Activyl Tick Plus vs. Frontline Tritak Comparison

Activyl Tick Plus

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Frontline Tritak

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K9 Advantix II

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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

Repels and prevents blood-feeding by biting flies and kills chewing lice.

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

Consult your veterinarian.

Consult your veterinarian

How long does it take to work

Reapply every 30 days.

Frontline Tritak will quickly and easily get rid of any existing fleas and ticks on your pet . Starts killing ticks in as little as 1 hour

Kills Fleas 12 hours

Taste

Applied to skin

Applied to Skin

Active Ingredient(s)

Indoxacarb, Permethrin

Dogs: Fipronil (9.8%), Cyphenothrin (5.2%), (S)-Methoprene (8.8%) Cats: For Cats: Fipronil (9.8%), Etofenprox (15.0%), (S) Methoprene (11.8%)

Imidacloprid/ Permethrin/Pyriproxyfen

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Vet Review

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.

From one of the most reliable drug companies Merial, makers of Frontline Plus, is Tritak, which was introduced a few years ago, and offers a three prong protection against multiple parasites, including fleas, ticks, chewing lice and mites. This is probably one of the most rapidly effective topical products available, often beginning to kill fleas within 5 minutes of application. The extra insect growth regulator ingredient methoprene allows this product to also kill flea eggs and larvae as well. I have seen excellent results with this product for at least 30 days when it is applied as directed, although I usually recommend that clients not bathe their dogs 2 days before or for 2 days after application. I have seen occasional contact allergic reactions at the application site, consisting of a mild hair loss and/or dermatitis. The rare sensitive pet also may experience digestive upset as well. In my few years of using this product, I have seen only one animal to develop a neurological reaction after application. However the safety record of this product is overall excellent. Because it is so safe and effective in the vast majority of pets it is used, I give this product an overall rating of a 4, with an ease of application of a 4 as well.

I love the broad acting antiparasitic effects of this product, which covers protection against a wider variety of pests to our pets than the competition. I feel it works the quickest in terms of flea/tick killing, and I love the fact that it repels fleas and ticks as well. Given that we are uncovering new and emerging tick born diseases, I prefer a product that repels in addition to quickly killing ticks, as well, and thus prevents tick attachment and transmission of disease. We are also now recognizing that mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile virus to dogs, and so the added protective benefit of Advantix on mosquitoes and flies makes it quite attractive, especially for those clients whose pets spend a lot of time outside in the yard in the warmer months, when flies are most active. With this product I see much less fly strike and maggot infestation of outside dogs because of this added benefit. By repelling mosquitoes, we also get less transmission of potential heartworms to dogs. I have found that some smaller breeds of dogs are sometimes sensitive to the permethrin ingredient in this product, occasionally becoming excessively sensitive after application. I also find that although the product is labelled as water proof, on those pets, who are frequently bathed or swimming for long periods, that the product may need to be applied more frequently than once monthly. Some clients also find it somewhat more inconvenient in larger breeds having to apply the product in several spots, rather than in a single spot like its competitor.

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.