Advantage Flea & Tick for Dogs

Advantage is a monthly preventative flea application for dogs. Unlike its competitor, Frontline, Advantage is not effective in killing ticks and requires secondary precautions to prevent tick infestation. There is no prescription required to obtain and use Advantage flea application on dogs and puppies.

  1. Benefits

    • The benefits of using Advantage is that it starts to work almost immediately. It stops fleas from biting within five minutes and starts to kill adult fleas within an hour. Within 12 hours of application, adult fleas are dead. It also attacks flea larvae, killing fleas at this stage within 20 minutes. Advantage is waterproof, maintaining flea protection after baths and swimming.

    Function

    • Advantage flea prevention works because of the active ingredient imidacloprid. Imidacloprid attacks the fleas' nervous system, first causing paralysis and leading to death. By killing adults and larvae, fleas are unable to lay eggs and the flea life cycle is broken quickly, limiting future problems with infestation. Advantage also kills lice your pet can acquire and spread.

    Method

    • The Advantage flea application comes in a squeeze tube with the required dosage for each size animal pre-measured. The application is administered on the skin behind the dog's shoulder blades on his back. For larger dogs, the application should be applied behind the shoulder blades and at the base of the tail. Use the entire contents of the applicator and discard the tube.

    Dosage

    • Advantage flea prevention can be used on puppies as young as 7 weeks old or older. There are different application dosages for different sized dogs, starting at 10 lbs. and under with a dosage of 0.4 ml. The next application dosage is for dogs sized 10 to 20 lbs. using a dosage of 1 ml. Mid-sized dogs weighing between 21 and 55 lbs. can use the third application dosage of 2.5 ml. while dogs over 55 lbs. use the maximum dosage of 4 ml.

    Cautions

    • Imidacloprid is a hazardous chemical that is dangerous if swallowed. Store Advantage away from children and pets. Accidental exposure to human or dog eyes can lead to irritation. Flush exposed eyes with fresh water. In rare instances, some pets have developed skin irritations and allergies with the use of Advantage. Consult your veterinarian if your dog is nursing, pregnant or otherwise medicated.