Bio Spot Defense Flea & Tick Control For Dogs vs. Frontline Plus Comparison

Bio Spot Defense Flea & Tick Control For Dogs

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Frontline Plus

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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

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

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

1-2 Days

Kills Fleas within 12 hours and Ticks within 48 hours

Kills Fleas 12 hours

Taste

Applied to Skin

Active Ingredient(s)

Permethrin/Pyriproxyfen (Nylar)

Fipronil/(S)-Methoprene

Imidacloprid/ Permethrin/Pyriproxyfen

RX Required

Dosage

Monthly

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Vet Review

This topical product that has been around for years is really a potluck type product in my opinion and experience. Many of my clients, who could not afford the other commonly veterinary recommended topical flea/tick pesticides, have found this product a quite helpful much more economic and effective product than the more expensive competitors. . However I have had equal number of clients, who have used this product, been quite disappointed with the results, and their infestations seemed to have gotten worse after starting with this product. I personally don't recommend this product,for my biggest concern that overrides any economic savings that clients have, are the sometimes serious side effects I have seen with certain sensitive pets in my practice and experience. This has ranged from local irritation and greasiness in the coat, to an almost burn like eruption at place of application, to more serious systemic effects like excess drooling, ear itching/irritation and in rare cases neurological side effects including suspected seizures shortly after application. Although these side effects are not common, I feel their severity over rides my ability to recommend this product, I would stick with the more widely veterinary recommended products like Frontline, Advantage or Advantix. I therefore give this product an overall rating of a 2. Its efficacy is a 2 and its ease of use is a 4.

I find that the effective combination of an ingredient like fipronil, along with the insect growth regulator methoprene, provides the best spectrum of activity and protection against all stages of the flea life cycle from egg through larval stage on to adult. Because of these two main ingredients and their method of action, I find that clients don't have to treat the environment as much. I find that this product tends to be safer in smaller breed animals when compared to its competition. I find its tick efficacy quite good. The fact that it is waterproof also allows clients, whose pets swim frequently, to confidently use this product during the swimming months. I also find that this product works the longest for fleas, while some of the competitive products have to be reapplied before the end of the month. The lack of label efficacy against mosquitoes and flies, as well as the fact that this product does not repel fleas or ticks are the two main disadvantages. As with any insecticidal products, I find that every pet is an individual, in terms of which of the products works best on them. When I am dealing with more of a flea issue in a patient, this is the product I will likely reach for first.

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.