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

Bio Spot Defense Flea & Tick Control For Dogs

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Program

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Proticall For Dogs

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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

Protects against dog lice and mites.

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Not Applicable

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

Consult your veterinarian

Consult your veterinarian

How long does it take to work

1-2 Days

Starts working immediately to stop the reproduction of adult fleas.

3 days

Taste

Applied to Skin

Unflavored liquid

Applied to Skin

Active Ingredient(s)

Permethrin/Pyriproxyfen (Nylar)

Lufenuron

Permethrin

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

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Vet Review

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.

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 wonderful product whose flea and tick efficacy DIRECTLY ON CONTACT is based on topical permethrin which damages theses pests nervous systems, and when applied is effective, gentle on most dogs, long lasting (up to 6 weeks with most species of ticks)(5 weeks with fleas)(up to 4 weeks for dog lice and mites), and is very easy to apply, in addition to being economical and available without a prescription from your vet. It is safe enough to use on puppies over 4 weeks of age, but a consultation with your vet should be done before starting especially if your pet is old or has a chronic disease. . It also kills and repels mosquitoes as well. The major disadvantage with this product (unlike others like Frontline) is that it cannot be used on cats or near cats because of the permethrins in it. It is also marginally water soluble, and thus if your dog swims frequently it may need to be applied as often as every 2 weeks, which is off label use, but will last up to one month in those dogs not frequently bathed or who swim often. The rare side effects I have seen are usually mild, mainly being redness or hair loss of the skin where applied, and sometimes lethargy, vomiting or drooling if application spot is licked at. These however are not common in my experience.

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.