Parastar Plus for Dogs vs. Preventic Amitraz Tick Collar for Dogs Comparison

Parastar Plus for Dogs

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Preventic Amitraz Tick Collar for Dogs

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Simparica

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Other Parasites Information

Eliminates infestations with chewing lice, aids in the control of sarcoptic mange infestation

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

N/A

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

Consult your veterinarian

The safe use of Simparica has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.

How long does it take to work

Starts working in 1 hour

1 day

Begins to kill adult fleas within 3 hours and ticks within 8 hours of administration.

Taste

Applied to skin

Applied to Skin

Liver flavor

Active Ingredient(s)

Fipronil and Cyphenothrin

Amitraz

sarolaner

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

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Vet Review

Parastar Plus combines the proven performing main ingredient of fipronil with cyphenothrin, which allows for more rapid killing and treatment of fleas, ticks, certain mites, and lice. This combination allows for this topically applied product to begin killing within an hour. In my experience, most of my clients have reported higher efficacy and better satisfaction for tick control over fleas. It seems to be easier to dispense out of the applicator over competitor products, and especially with lighter colored dogs the product does not seem to stain. However on occasion, I have seen a sensitive darker coated dog have some mild bleaching at the site of application. With some longer haired dogs, I have seen it leave an occasional slightly sticky spot at the site of application as well. Like many of the competitor products, it is touted as waterproof, however, I try and recommend that clients do not bathe dogs for 2 or 3 days before or after application, as some feel that this may affect the efficacy of the product. In my experience, I have found that this product is better at preventing problems rather than controlling already heavy flea infestations, in which case I usually will go to one of the newer oral tablets for flea/tick control that usually kill rapidly within 30 minutes. Another limitation of the product is that you can't use Parastar Plus on less than 4-pound dogs, which is an added benefit of topical prescription products like Revolution. As with any product of this type, occasional itchiness, and/or irritation/agitation from applying the product may be seen, but I find this side effect less common than with competitor products. It is also important for clients to understand that it is critical, especially with heavy flea infestations, to also focus on treating the environment as well. Overall this product has performed better for tick control and prevention than for fleas. I give it an overall rating of a 3, with an ease-of-application rating of 4.5 out of 5.

This is one of my favorite and most effective products in preventing tick infestations on dogs of all sizes, as well as preventing the tick born diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehlrichia and Anaplasmosis. When some of the topical products have failed in some patients, I have found this collar quite valuable in significantly cutting down on tick burdens in these dogs. The effects are long lasting for up to 3 months preventing ticks from even attaching to dogs, and thus cutting down on tick exposure to humans as well. The only problems in terms of efficacy I have even seen with this product is when animal guardians apply the collar too loosely to their pets, which can cut down on its efficacy against ticks.. In order for this collar to work effectively, it must be fitted snugly against the pet's neck, where one is just able to get two fingers under the collar. If the collar is applied too loosely I have occasionally seen pets ingest this collar, leading to serious systemic reactions. The only other downside in using this collar is if the pet spends a significant time swimming during the warmer months. The collar's efficacy is cut down significantly if it is submerged in water or exposed to drenching rains. However when properly fitted to a dog's neck, this is one of the most effective products in preventing tick infestations on the market.

Within the past few years, we have seen a surge of new flea and tick parasiticides for dogs and cats, especially important as we are discovering increased transmission of health-threatening disease to our animal companions. In the past year, the very trustworthy and reliable pharmaceutical company Zoetis has come out with a revolutionary liver flavored chewable tablet, Simparica, that is highly effective against fleas and multiple species of ticks. Compared to similar oral tablets, as well as other topical products, I find that Simparica works even more quickly than competitor products, starting to kill fleas within 3 hours, and ticks within 8 hours. Unlike other products labeled for monthly use, studies and my clinical experience show that Simparica is actually effective up to 35 days, not dropping off in efficacy as many other products do in killing fleas and ticks toward the end of the month. I also find that the many flexible dosing packages offer convenience to canine guardians, even in small dogs who weigh under 5 pounds. In addition to the efficacy against fleas and ticks, the product is also labeled effective against scabies mites. Many veterinarians and dermatologists are also now reaching for Simparica as a quick, safe and effective off-label treatment of demodex mange mites, which have long been very difficult to manage in veterinary medicine. I have found that in many cases one dose of Simparica will clear up many demodex mange cases within one month of the first pill. I have found that most dogs tolerate this product very well, especially when given with food. I have occasionally seen mild digestive upset in some sensitive pets, as well as rare neurological reactions. If a dog has a history of seizures, I would probably be cautious in using this product or ones of a similar class. Most dogs readily take this chewable tablet. I give this product an overall rating of a 4.5, with an efficacy of 4.5, and ease of use a 4.5.

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