If you are a dog owner, you have probably dealt with fleas at some point in your life. Dogs are often the victim of fleas since they are outside often and the fleas can hop on when the dog passes. You can try a number of different flea products that are available commercially, including sprays, dips and shampoos. Another option is Advantage. Knowing about Advantage will help you decide if it is the right flea treatment for your dog.
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What It Is
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Advantage is topical flea treatment. It is applied once a month to help kill and prevent fleas on your dog. It is not intended to prevent other parasites, such as ticks, according to Flea Control Guide. It can be found at your vet as well as your local pet stores. It does not require a prescription to purchase it.
How it Works
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It uses a chemical known as imidacloprid. This chemical attacks the flea, causing paralysis. Shortly after paralysis, the flea begins to die. It is effective at killing adult fleas as well as the larvae. It also prevents adult fleas from laying eggs, helping to break the life cycle of the flea.
Benefits
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Advantage is a fast acting flea treatment. Your dog will start to have some relief from fleas in a matter of minutes. Usually, three to five minutes after application, the fleas will begin to be paralyzed, stopping the biting. After the initial paralysis, fleas begin to die in the first hour. After 12 hours, nearly all the fleas will be dead, according to A Cat Dog. Because it is a single, once-a-month treatment, you will not have to spend lots of time or money every month applying products to your dog.
How It Is Used
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Application of Advantage is simple. The treatment comes in small, individual treatment containers. All you have to do is remove the lid from the container and press the tip of the applicator directly against your dog's skin. You then squeeze the liquid to apply it. For best results, it is recommended that you apply the entire container over three to four spots on your dog's back, starting at the shoulder blades and moving to the base of your dog's tail.
Precautions
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Advantage is a safe and effective flea treatment; however, as with any chemical, individual dogs may have an unwanted physical reactions to the treatment. Some dogs have been known to become lethargic or itch at the application site. If you notice your dog is having a negative reaction to the treatment, contact your vet immediately. Also, dogs under seven weeks old should not be treated with Advantage, nor should debilitated dogs. It is also important to note that you should wash your hands after application to avoid it getting in your own eyes, which could cause irritation.
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