Advantage for dogs is a topical medication that’s used to treat flea infections. Dogs are at risk of catching flea infections the moment they roam outdoors. Adult fleas and ticks that are present on your pet’s body lay eggs around your home and multiply. Such flea and tick infestations are hard to get rid of. You must therefore use an all round approach to kill fleas that are attached to your pet’s body and those that survive in your environment.
Advantage Ingredients
Advantage has an active ingredient known as imidacloprid that kills adult fleas and destroys flea larvae. The medication is meant to stop adult fleas from biting your pet 5 minutes after it has been applied. The formula is also known to kill all adult fleas that are present on your pet’s body within 12 hours.
Since this topical solution targets flea larvae, it inhibits the multiplication of fleas and stops recurring infections. Advantage for dogs is available in varying doses. Since the dose is based on your pet’s weight you need to make sure you use the right applicator so that the medication works effectively.
Dosage and Administration of Advantage for Dogs
If your dog weighs 10 pounds, use the applicator that comes with the green box and apply the medication on the dog’s skin on the area between his shoulder blades. If the dog weighs between 11 and 20 pounds, use the applicator that’s provided in the teal box and apply the medication to the area between the pet’s shoulder blades.
If your dog weighs anything between 21 pounds and 55 pounds, use the red box and apply the medication from the top of the dog’s back (area between the shoulders) right down to his tail in 4 or 5 spots. Use the same application procedure for dogs that weigh more than 55 pounds but only buy and use the contents of the blue box.
Precautions When Using Advantage
This topical solution shouldn’t be used on dogs that are under 7 weeks of age. You should also follow the instructions listed on the package you buy and avoid getting the medication into the pet’s eyes, mouth or nose. Also make sure your dog doesn’t lick off the medication once it has been applied. Since Advantage can give you an eye irritation, wear gloves when you apply the product and wash your hands thoroughly, after you treat your pet.
This product may not be ideal for use on pregnant pets, geriatric pets or dogs that are recovering from severe illnesses. Although the medication is readily available over the counter, do not combine it with other flea control medications or solutions that contain pesticides.
Tips for Pet Owners:
- Look for signs of redness or irritation at the application site.
- Monitor your dog and make note of any unusual changes. Seek medical help if required.
- Store and dispose the medication according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep this topical solution away from pets and children.
- Consider using other flea control measures in your home to get rid of these parasites.
Advantage flea medication should be used only once a month. It’s best to start medicating your pet before the flea season begins. If you live in an area where flea infestation is high, you may have to use the medication all through the year.