Advantage for Dogs

Advantage for dogs is a registered brand for the combination of the drugs Moxidectin, a parasiticide and Imidacloprid, an insecticide. This topical (on the skin) medication prevents heartworm disease in dogs, and kills fleas and intestinal worms such as hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.

Usage:

Advantage for dogs can control the following parasitic problems:

1. Advantage is 100% effective in killing heartworms (Dirofilaria Immitis)
   
   
2. It can kill adult, immature adult and fourth-stage larvae of hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala), with 100% efficiency in controlling and treating the infection.
   
   
3. It kills adults and fourth-stage larvae of roundworms (Toxocara canis) with 98.2% efficiency.
   
   
4. It kills adults of roundworms of the type Toxascaris leonina. Advantage for dogs has a 100% success rate in killing these parasites.
   
   
5. It is effective in killing adult whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) with 98.6% efficacy.
   
   
6. It effectively cleanses flea infestations by killing adult fleas.

Application and Use:

Advantage for dogs is applicable on the skin of puppies, over 7 weeks of age and over 3 lbs in weight. A vet can decide the monthly dosage, based on the dog's weight. In general, the minimum dosage is 4.5 mg imidacloprid and 1.1 mg moxidectin per lb of the dog's weight.

It is available in standard dosages for dogs weighing up to 88 lbs. The owner may shampoo the dog, 90 minutes after application.

Owners need to remember that Advantage retails only by prescription. Therefore, they need to consult a vet before administering Advantage.

How It Works:

The two active ingredients in Advantage for dogs are Imidacloprid and Moxidectin. Imidacloprid binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the post-synaptic region of the nervous system of fleas. It inhibits cholinergic transmission in the fleas, resulting in paralysis, and finally, death.

Moxidectin kills parasites, insects and some worms by affecting g-amino-butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate-gated neuronal chloride channels in the nervous system of these parasites. The channels open up and chloride ions flow into the neurons and induce a permanent state of inactivity. The results, again, are paralysis and death or expulsion of parasites.

Side Effects of Advantage for Dogs:

Though Advantage for dogs is efficient in killing parasites, vets have observed side effects in some dogs:

1. Depression
   
   
2. Salivation
   
   
3. Dilated pupils
   
   
4. Other serious reactions:

Owners need to ask the vet if Advantage is suitable for their pets. Muscle tremors, coma, and even death, may occur in dogs sensitive to Avermectin compounds such as Moxidectin, if they ingest any amount of Advantage for dogs.

[top]