Flea4X for Dogs vs. Parastar Plus for Dogs Comparison

Flea4X for Dogs

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Parastar Plus for Dogs

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Program

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Breaks the flea cycle

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Other Parasites Information

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

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

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Not Applicable

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

How long does it take to work

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

Starts working in 1 hour

Starts working immediately to stop the reproduction of adult fleas.

Taste

Applied to Skin

Applied to skin

Unflavored liquid

Active Ingredient(s)

Fipronil

Fipronil and Cyphenothrin

Lufenuron

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

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Vet Review

I recently completed a small clinical trial using Flea 4X topical product for dogs in my veterinary clinic. And I must say that the initial reports on efficacy and safety has been excellent. With the main ingredient being the tried and tested fipronil, this product is very effective in controlling fleas, ticks, chewing lice and mosquitoes. It is also labelled to control mites that cause sarcoptic mange in dogs as well. This product is a wonderful generic alternative to the Frontline product that has been out for years. Clients have loved the economic savings of this product over similar topical flea and tick preventatives. It is manufactured exclusively in the United States, as well as having the trustworthy and reliable 1800petmeds label on the packaging. It is also water proof for those canine patients who spend a lot of time outside and/or swimming during the summer months. Clients are reporting back to me quick flea and tick killing that lasts up to several weeks in treated pets. I highly recommend this product to those canine guardians seeking out an effective and economic alternative to similar products on the market.

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.

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.