What Is Advantage Multi
Advantage Multi is an effective, convenient monthly topical solution for dogs and cats. It offers broad spectrum parasite protection in one easy application.
Advantage Multi for Dogs offers heartworm disease prevention that forgives if you forget. We all know how busy life can be and remembering to give heartworm protection on the same day every month can be a challenge. With Advantage Multi for Dogs, if you forget and go over 30 days between applications, just treat immediately and resume your monthly schedule. Advantage Multi for Dogs also kills adult fleas through contact, meaning they dont have to bite your dog to die. Additionally, the product treats flea infestations as well as 3 common intestinal parasites that infect and harm dogs . It also treats a very itchy skin mite called sarcoptes, which can infect people.
Advantage Multi for Cats kills adult fleas through contact meaning they don’t have to bite and feed on your cat to die. It treats flea infestations as well as treats and controls the common occurring ear mite and intestinal parasites roundworms and hookworms. Advantage Multi for Cats prevents also heartworm disease, an often overlooked concern in cats. Additionally, Advantage Multi for Cats is also the first and only FDA-approved product to kill adult fleas, treat flea infestations, and prevent heartworm disease in ferrets.
About Advantage Multi For Cats
Advantage Multis main ingredients are imidacloprid and moxidectin, which work in combination to kill adult fleas, mosquito-borne heartworms, intestinal roundworms and hookworms, and ear mite infestations.
Advantage spot-on products are applied to the surface of a small target area or spot of the skin, usually in front of the shoulders at the back of the neck.
Advantage Multi collects in the oils of the skin and hair, allowing for continual release, lending to its 30 day period of efficacy for fleas. Per the product label, it can start killing fleas within 2 hours and can kill all adult fleas within 12 hours.
The moxidectin in Advantage Multi is absorbed systemically, which is necessary for its effects against heartworms, intestinal parasites, and ear mites.
It is important to note that while fleas are affected by Advantage Multi by coming in contact with the skin and dont have to actually bite a kitty to die, Advantage products for cats do not provide true repellency that would prevent fleas or ticks from coming in contact with a pet.
While Advantage Multi does prevent mosquito-borne heartworm disease, it is also important to note that Advantage Multi does not repel or kill mosquitos themselves.
Are There Any Drug Interactions I Should Be Aware Of
Specific interactions with moxidectin have not been reported, however, benzodiazepines should be closely monitored when used with moxidectin.
In dogs with MDR1 genetic mutations, the following medications should not be used or should be used with caution with moxidectin: amiodarone, carvedilol, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, quinidine, spinosad, spironolactone, tamoxifen, verapamil.
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications that your pet is taking.
Don’t Miss: What Did Lovecraft Name His Car
Will Advantage Hurt My Cat
The short answer is, not if you use one of the cat-only products and apply it properly. While a hypersensitivity or allergic response to one of the ingredients is possible, this is very rare and most cats tolerate the feline Advantage products quite well.
Not all, but most cases of topical flea/tick product reactions or adverse effects in cats come from either an improper product being used, or the proper product not being applied correctly.
Topical products like Advantage II and Advantage Multi are not meant to be ingested, and should be applied in front of the shoulders on the back of the neck where a kitty is least able to reach to lick. Application elsewhere on the body can provide an opportunity for a fastidiously grooming kitty to lick off and ingest the product.
In multiple pet households where housemate cats or dogs may lick or groom each other, it may be advisable to keep them separate from each other for 24 hours after application of a topical product to allow the product to fully disperse and dry. This is especially true if a product containing permethrin is applied to a dog in a household also containing cats.
Although changes in product labeling requirements have made things better, there can sometimes be confusion among pet parents when choosing products to apply, especially in homes with both dogs and cats.
Using Caution With Other Flea/tick Products
While Advantage Multi for Cats has been established as a safe product, the active ingredients may be found in other products in combination with other ingredients that are not safe for cats. This is especially the case with dog products like K9 Advtantix II, which has a similar name and similar-appearing packaging. K9 Advantix II contains permethrin, which is extremely toxic to cats.
Fortunately, these products are now required to include a warning against use in cats. But just to be safe, when selecting a flea/tick product for your kitty, always make sure the product includes a picture of a cat and indicates the product is specifically for cats.
It is also always advisable if you have a pup and kitty who like to hang out together or groom each other, to separate them for 24 hours after applying a topical product to your dog, especially if the product contains permethrin.
If you have any concerns for potential toxicity, even if you think your kitty might have just licked some Advantage Multi off her fur and is having a bitter taste reaction, it is always best to contact your veterinarian, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for further advice.
And lastly, topical products like Advantage Multi have been known to cause skin and eye irritation in people. It is best to avoid contact with the solution during application and to wash your hands after.
Read Also: Drawing Miraculous Ladybug And Cat Noir
Application Instructions For Advantage Multi For Cats:
For the first 30 minutes after application, ensure that dogs and cats cannot lick the product from the application sites on themselves or other treated pets. Separate treated pets from one another and from other pets to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. Wash hands with soap and water after handling. Do not let children touch the treated pet’s skin for at least 30 minutes after applying the product. Do not get these products in your pet’s mouth or eyes.
Is Advantage For Cats Effective
The ingredients in Advantage II for cats appear to be effective against fleas and assisting in clearing out flea infestations.
However, the question of flea resistance to products like Advantage II and the idea that they dont work comes up often. The 2017 article Perception vs. Reality: Insecticide Resistance in Fleas from DVM360 that refers to an article published in American Veterinarian that same year addresses this topic.
An entomology professor from the University of California heavily investigated this question and concluded that while resistance has been seen to some flea control or prevention products, true chemical resistance in fleas with fipronil, imidacloprid, and some other newer products on the market has not yet been demonstrated.
In many cases, when a pup or kitty parent is still seeing live fleas on their pet after a product has been applied, this issue can most often be traced back to incorrect use or application of the product, as well as poor expectations.
Following are some common errors or misperceptions.
Don’t Miss: Domestic Shorthair Calico
What Does Advantage Multi Do For Cats
Advantage Multi contains imidacloprid and moxidectin. Imidacloprid works fast to kill fleas by acting on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the central nervous system, essentially causing paralysis and death of the flea.
The addition of moxidectin provides a spectrum of action against ear mites, the mosquito-borne heartworm Dirofilaria immitis, and two intestinal parasites: the roundworm Toxocara cati and the hookworm Ancylostoma tubaeforme.
Moxidectin largely acts to kill nematodes and arthropods by inhibiting the electrical activity of their nerve cells and muscle cells.
Unlike Advantage II, Advantage Multi does not contain pyriproxyfen, so it is not effective against flea eggs and larvae, only adult fleas.
How We Picked And Tested
To find the best flea and tick treatments, we spoke with six pet and pesticide experts about medications, side effects, active ingredients, and regulatory concerns. Our two veterinarians shared their personal product recommendations and shopping advice, which guided us in this review. They agreed that flea and tick treatments should both kill and protect against these bugs and work for at least 30 days. They also shared the favorite treatments they recommend to their own clients. We cross-referenced their advice with dozens of treatments sold across retailers like 1-800-PetMeds, Amazon, Chewy, Petco, and PetSmart, among others.
We categorized our search by orals/chews, topicals, collars, sprays, and shampoos. We dismissed sprays and shampoos because they offer protection for only days or a week at a time, and pet owners are more likely to misuse them compared with other products. That left us with eight brands of chews, topicals, and collars for cats or dogs. We selected the four brands that were highly recommended by our experts, that kill and protect against a wide range of pests, and that are sold across retailers at a variety of budgets.
You May Like: How To Draw A Kitten Art Hub
What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Advantage Multi
If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop using Advantage Multi and seek emergency veterinary medical attention: an allergic reaction . Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows scratching, rubbing, licking the application site, lethargy, decreased appetite, or hyperactivity. Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows lethargy and prolonged periods of sleep, behavioral changes including agitation, excessive grooming, hiding, pacing, etc., discomfort at the application site , increased salivation within 1 hour of treatment, increased drinking, or coughing. A medicinal odor and residue at the application site may also be noticed. Ingestion of this product by pets may cause serious adverse reactions including depression, salivation, dilated pupils, incoordination, panting, and generalized muscle tremors. In avermectin sensitive pets, the signs may be more severe and may include coma and death. Hair may appear stiff, matted oily, or damp after application. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.
When In Doubt Ask Your Vet
The right treatment depends on your location, your activities, and your pets medical history. Pet owners who hike with their dogs have different needs than those who have house cats. Avoid just grabbing any box off the shelfinstead talk with your vet, who will be aware of recent pest outbreaks in the area, product recalls, and your pets medical history. All pesticides have risks, from skin irritation to seizures. We recommend only FDA-approved or EPA-registered treatments that both kill and protect against pests. All are regulated to ensure safety and efficacy, said Dr. Jennifer Welser of . Treatments that both destroy and defend against pests ensure that your pet is protected 24/7.
If your pet has a minor reaction to the flea and tick product, such as application site discomfort, dont freak out. I do see topical site reactions and its not common, but some animals just have more sensitive skin than others, said Dr. Tierra Price, whos a shelter veterinarian and the founder of the BlackDVM Network. She added that its best to consult your vet before switching to a different flea and tick treatment if youre worried about side effects.
Our experts said pet owners shouldnt dismiss these products entirely. Its possible there were multiple factors that could contribute to problems, noted Jennifer Gervais, a pesticide specialist with the National Pesticide Information Center, an EPA partner. We just dont know.
You May Like: How Old Is My Kitten In Human Years
Buy Advantage Multi For Cats
Advantage Multi for cats is a monthly topical spot-on treatment that controls fleas, heartworm, gastrointestinal worms , demodicosis and ear mite infestation. This is an effective treatment, which spreads rapidly over your pet’s body and kills 98-100% of adult fleas within 12 hours of application. It also destroys flea larvae, treats and controls intestinal worms including roundworms and hookworms. Moreover, it is also used to treat ear mites in cats. Advantage multi is safe to use on kittens 9 weeks of age and above.
- Kills adult fleas and treats flea infestation
- Treats and controls ear mites
- Treats and controls common intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms
- Prevents heartworm disease in cats
- Weigh your pet and choose the appropriate product for your cat.
- Let your cat stand in one position.
- Part the fur of the cat at the base of the skull until the skin is visible.
- Place the tip of the pipette on the skin and squeeze out the content until the pipette is empty.
- Do not touch the applied area, until it completely dries.
- Keep the children and other pets away from the treated pets.
- Keep it away from the pet’s eyes and mouth while applying the treatment.
- Do not treat pregnant, sick, weak, lactating and breeding pets without consulting the vet.
- Do not treat felines who are allergic to the contents of this spot-on.
- Do not smoke, drink or chew gum while treating your pet.
- Sterilize your hands before and after application.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Advantage Multi
Advantage Multi for Dogs is available in the following concentrations Advantage Multi 9 containing imidacloprid 40 mg and moxidectin 10 mg in 0.4 ml tubes for dogs 3-9 lbs, Advantage Multi 20 containing imidacloprid 100 mg and moxidectin 25 mg in 1 ml tubes for dogs 9.1 to 20 lbs, Advantage Multi 55 containing imidacloprid 250 mg and moxidectin 62.5 mg in 2.5 ml tubes for dogs 20.1-55 lbs, Advantage Multi 88 containing imidacloprid 400 mg and moxidectin 100 mg in 4 ml tubes for dogs 55.1 to 88 lbs, and Advantage Multi 110 containing imidacloprid 500 mg and moxidectin 125 mg in 5 ml tubes for dogs 88.1 to 110 lbs. For dogs over 110 lbs, use the appropriate combination of Advantage Multi for Dogs tubes. Advantage Multi for Cats is available in the following concentrations Advantage Multi containing imidacloprid 23 mg and moxidectin 2.3 mg in 0.23 ml tubes for cats 2-5 lbs, Advantage Multi 9 containing imidacloprid 40 mg and moxidectin 4 mg in 0.4 ml tubes for cats 5.1 to 9 lbs, and Advantage Multi 18 containing imidacloprid 80 mg and moxidectin 8 mg in 0.8 ml tubes for cats 9.1 to 18 lbs. For cats over 18 lbs, use the appropriate combination. Children should not come in contact with the application site for two hours after application.
Recommended Reading: Cat Name From Hocus Pocus
Side Effects Of Advantage For Cats
When used properly, side effects to Advantage products for cats are uncommon. Advantage II is labeled only for cats less than 8 weeks of age and Advantage Multi is only for cats less than 9 weeks of age. Topical products like Advantage should never be ingested.
According to the product label for Advantage II, the most common side effects, though generally uncommon, include skin irritation and scratching at the application site. Digestive upset signs like excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea have also been reported.
Advantage Multi reports similar side effects with the addition of a small number of cats showing signs of behavioral change like agitation and excessive grooming, as well as lethargy.
Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen as found in Advantage II are generally quite safe, even if a little is accidentally ingested.
However, the products are very bitter tasting. If a kitty were to lick recently applied Advantage II off either themselves or a housemate, the bitter taste alone can lead to excessive drooling, agitation, and sometimes even vomiting.
According to DVM360s article Toxicology Brief: The 10 most common toxicoses in cats this effect is typically not a true toxicity, but a sometimes dramatic reaction to the bitter taste. Providing milk or liquid from a tuna can help resolve the signs in short order.
What About Flea Sprays
Flea sprays are cheaper than their topical or oral counterparts. But many products need weekly applications, so in the long run they arent as cost-effective or convenient as a monthly topical or chew. Since these treatments kill on contact, you also generally need to spray down your entire pet, which takes a lot more work than a couple of drops on the scruff of the neck.
Some treatments, like Advantage Treatment Spray for Dogs, direct owners to rub the spray around the pets eyes, nose, and mouth, and they can cause adverse reactions if ingested. Others, like Vets Best Flea & Tick Home Spray for Cats, contain essential oils that are toxic to cats. Some sprays also contain alcoholwhich sometimes isnt disclosedwarned the ASPCAs Wismer. If a pet is soaked with one of these products, they can actually become intoxicated, and this requires immediate veterinary care, she said.
Also Check: How Do You Figure Cat Years