Activyl vs. Bio Spot Active Care Flea & Tick Collar For Dogs Comparison

Activyl

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Bio Spot Active Care Flea & Tick Collar For Dogs

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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

How long does it take to work

Reapply Activyl every 30 days.

Begins to work Immediately

Kills Fleas 12 hours

Taste

Applied to skin

Applied To Skin

Applied to Skin

Active Ingredient(s)

indoxacarb

Propoxur/(S)-Methoprene

Imidacloprid/ Permethrin/Pyriproxyfen

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.

While this product offers an economic alternative for killing/repelling fleas and ticks for 5 months, as well as preventing the development of flea eggs into larvae and adults, I have personally not found this product effective in my experience and opinion. The clients I have spoken to who have been pleased with this product have found it more effective as a flea preventative, rather than once an infestation already exists, where other products such as topical front line or advantage would be preferred. I have also seen that in some dogs local skin irritation and hives can occasionally occur in sensitive pets, which usually resolve once the collar is removed. I also have concern for cancer and neurological effects with exposure to any prolonged pesticides. While it is a nice benefit that the collar works even when wet, because of my concerns about overall efficacy and safety, I do not recommend use of this product. I give it an overall rating of a 2 with an efficacy a 2 and ease of use a 5.

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.