lbs; 45 to 88 lbs; and 89 to 132 lbs), but no weight groups for cats.

    Application and Packaging

    • Both treatments come in a safe-and-easy-to-use, single-dose applicator tube form; they are safely sealed and boxed for home storage. Both require breaking off the tip of the tube, followed by emptying the entire tube on a hard-to-reach area of the animal. Advantage recommends applying the entire tube between the shoulder blades of the cat or dog, except when applying to large dogs. If a dog falls within the last two weight groups (21 to 55 lbs and 55 lbs and over), Advantage recommends applying the treatment to three or four different spots across the back: between the shoulder blades, at the base of the tail and in one or two spots in between. Frontline Plus recommends applying the entire contents of the tube between the shoulder blades of the cat or dog, no matter the size.