Advantage II vs. Frontline Gold Comparison

Advantage II

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Frontline Gold

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Vectra 3D

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Prevents all flea stages (eggs, pupae, larvae, and adult fleas) from developing.

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Other Parasites Information

Treats, Prevents, and Controls Lice Infestations

Eliminates infestations with chewing lice

Also kills biting and sand flies, live and mites for one month

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

Consult your veterinarian

How long does it take to work

Kills fleas in 12 hours

Starts killing fleas in 30 minutes

Starts to reduce flea feeding in just 5 minutes

Taste

Applied to Skin

Applied to skin

Topical

Active Ingredient(s)

Imidacloprid/Pyriproxyfen

Fipronil, S-methoprene, Pyriproxyfen

Dinotefuran, Pyriproxyfen, Permethrin

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

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Vet Review

The non-greasy, non-odor formulation is a definite plus when used on sensitive patients, especially cats.I find that advantage kills fleas and larvae more quickly than some of the other products out there, often resulting in quicker relief of flea allergy dermatitis symptoms in dogs and cats. Overall I have found it quite safe and have seen the fewest topical or rare systemic reactions in my practice over the years. The main disadvantage I have found is that in heavy flea infestations that the efficacy may wear off in less than one month, necessitating some vets to recommend more frequent off label use of this product every few weeks. It also does not control ticks as well on dogs and cats. I find that advantage works most effectively when combined with good environmental flea control at home.

As most exterminators will tell you, the battle with external parasites and pests is an always evolving battle, as over time, parasites will develop partial resistance to products that had once worked almost perfectly in the past. This has been my experience with some of the older flea/tick formulations and has been reported by my veterinary colleagues and clients alike on occasion. While the older products are mostly still effective, companies are always researching new formulations to stay one step ahead of the development of resistance in the parasites. One of the latest formulations, Frontline Gold takes advantage of newer technologies and now has added an additional insect growth regulator, Pyriproxyfen, to its original formulation, to help enhance the efficacy of the Frontline plus product. The Frontline product is thus able to kill the next generation of flea larvae and eggs even more effectively by breaking the life cycle of the flea. The likelihood of flea immune resistance to this new triple action formula is thus significantly reduced. Given the increasing global warming seen in recent years, the expanding and increasing flea populations in heavily infested areas, however, do require a truly holistic approach by the animal guardian in treating the home, environment and yard for optimal flea control, as it is important to keep in mind that much of the flea life cycle still occurs in the home. While many clients find the more easily applied, self-puncturing tube dispensing method(often only requiring the use of one hand) to the old product, other clients find it difficult to see if all of the product has been dispensed from the colored tube. This new product, however, is quite effective, with only rare topical irritation at the site of the application an only rare complication. With that being said, I give this product an overall rating of a 5, with an ease of application of 4.

For clients that prefer an outstanding topical medication that has thus far had an excellent record of efficacy against both fleas and ticks. This product includes 3 very powerful and synergistic flea/tick pesticides that work in slightly different ways, with one preventing development of flea eggs and larvae, while another ingredient quickly kills; killing probably the fastest of any products on the market, starting to act within 5 minutes. Ticks will take somewhat longer, but within 2 days most ticks are killed. The addition of the permethrin ingredient does add the benefit of this product in BOTH repelling and killing ticks, , as well as the additional benefit of killing and repelling mosquitoes, the main vectors of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. As with other topicals, occasionally pets will develop an irritation or sensitivity at the sight of application, with some pets being occasionally restless, agitated, or fidgety. On rare occasions vomiting and/or diarrhea may be seen but this has not been much of a problem in clinical practice, where most pets seem to tolerate the product quite well. While the trio of main ingredients in this product seem to provide additional efficacy and coverage of various stages of the external parasites, including the benefit of repelling them, I am always a bit cautious about combination products like this, which rarely may lead to unknown chronic side effects that we are not yet aware of. With that consideration, this product is still an excellent and effective choice. I give this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5.

Our expert panel consists of licensed veterinarians and the knowledgeable staff of PetMed Express, Inc. d/b/a 1-800-PetMeds. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or consultants make any warranties, expressed or implied, or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the content or the content of any site or external sites. Likewise, no legal liability or responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of any information, or usefulness of products discussed. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the qualities and characteristics of each product, which for the most part were taken directly from the websites of the manufacturers, we are not responsible for any errors. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.