Fleas are blood-sucking parasites that are easily transmitted from animal to animal. To combat these insects, pet stores and veterinary pharmacies offer many drugs, however, it is flea drops for cats that have gained well-deserved popularity. They act quickly, are easy to apply and are also considered a universal remedy that is widely used as an antiparasitic complex agent.
Find out what signs you can use to determine if a cat has fleas, and why they are dangerous>>>
Composition of flea drops
On the modern market, there is a very large selection of flea drops and there is no single composition for them. But the following will list the main substances that are used in these drugs:
- permethrin, phenothrin, etofenprox - pyrethroid insecticides of the 2nd generation, derivatives of dimethyl-cyclopropane-carboxylic acid;
- imidacloprid is an insecticide belonging to the group of neonicotinoid compounds (acts exclusively on fleas);
- fipronil and pyriprole are insecticides of the phenylpyrazoles group;
- diazinon is a phosphorus-containing insecticide.
The active ingredients S-methoprene and pyriproxyfen, which some drugs contain, differ in their pharmacodynamics. These are juvenile insecticides - synthetic analogues of a special juvenile hormone of insects that regulates the stages of their development. When these substances enter the body of a parasitic insect, a disruption of its normal development at the larval stage occurs, leading to death.
The principle of action of the drugs
Flea drops act exclusively on the animal’s skin and do not enter the bloodstream. After you have dropped the drug on your pet, you will not be required to take any additional action. The main active ingredients of the drops are themselves distributed over the skin, hair follicles and fur of the animal. These drugs act as neurotoxins on fleas.
The parasites are simply paralyzed and the fleas soon die. In general, fleas should die within a maximum of 24 hours after applying the drops. Bathing your pet can interfere with this; the drug will simply be washed off with water, so keep your pet away from water for 48 hours after use. And keep your pet away from children, the chemicals may harm the child.
Effective Advantix and Advocate products
Among dog breeders who are willing to spend more significant sums on ensuring the well-being of their pets, products from such a well-known German concern as Bayer Health Care are popular. This manufacturer produces drops for the withers under two brands: Advantix and Advocate. The first product uses the synergistic effect of insecticides such as permethrin and imidacloprid. Thanks to this, Advantix drops are most effective against fleas, ticks and other ectoparasites.
These drops are widely known among owners of elite breed dogs.
Advocate's base ingredients are imidacloprid and moxidectin. This combination helps not only to destroy and expel fleas, but also to help cure many diseases associated with the presence of ectoparasites. Thus, the list of indications includes diseases such as otodectosis, sarcoptic mange, demodicosis, dirofilariasis, crenosomosis, etc.
It is because of this wide range of therapeutic effects that this drug is often prescribed by veterinarians.
Bayer anti-flea drops are convenient to buy, as they are divided into groups depending on the weight of the dogs. The packaging immediately indicates what size animals the proposed dosage is suitable for. At the same time, both drugs are considered very safe and extremely rarely give any side effects. Fleas are destroyed in just 12 hours. However, unlike the stronger Leopard, it provides only 1 month of protection against repeated parasitic infestation.
Benefits of drops
In addition to fighting fleas, the drops also resist any ticks (ixodid, ear, subcutaneous and scabies), as well as lice-eaters. Flea drops can prevent your pet from becoming infected with heartworms.
Flea drops have proven themselves to be effective medications. In general, one application of the drug on an animal should be enough to protect it from fleas for a period of 1 or 2 months.
The effect of the drop begins 20 minutes after use. The drops are also safe if used correctly, but precautions should be taken to avoid overdosing.
Flea drops are convenient to use; as a rule, they are packaged in a small pipette, which is designed for one use. Using a pipette, you can freely apply drops to any part of the animal's fur.
Advantages and disadvantages of drops on the withers for dogs
The demand for this type of preparation among dog owners is explained by the fact that the drops have a number of advantages over other types of insecticides. These advantageous characteristics include:
- comparative ease of use (dropping and rubbing a drop of the product is much easier than, for example, washing a dog with a special shampoo);
- a fairly high level of safety (drops are applied locally in an inaccessible place, and, for example, the entire surface of the animal’s body is treated with sprays);
- high efficiency achieved due to the significant level of water resistance of most drugs;
- comparatively cheap (one pipette, which can cost from 75 to 200 rubles, is enough to protect your pet from the recolonization of various ectoparasites for 1 - 2 months).
Thus, there are a number of factors that determine the high popularity and demand for drops on the withers as antiparasitic agents for dogs.
As for the disadvantages, the most common contraindication here is the individual hypersensitivity of the animal to one or another toxic ingredient included in a particular drug.
In addition, drops on the withers are most often recommended for use only for puppies that have reached 7 - 8 months of age. And, for example, some anti-flea shampoos can also be used on younger animals.
In addition to drops, you can also use shampoos
Having considered the various characteristics of flea drops for dogs, we can begin to review the most popular drugs. They have proven themselves due to their high efficiency and sufficient safety. However, it is important to understand that there are a large number of other means. It is best to make an individual choice after consulting with your veterinarian.
Effective flea drops for cats: review and rating
Beaphar (Bifar)
The safest flea drops. The drug is made in the Netherlands and does not contain aggressive components; even if the pet licks some of the drug, there will be no consequences for it. These drops are effective for half a month or a month. Suitable for kittens, cats, cats and even recently ill and weakened animals. Beaphar drops have proven themselves to be one of the best on the market.
Hartz UltraGuard OneSpot (Hartz Ultragard)
Made in the USA, they are considered effective because they contain methoprene, a substance that does not spare fleas. Drops are on sale in several versions. There are different dosages of the drug, which are distributed according to the age of the animal.
Manufacturers assure that fleas disappear within the first day after use. Due to their strong effect, these drops are highly not recommended for use on kittens under three months old, as well as on sick and weak animals. The advantage is that they are not so easy to wash off with water; even if the animal gets caught in the rain, you won’t have to use the drops again.
Advantage
It is considered a rather strong drug, but despite this, it is a safe remedy. The substance used as a basis is imidocloprid, which does not have mutagenic, sensitizing or carcinogenic effects. It also does not cause allergies in animals. Still, drops should not be used on kittens that are no more than two months old. Advantage is afraid of water and if the animal has been in contact with it, the drops will need to be reapplied.
Inspector
Inspector drops are a universal preparation. They have both healing properties and are used as prophylaxis. Its active components (fipronil and moxidectin) cope well even with advanced stages of flea infestation.
They also work against lice-eaters, demodectic and ixodid ticks. After use, the animal must not be washed for four days. The drops last for about 2 months. But there is one limitation: Inspector cannot be used on pets whose weight is less than 4 kg.
Frontline
French-made flea drops, made on the basis of fipronil. The product can be purchased in pipettes; there are different dosages. Drops are used against fleas, helminths and ear mites. Frontline can be used if the animal is more than two months old. In the area where the drug is used, the fur may turn a different color. According to the manufacturers, the drops are effective for about one and a half months.
Leopard
Drops made in Russia. Made from the active ingredient fipronil. Fipronil is a safe component and will not cause any particular harm to your pet. Despite its safety, Bars is a fairly strong drug and fights fleas well.
The product is also used as a preventive measure. It has a very strong smell - this creates an even better effect and repels parasites. The doses of drops used depend on the weight of the animal. There is a separate version of the drug for kittens one and a half months old, which has a more gentle concentration of the active substance.
"Celandine"
The drops are made on the basis of two substances - fipronil and permethrin (in a ratio of 1 to 5). Celandine is suitable for kittens from 2 months. The drops begin to work immediately after application and the effect lasts from one and a half to two months. Celandine destroys not only formed fleas, but also their larvae. There is no connection between the celandine plant and the drug “Clandestine”. The name of the drops only reflects its effect.
Stronghold
A frequently used drug, the preventive effect of which lasts 30 days. For adult animals, the contents of a whole pipette are used, and for kittens – 6 ml per kilogram of body. Within a few hours after the procedure, your pet can be bathed, petted and hugged. One package contains three pipettes.
Bayer Advantage for kittens and cats up to 4 kg
An effective drug whose active ingredient is imidacloprid. The component provokes paralysis of blood-sucking insects, causing them to become unviable. The drug is low-toxic and is suitable for cats weighing less than 4 kilograms and kittens after 10 weeks of birth. The effect lasts for about a month.
RolfСlub 3D for cats up to 4 kg
The product provides protection against fleas, ear mites, lice eaters, mosquitoes, and midges. The preventive effect lasts about a month. The drug is quite effective, but at the same time practically harmless to the animal.
Bayer Advantage for large cats
The concentration of the active substance allows the drug to be used on cats weighing more than 4 kg. In addition to eliminating fleas on the animal itself, the foci where the pet sleeps are also destroyed. These drops are not afraid of water and work even after swimming. The drug is hypoallergenic and lasts up to a month.
Inspector Total K
Due to the combination of insecticides such as fipronil and moxidectin, the drug is effective for 2 months after application to the skin. Suitable for cats weighing less than 4 kg and kittens weighing 1 kg, but not younger than 7 weeks. The drops have a slight odor.
Preparations for pregnant and lactating cats
If your cat is pregnant or nursing kittens, then you need to choose flea drops wisely and use only the recommended doses to avoid disruption of fetal development. For such cats, hypoallergenic, non-toxic drops are suitable. These drops include:
- Frontline;
- advantage;
- Stronghold;
- Inspector.
Safety precautions, contraindications and side effects
After applying drops to dry skin, do not allow licking. Therefore, the animal is put on a muzzle, an Elizabethan collar, and the jaws are closed for half an hour.
You cannot treat several dogs at the same time; they can lick each other and become poisoned: excessive drooling, vomiting or diarrhea develops. Pets are isolated for 4 hours until the droplets are completely absorbed. By the way, we have a separate article about the causes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, where you will also find the veterinarian’s recommendations on what to do if your dog has diarrhea.
Some individuals are predisposed to an allergic reaction to the active ingredient or excipients. Each drug is characterized by restrictions on age, live weight, and physiological state.
Drops are contraindicated in pregnant and lactating bitches, sick and weakened animals. Side effects occur in dogs predisposed to allergic reactions.
Important! Insecticides containing ivermectin and aversect are poisonous for pets of the Sheltie and Collie breeds. Bobtail, their crossbreeds.
After treatment, the animal should not be bathed for two days or more, depending on the drug. Children should not touch the pet for the same amount of time. You must wear gloves or wash your hands with soap. When the insecticide gets on the mucous membranes or in the eyes, it is washed off with water.
Why don't flea and tick drops work?
Drops may not work if you used a drug that is afraid of water and the animal was caught in the rain, for example, and the drops had not yet had time to be absorbed and spread throughout the pet’s fur and skin, or you used a smaller dose than recommended. Or these drops are simply not effective and you should try to use other brands, for example, those given in this article.
And you should not expect that all parasites will die in the first day after using the drops. Even despite the assurances of the manufacturers, all fleas can die only on the second or third day.
Bars ─ inexpensive drops of domestic production
Antiparasitic products produced by AgroVetZashchita are especially popular among Russian consumers.
Drops on the withers Bars and Bars Forte are much cheaper than the vast majority of foreign analogues.
At the same time, according to reviews from dog breeders, they are quite effective. The poisonous action is based on such a powerful insecticide as fipronil. Bars Forte drops also contain an insect growth regulator, which allows you to destroy not only adults, but also larvae and eggs.
The drug is sold in pipettes, each of which contains 1.4 ml of the substance. For dogs whose weight does not exceed 10 kg, 1 pipette is enough. An animal weighing from 10 to 20 kg is treated with 2 doses, and over 20 kg - 3 - 4 doses. The manufacturer states that with correct use of the drug, insects are expelled from the animal’s body within 24 hours, and preventive protection lasts 3 months against fleas and 1 month against ixodid ticks.
There are also a number of contraindications due to which this drug is not suitable in some cases. Thus, Bars drops cannot be used on dog breeds whose normal weight does not exceed 2 kg. In addition, it is not recommended to use the drug on puppies under 3 months of age. These drops are extremely contraindicated for pregnant dogs and animals suffering from any chronic diseases or having serious injuries.
How to use drops for cats
How to put drops on the withers
This is a fairly effective method in the fight against fleas; you will need to place the cat next to you and try to calm it down so that it does not twitch. Next, spread the fur on the animal’s withers and drop the recommended dose of the drug onto the cat’s skin.
Contraindications to the use of drops
Although most modern flea drops are non-toxic and hypoallergenic, there are still certain contraindications to the use of the drugs.
- It is necessary to take into account the age of the cat; most drops cannot be used if the cat is no more than one and a half to two months old.
- It is not recommended to use drops if the animal is sick at this moment or is exhausted. In this case, it is best to contact a veterinarian, only he will be able to select flea treatment for such an animal.
- The use of flea drops is also excluded if the cat is pregnant or nursing her offspring. This can cause serious harm to the fetus and can even lead to miscarriage. There are a limited number of manufacturers whose drops can be used by pregnant and lactating cats; they were listed earlier in the article.
- Some cats cannot tolerate certain components of flea drops; low-toxic and hypoallergenic preparations are suitable for them.
- It is also not allowed to apply the drug to those areas of the skin that have wounds.
If you ignore the above contraindications, this can cause serious harm to your pet, even to the point of death. And if there are any, then it is best to contact a veterinarian, he will select an alternative to flea drops.
Overdose of flea drops
If you use more drops than recommended, your cat may overdose on the drug. This can be recognized by the following signs:
- excessive salivation;
- severe vomiting;
- muscle cramps;
- the cat becomes lethargic and may refuse to eat.
When used correctly, flea drops will not harm your cat's health. You will help your pet quickly get rid of parasites and regain health.
Rules for using drops on the withers
However, if the drug is applied to the animal’s body in strict accordance with the attached instructions, no overdose should occur. Watch this video for more details:
Applying drops to the withers is quite simple. It is important to follow several principles:
- Correct dosage. It is very easy to adhere to it, since modern drugs are produced in special pipettes. Medicines are sold in different dosages for different sizes of dogs.
- Correct application. It is important here that the drops get on the animal’s skin. If he has long hair, you need to part it, drop the required amount of the drug onto the skin and rub it in with light massage movements. It is also important to apply the product to that area of the body where the animal cannot reach with its tongue. That's why the drops are rubbed into the withers. Some medications are recommended to be applied behind the ears.
- Monitoring the dog's general well-being. In the first hours, it is advisable to monitor whether your pet is showing signs of an overdose of a toxic drug. In addition, if there is more than one dog at home, it is important to prevent the possibility of one animal licking the poison from the body of another.
- Bathing. You need to read the instructions exactly after how long the dog can be bathed. Most modern drugs are waterproof, so bathing is often possible after just a few hours.
- Compliance with general rules of personal hygiene. You also need to worry about your health when it comes to using toxic substances. It is advisable to wear rubber gloves when applying drops. During the procedure, you should not eat, drink, or touch your face with your hands. After completing all the manipulations, you must thoroughly wash your hands and rinse those parts of the body where even a small amount of the drug accidentally came into contact.
Thus, the rules for using drops against fleas are very simple. The most important thing is to choose the right drug that combines high efficiency in destroying ectoparasites with sufficient safety for the animal being treated. Here it is necessary to adhere to specific criteria for choosing a suitable product.
How to use drops for dogs
Where to put flea drops on a dog?
Usually flea drops are placed on the dog's withers. Whether you need to rub in the drops or not depends on the drug chosen. The hair on the dog's withers will need to be parted so that the drops also get on the skin. If the drops you use need to be rubbed in, then this should be done carefully and smoothly. And better use gloves. And try to apply the drops in the area of the withers where the pet cannot lick the drug.
How many drops do you need to apply?
Usually the required number of drops is indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions for use. Also, the dose of drops depends on the weight and age of the dog. Flea drops have yellow or brown tints and are in small pipettes and ampoules, and most often one pipette is designed for one-time use.
Next, the dosages will be analyzed, following the example of the drug Advantix. If your dog weighs less than 4 kilograms, then 0.4 ml of the drug is recommended. For animals weighing 4–10 kilograms, 1 ml is prescribed. 2.5 ml is enough if your dog weighs more than 40, but less than 25 kg. But for 40 kg of weight, you will need 4 ml drops.
In cases where the dog weighs more than 40 kilograms, the following formula is used - 0.1 ml per 1 kg of body weight.
Which dogs should not receive flea and tick drops?
Flea drops should not be used:
- sick dogs - you need to wait for the pet to fully recover;
- puppies less than seven weeks old;
- small dogs whose weight does not reach one and a half kg, in this case, need to consult a veterinarian to prescribe an alternative method of treatment;
- also, some dogs cannot tolerate the substances that make up the drops;
- The use of drops is excluded for pregnant and lactating dogs, consult your veterinarian.
Criteria for choosing antiparasitic drops for dogs
Any veterinary pharmacy today will offer the buyer a large assortment of anti-flea drugs. Drops on the withers are also presented in a wide variety. What should you pay attention to when choosing such funds?
Select drops according to your dog's age
There are clear parameters on the basis of which the drug is purchased for a specific dog:
- age (flea drops for puppies will definitely be marked, from what week they can be used);
- size (standardly dogs are divided into the following weight categories: up to 10, 10 - 20, 25 - 40, over 40 kg);
- coat length;
- Possibility of use on pregnant or lactating dogs;
- cost of the drug.
Typically, all these parameters are indicated directly on the drug packaging. In addition, many manufacturers today even offer customers a list of breeds for which certain drops are best suited. This also greatly simplifies the process of choosing an effective and safe drug.
However, the most reliable way is to purchase a flea control product after consulting a veterinarian.
An experienced specialist will definitely advise which drops are best suited for an adult dog or puppy of a particular breed.
Flea drops didn't help - what to do?
If flea drops do not help, then the dog or cat has probably been in contact with water. Apply the drops again and keep your pet away from the water except for drinking. Or, you used a smaller dosage than indicated in the instructions. Also, drops may not be effective for your pet, you can try a product from another manufacturer.
But if no drops work, then you can use an alternative, such as a flea collar. You can consult your veterinarian.
Choose the best
There are dozens of drugs available on store shelves and veterinary pharmacies. Their cost ranges from 50 rubles per package of BlochNET, developed in Russia, to 1,500 rubles for the imported product Advocate.
It all depends on the dosage and the prestige of the manufacturers . For example, those manufactured in Germany by Bayer are much more expensive than popular domestic brands. But this does not mean that domestic ones are less effective. Imports are always more expensive; they are tied to the Euro exchange rate.
Ectoparasites can carry dangerous infections (plague bacillus, salmonella, infectious hepatitis). In order not to put yourself at risk, you need to fight parasites in pets . And easy-to-use, inexpensive and effective drops will help with this.
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