Certifect for Dogs vs. Parastar Plus for Dogs Comparison

Certifect for Dogs

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Parastar Plus for Dogs

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PetArmor

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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

Kills and controls chewing lice and controls sarcoptic mange infestations

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

Kills chewing lice in dogs and puppies and controls mites that may cause sarcoptic mange.

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

How long does it take to work

Kills fleas, flea eggs and larvae with the same efficacy as Frontline Plus®. Begins killing ticks in 6 hours and kills up to 100% of ticks in 18 hours - current standard for tick-killing efficacy is 24-48 hours.

Starts working in 1 hour

Kills fleas and ticks with the same efficacy as Frontline Top Spot.

Taste

Applied to Skin

Applied to skin

Applied to Skin

Active Ingredient(s)

Fipronil/(S)-Methoprene/Amitraz

Fipronil and Cyphenothrin

Fipronil

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

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Vet Review

Certifect is the new flea and tick control product by Merial, the makers of Frontline® Plus. It is EPA-approved for sale in the USA. It is new to the market and not yet rated.

Parastar Plus combines the proven performing main ingredient of fipronil with cyphenothrin, which allows for more rapid killing and treatment of fleas, ticks, certain mites, and lice. This combination allows for this topically applied product to begin killing within an hour. In my experience, most of my clients have reported higher efficacy and better satisfaction for tick control over fleas. It seems to be easier to dispense out of the applicator over competitor products, and especially with lighter colored dogs the product does not seem to stain. However on occasion, I have seen a sensitive darker coated dog have some mild bleaching at the site of application. With some longer haired dogs, I have seen it leave an occasional slightly sticky spot at the site of application as well. Like many of the competitor products, it is touted as waterproof, however, I try and recommend that clients do not bathe dogs for 2 or 3 days before or after application, as some feel that this may affect the efficacy of the product. In my experience, I have found that this product is better at preventing problems rather than controlling already heavy flea infestations, in which case I usually will go to one of the newer oral tablets for flea/tick control that usually kill rapidly within 30 minutes. Another limitation of the product is that you can't use Parastar Plus on less than 4-pound dogs, which is an added benefit of topical prescription products like Revolution. As with any product of this type, occasional itchiness, and/or irritation/agitation from applying the product may be seen, but I find this side effect less common than with competitor products. It is also important for clients to understand that it is critical, especially with heavy flea infestations, to also focus on treating the environment as well. Overall this product has performed better for tick control and prevention than for fleas. I give it an overall rating of a 3, with an ease-of-application rating of 4.5 out of 5.

This product is a wonderful economic alternative for clients who have used the Frontline product. It contains the same exact main ingredient as Frontline, Fipronil, which has been probably the number one used flea and tick preventative ingredient by veterinarians over decades now. Not only does it kill fleas and many species of ticks that carry Lyme and other diseases, but also can help in controlling scabies mange mites, as well, in those cases. It certainly is a much cheaper alternative to Frontline or Advantage products. Some excellent advantages include it being waterproof, as well as being safe to use in pets as young as 8 weeks of age. There may be a rare skin irritation side effect at the site of application, but other reactions are even more rare. I have occasionally seen digestive upset with this product. I would also not use it in dogs with a history of chronic seizure disorders. Because of its long-term reliability and safety, I give this product an overall rating of a 4.5, with an ease of application of 4.5.

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.