Activyl vs. Activyl Tick Plus Comparison

Activyl

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Activyl Tick Plus

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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

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

N/A

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

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

How long does it take to work

Reapply Activyl every 30 days.

Reapply every 30 days.

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

Taste

Applied to skin

Liver flavor

Active Ingredient(s)

indoxacarb

Indoxacarb, Permethrin

sarolaner

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

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Vet Review

Another recently available new topical flea preventative for dogs and cats. This new product works by being activated by only the flea's enzyme systems into a flea specific mechanism which paralyzes and kills the adult flea. The company claims that it does not get into the blood stream, but stays only in the superficial skin layers of the pet. Any adult fleas which come into contact with this product are quickly killed so that fleas do not have to actually bite the pet, which is tremendously helpful in those flea-allergic pets, where it only takes a few flea bites to set off an extensive itchy allergic reaction. Another wonderful benefit of this product is that it is waterproof, which is especially helpful in those active outside pets who are exposed to rain or like to swim. This effective product starts working within 12 hours of application, where over 90% of adult fleas are killed. Another excellent benefit of this product is that it also inhibits the development of flea eggs and larvae in the environment, which is a big bonus since much of the flea life cycle occurs in the home environment. While Activyl is very safe and effective for most pets, I have seen occasional rare reactions in sensitive pets, which most commonly is seen as irritation or excessive itchiness at the site of application. While the company says that it is odorless, some of my clients have said that they do sense an odor within the first several days of application, as well as leaving an occasional oily film for the first day or two following application. This film, however usually quickly disappears. The only other very rare reactions include digestive upset and/or drooling/neurological reactions, and certainly if a pet has any chronic digestive weaknesses or history of seizures, etc then the local veterinarian should be consulted before applying the product. I give this product an overall rating of 4, with an ease of use of 4.

When the Activyl product line came out several years ago, it was touted as a totally novel new product on the market that would not have the problems of emerging flea resistance to products that has believed to been increasing in recent years with the old standby products in some cases. It supposedly works through a unique process of bioactivation using only the flea enzymes in activating the main ingredient, indoxacarb, in killing fleas. Along with the permethrin ingredient for tick coverage and control, it would seem like this would be a first line or excellent choice for those looking for a novel and comprehensive flea/tick product for their dogs. And while it is also effective in preventing flea eggs and larvae from developing as well, and can be highly effective in today's war against fleas and ticks, I have seen occasional problems with this product, as reported by clients. While its deeper penetration in the fatty oils of the skin may be a benefit, and while the product is not reported to be absorbed systemically, I have seen occasional and severe side effects reported by animal guardians. As with most other topical products in this venue, this particular product can occasionally cause irritation and itching at the site of application, which while usually only transient for a day or two, in some pets the itching and allergic reaction has been noted to intensify, necessitating anti-itch medications for relief. Some clients have also reported an odd odor from the application site for a while, as well as an oily film, which may persist for a few days. While many clients do report this product highly effective when other competitor products may have failed them recently, these occasional reactions are important to note, especially in a very sensitive or geriatric animal, and/or one with a chronic medical condition. On very rare occasions, clients have reported digestive side effects, as well as rare neurological weakness, stiffness or even spasms. While the vast majority of clients are satisfied with this product's performance and reliability, the decision on using this stronger, newer way of flea and tick control, should be made after careful consideration of patient history, as well as discussion with the local veterinarian. I give this product an overall rating of a 4, with an ease of use of a 5, with a mid-rating safety level of 3.

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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