Parastar Plus for Dogs vs. Program Comparison

Parastar Plus for Dogs

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Program

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Revolution

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Breaks the flea cycle

Prevents development

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

Controls ear mites, roundworms and hookworms.

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Not Applicable

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

How long does it take to work

Starts working in 1 hour

Starts working immediately to stop the reproduction of adult fleas.

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.

Taste

Applied to skin

Unflavored liquid

Applied to Skin

Active Ingredient(s)

Fipronil and Cyphenothrin

Lufenuron

Selamectin

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

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Vet Review

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.

Because of the difficulty for some clients in getting their cats to take pills, the development of this flavorable suspension to mix easily with their wet food has made compliance and efficacy of flea control a lot easier. Getting felines to take medication can always be a challenge. When not accepted in food, many clients have found mixing in various tuna or clam juices, oil, broth, gravy or sardines another way of administering this and other medications. As mentioned in my product review on program tablets, this product works best when given with meals for maximal absorption as well as before fleas are firmly established on the pet and in the home. It works by preventing development of flea eggs and larvae by in essence sterilizing the adult fleas who happen to bite the animal. The product does not kill existing adult fleas and must be combined with other products like Capstar or topical Advantage or Frontline in pets with active flea populations. I find it works best as a preventative before flea season. Many clients will chose to use this and other flea products year round due to the warming of the climate and the unpredictability of the flea season. I give this product an overall rating of a 4 with an ease of use and taste a 5 and efficacy a 4.

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.

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.