Advantage Flea Control Side Effects

Advantage, made by the pharmaceutical company Bayer, is the brand name for the insecticide imidacloprid. According to the manufacturer, Advantage works by paralyzing the adult flea. The usual dosage is one application a month in between a dog's shoulder blades, but your vet may recommend that you use it only once every other month. Side effects are rare.

  1. Greasy Spot on Fur

    • The most common side effect is a greasy or wet patch on the fur where the Advantage was applied. It can stay wet for up to 24 hours.

    Drooling

    • This happens more to cats than to dogs. If the pet licks off the Advantage, he they will drool because Advantage tastes bad.

    Warning

    • Advantage for dogs should not be used on cats. Advantage made specifically for dogs is too powerful for cats and can lead to overdose symptoms.

    Overdose Symptoms

    • According to "The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat," Advantage overdose symptoms are muscle twitches and loss of coordination. Call your vet immediately if this happens.

    Time Frame

    • Never give Advantage to puppies or kittens under 2 months old. Advantage kills only adult fleas, so it needs to be used year-round.