Side Effects of K-9 Advantix and Advantage

Insecticidal agents, such as K-9 Advantix and Advantage, are meant for topical application on your pet to kill fleas. The active chemical, Imidacloprid, affects the central nervous system of the insects and eventually kills them without harming the animal, since it does not circulate through the blood, according to the Pet Place website. This relatively safe chemical treatment is not without some side effects. Know what these products can do to you and your pet prior to application.

  1. Allergies

    • Although Imidacloprid insecticide agents like K-9 Advantix and Advantage will not negatively affect most animals, those with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the active drug should not use it or it could result in rashes and other allergic symptoms. Ask the veterinarian about possible allergies in your animal. You will have to get a vet's prescription to obtain it.

    Twitching and Muscle Weakness

    • Twitching and muscle weakness could occur in some animals that have ingested a large amount of this topical formula. Overdose from Imidacloprid is very unlikely, according to the Pet Education website, but it is possible if the animal was able to get into the supply and actually ate it. Most animals would not eat much of the substance because of its bitter and unpleasant taste.

    Drooling

    • If an animal eats K-9 Advantix or Advantage, one side effect you initially may notice is excessive drooling. These products have an extremely bitter taste that can promote drooling in dogs. Sometimes a dog that has been treated with the drug will attempt to lick it off of its fur. The animal will not be able to ingest enough to do any real harm, but drooling may occur regardless. It is nothing to worry about and the dog will likely stop drooling with a drink of fresh water.

    Human Skin Contact

    • Humans who are applying K-9 Advantix or Advantage should wear gloves to prevent contact with the skin. These topical products are designed to work on animals with thicker skin and coarser hair than humans. Direct contact with softer, hairless human skin may result in toxicity, according to the New Zealand National Poisons Centre website.

      Imidacloprid could be absorbed by human skin and cause poisoning throughout the body. There is not enough information on the human interaction with the drug to know precisely what amount would be dangerous, but it is thought to be unlikely than a single exposure would cause serious problems. People with asthma may experience allergic dermatitis.

      The drug may be used to treat human head lice eventually, but at much lower dosage than the levels of K-9 Advantix or Advantage.