About K-9 Advantix for Dogs

K-9 Advantix is one of the many flea and tick control products available to consumers looking to control parasites on their dog or puppy. One of the things that makes this canine flea control product unique is that K-9 Advantix contains ingredients usually only found in prescription medications. Easily accessible and easy to use, K-9 Advantix has both benefits and disadvantages.

  1. Identification

    • K-9 Advantix is a brand-name flea and tick control product manufactured by Bayer's Animal Health division. A topical, oil-based solution that is applied directly to the dog's fur, K-9 Advantix is available over the counter, without a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. K-9 Advantix comes in different formulations based upon the dog's weight. This ensures that the optimal dose of the medication is given to your dog.

    Function

    • The active ingredients in K-9 Advantix are imidacloprid and permethrin. Both of these interfere with the chemicals in an insect's brain, paralyzing and subsequently killing it. The K-9 Advantix website says that adult fleas are paralyzed within three to five minutes after applying the medication to your dog, and 98 percent of fleas are killed within 12 hours of application. K-9 Advantix protects dogs for up to one month.

    Benefits

    • K-9 Advantix kills flea larvae, preventing them from becoming biting adult fleas. It also provides protection against ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies and chewing lice. K-9 Advantix is waterproof and does not need to be reapplied after swimming or bathing, according to the manufacturer.

    Considerations

    • Do not apply K-9 Advantix to cats. A cat's body is unable to process permethrin. If you have cats in your home, do not allow them to lick your dog immediately after applying K-9 Advantix.

      Dogs who are extremely young or extremely old, pregnant, nursing, ill, suffering from liver or kidney disease, or otherwise have their immune system compromised should not use K-9 Advantix.

    Side Effects

    • Signs of a severe allergic reaction or overdose include excessive salivation or thirst, lack of appetite, lethargy or hyperactivity, awkward or uncoordinated movements, sleepiness, vomiting, enteric distress, seizure and death. Speak to a licensed veterinarian if you observe these symptoms or have concerns about any other abnormal behavior that appears after applying K-9 Advantix.

      Less serious side effects include temporary eye irritation and rash or irritation limited to the application site. These effects typically resolve themselves within 12 to 24 hours after application, according to "The Veterinary Formulary."