Advantage Multi vs. Bio Spot Defense Flea & Tick Control For Dogs Comparison

Advantage Multi

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Bio Spot Defense Flea & Tick Control For Dogs

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Frontline Plus

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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

Controls ear mites, hookworms and roundworms.

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

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

Consult your veterinarian

How long does it take to work

Kills fleas within 12 hours.

1-2 Days

Kills Fleas within 12 hours and Ticks within 48 hours

Taste

Applied To Skin

Applied to Skin

Active Ingredient(s)

Imidacloprid/Moxidectin

Permethrin/Pyriproxyfen (Nylar)

Fipronil/(S)-Methoprene

RX Required

Dosage

Monthly

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Vet Review

By combining imidacloprid and moxidectin, Advantage Multi offers the wonderful benefit of broad protection against BOTH common internal and external parasites in dogs and cats. An important area of coverage includes not only adult stages, but the immature stages of roundworms and hookworms, two parasites that are a risk to people if not prevented in our pets. It also treats and controls, and prevents whipworms, which are difficult to eradicate in both dogs and the environment. When applied monthly, it is almost 100 percent effective in preventing heartworm disease in dogs and cats. Additional benefits of treating scabies and demodectic mange and ear mites make this a very attractive product. All of this with the wonderful flea control benefits of the product advantage. The greatest benefit I see with this versatile product is that it takes the labor out of administering a myriad of medications to dogs to control these varied internal and external parasites. I also find that it kills the larval stages of fleas in the home surroundings of treated pets, which is a wonderful added benefit. I have on rare occasions seen topical irritation and sensitivity at the site of application, and even more scarce neurological reactions in hypersensitive pets. The only other downside would be the potential high cost of this product, as well as the need for clients to obtain a prescription from their veterinarian. Overall, however, I have found this product to be an excellent and safe all around internal and external parasite control manager in our dogs and cats.

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.

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.