Advantage XD vs. Frontline Gold Comparison

Advantage XD

Learn More

Frontline Gold

Learn More

Revolution

Learn More

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

Advantage XD kills lice, but does not treat any internal parasites like heartworms or intestinal worms.

Eliminates infestations with chewing lice

Controls ear mites, roundworms and hookworms.

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Yes, Advantage XD is waterproof. Do not bathe your cat or allow them to get wet for at least 24 hours after applying Advantage® XD. Frequent shampooing can reduce effectiveness. See product label for more information.

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

Consult your veterinarian for pregnant or nursing cats.

How long does it take to work

30 minutes to 4 hours.

Starts killing fleas in 30 minutes

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

Not applicable (topical treatment).

Applied to skin

Applied to Skin

Active Ingredient(s)

Spinetoram

Fipronil, S-methoprene, Pyriproxyfen

Selamectin

RX Required

Dosage

Apply one applicator every 2 months.

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Vet Review

The fast-acting nature of Advantage XD is one of its standout features, as it starts killing fleas within 30 minutes to 4 hours, providing rapid relief for cats. Its long-lasting formula is another major benefit, offering protection for up to two months per application, which is twice the duration of many other flea treatments. The active ingredient, spinetoram, is derived from natural soil microbes, making it a preferred option for veterinarians concerned about using harsh chemicals on sensitive pets. However, as with any topical treatment, some cats may experience mild skin reactions like irritation or hair loss at the application site. Despite this, Advantage XD remains a top choice for its effectiveness and ease of use, though in cases of severe infestations, veterinarians may recommend additional environmental flea control measures.

As most exterminators will tell you, the battle with external parasites and pests is an always evolving battle, as over time, parasites will develop partial resistance to products that had once worked almost perfectly in the past. This has been my experience with some of the older flea/tick formulations and has been reported by my veterinary colleagues and clients alike on occasion. While the older products are mostly still effective, companies are always researching new formulations to stay one step ahead of the development of resistance in the parasites. One of the latest formulations, Frontline Gold takes advantage of newer technologies and now has added an additional insect growth regulator, Pyriproxyfen, to its original formulation, to help enhance the efficacy of the Frontline plus product. The Frontline product is thus able to kill the next generation of flea larvae and eggs even more effectively by breaking the life cycle of the flea. The likelihood of flea immune resistance to this new triple action formula is thus significantly reduced. Given the increasing global warming seen in recent years, the expanding and increasing flea populations in heavily infested areas, however, do require a truly holistic approach by the animal guardian in treating the home, environment and yard for optimal flea control, as it is important to keep in mind that much of the flea life cycle still occurs in the home. While many clients find the more easily applied, self-puncturing tube dispensing method(often only requiring the use of one hand) to the old product, other clients find it difficult to see if all of the product has been dispensed from the colored tube. This new product, however, is quite effective, with only rare topical irritation at the site of the application an only rare complication. With that being said, I give this product an overall rating of a 5, with an ease of application of 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.