Activyl Tick Plus vs. Revolution Comparison

Activyl Tick Plus

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Revolution

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Simparica

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Prevents development

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Other Parasites Information

Controls ear mites, roundworms and hookworms.

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

N/A

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

The safe use of Simparica has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.

How long does it take to work

Reapply every 30 days.

See a greater than 90% control of your flea infestation during the first month but because adult fleas will emerge from cocoons in your environment, you may see a few fleas for several months until the flea population is destroyed.

Begins to kill adult fleas within 3 hours and ticks within 8 hours of administration.

Taste

Applied to skin

Applied to Skin

Liver flavor

Active Ingredient(s)

Indoxacarb, Permethrin

Selamectin

sarolaner

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

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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.

This versatile topical product has the widest range of protection of both internal and external parasites. In both cats and dogs, all 3 stages of the flea life cycle are effectively controlled,in addition to ear mites. For dogs, there is also the wonderful treatment benefit of killing hidden scabies mites on the skin, which are so difficult for veterinarians to find on routine skin scrapings at our offices. In fact, when either I or veterinary dermatologists are presented with a very itchy dog, in addition to our allergy workups, we will often treat with this topical every few weeks to treat and rule out any hidden scabies mites contributing to the pet's itching. It is amazing how many dogs will respond to this treatment, leading me to believe that scabies mites are involved with a lot more itching problems in dogs than I first learned about in vet school. With the increased recognition and understanding of feline heartworm disease, this is often the first heartworm preventative that I will reach for in cats, especially given all of the other benefits above. While it is often effective for canine heartworm prevention as well, I have heard of rare lapses in protection, so I usually combine this topical in dogs with one of the oral heartworm prevention medications like Heartgard or Interceptor. The only disadvantage I have seen is the rare reaction on cats of mild digestive upset and temporary hair loss at the site of application. It also has the wonderful benefits of being water proof in only 2 hours after application, and in being approved for use in puppies as young as 6 weeks of age.

Within the past few years, we have seen a surge of new flea and tick parasiticides for dogs and cats, especially important as we are discovering increased transmission of health-threatening disease to our animal companions. In the past year, the very trustworthy and reliable pharmaceutical company Zoetis has come out with a revolutionary liver flavored chewable tablet, Simparica, that is highly effective against fleas and multiple species of ticks. Compared to similar oral tablets, as well as other topical products, I find that Simparica works even more quickly than competitor products, starting to kill fleas within 3 hours, and ticks within 8 hours. Unlike other products labeled for monthly use, studies and my clinical experience show that Simparica is actually effective up to 35 days, not dropping off in efficacy as many other products do in killing fleas and ticks toward the end of the month. I also find that the many flexible dosing packages offer convenience to canine guardians, even in small dogs who weigh under 5 pounds. In addition to the efficacy against fleas and ticks, the product is also labeled effective against scabies mites. Many veterinarians and dermatologists are also now reaching for Simparica as a quick, safe and effective off-label treatment of demodex mange mites, which have long been very difficult to manage in veterinary medicine. I have found that in many cases one dose of Simparica will clear up many demodex mange cases within one month of the first pill. I have found that most dogs tolerate this product very well, especially when given with food. I have occasionally seen mild digestive upset in some sensitive pets, as well as rare neurological reactions. If a dog has a history of seizures, I would probably be cautious in using this product or ones of a similar class. Most dogs readily take this chewable tablet. I give this product an overall rating of a 4.5, with an efficacy of 4.5, and ease of use a 4.5.

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