Activyl Tick Plus vs. Bravecto Chews for Dogs Comparison

Activyl Tick Plus

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Bravecto Chews for Dogs

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Parastar Plus for Dogs

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Bravecto also kills newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs.

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

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

N/A

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

Safe for use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs.

How long does it take to work

Reapply every 30 days.

Starts to kill fleas in 2 hours.

Starts working in 1 hour

Taste

Applied to skin

Tasty Chew

Applied to skin

Active Ingredient(s)

Indoxacarb, Permethrin

Fluralaner

Fipronil and Cyphenothrin

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.

An exciting new development in the fight against fleas and ticks is the long lasting chewable tablet called Bravecto, The active ingredient fluralaner, is a very effective ectoparasiticide, which acts on the nervous system of the parasite, without affecting the dog's nervous system. When given to dogs, this product starts killing fleas within 2 hours, and ticks a short time after that. Protection will last for approximately 12 weeks for fleas, and 8-12 weeks for ticks. In fact, clinical experience has shown it to be effective in treating and controlling 4 species of ticks, many of which are involved in transmitting disease to both dogs and people. It is even safe to use in pregnant and lactating animals, as well as most pets over the age of 6 months. I would use caution in using this or any other pesticide in sick, geriatric or pets with chronic immune mediated disease. Another minor drawback is that the fleas or tick must be ingesting a blood meal or feeding on your pet before becoming effective, thus there is still a remote possibility of transfer of certain tick born illnesses on rare occasion. Unlike most topical products that can potentially be washed or bathed off, the added benefit of giving a pill minimizes pesticide exposure for human family members, as well as being effective within a very short period of time. I give this product an overall rating of a 5 with an ease of use, and efficacy a 5 as well.

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.

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