Difference Between Frontline & Advantage

Fleas are not just a nuisance for your pets but they are also a source of disease that can compromise your animal's health. Frontline Plus and Advantage are the two leading brands of flea treatments for dogs and cats. To make a decision between the two products requires knowledge of how Frontline Plus and Advantage are the same and different from one another.

  1. How It Works

    • Frontline Plus is manufactured by Merial in boxes of 3 or 6 liquid doses that are administered at the dog or cat̵7;s neck directly onto the skin. Advantage is manufactured by Bayer Animal Health in boxes of 4 or 6 dosages and also is applied to the animal̵7;s neck.

      The flea medication works within the hair follicles on the skin rather than being absorbed into the epidermis, killing the pests as they touch the animal̵7;s hair. This means that no bite is required in order to kill the fleas, avoiding transfer of deadly disease to your pet.

    Where to Purchase

    • Both Frontline Plus and Advantage are purchased from a veterinarian̵7;s office and effectively kill fleas within 12 hours of treatment with protection lasting up to 30 days. Neither Frontline Plus nor Advantage have adverse reactions with humans.

      The price between the two brands is similar, ranging from $10 to $15 per dose. Advantage is known to offer a free dose with the purchase of a set amount of their product.

    Dosage by Weight Differences

    • The dose you need to buy is determined by the weight of your dog, regardless of which brand you purchase. However, weight recommendations differ between the two companies. This may be important if you have multiple dogs with varied weights, as you may have to buy two different doses instead of just one.

      Advantage has four categories of dosing based on weight, which are: 10 pounds or less, 11 to 20 pounds, 21 to 55 pounds, and over 55 pounds. Frontline Plus also has four categories of dosing based on different weights, which are: up to 22 pounds, 23 to 44 pounds, 45 to 88 pounds and 89 to 132 pounds. Frontline̵7;s variance for weight seems wider and will allow for more overlap if you have multiple dogs.

      As for cats, Frontline has one cat dosage whereas Advantage has two dosages at up to 9 pounds and 9 pounds and over.

    Key Difference

    • The two medical treatments for fleas are very similar. However, Frontline Plus offers the added feature of tick protection whereas Advantage does not. This is the primary difference between the two products. Ticks are carriers of many diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, that can affect cats, dogs and owners. For owners who live in heavily wooded areas or locations prone to tick infestation, you should consider a product with the added ability to kill and repel ticks.

    Warnings

    • Neither Frontline Plus nor Advantage are approved for kittens or puppies under the age of 8 weeks old.

      Also, while the product is water resistant, frequent bathing of your pet can reduce effectiveness of both Frontline Plus and Advantage.

      While the active ingredients in both applications are not harmful to humans, you should try to avoid touching or rubbing the application spot on the nape of the neck.