| Vet Review |
The non-greasy, non-odor formulation is a definite plus when used on sensitive patients, especially cats. I find that advantage kills fleas and larvae more quickly than some of the other products out there, often resulting in quicker relief of flea allergy dermatitis symptoms in dogs and cats. Overall I have found it quite safe and have seen the fewest topical or rare systemic reactions in my practice over the years. The main disadvantage I have found is that in heavy flea infestations that the efficacy may wear off in less than one month, necessitating some vets to recommend more frequent off label use of this product every few weeks. It also does not control ticks as well on dogs and cats. I find that advantage works most effectively when combined with good environmental flea control at home.
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Because of the difficulties in client compliance in using multiple preventatives in cats for internal and external parasites, a new and comprehensive topical has been developed for kitties. Like the Bravecto Topical product for dogs, this topical for cats is labeled to work selectively on the nervous system of the fleas/ticks rather than mammalian species like the cat. However, on rare occasions even in cats with no prior history of neurological reactions, very rare neurological reactions have been observed in the field, which highlights the cat's unique sensitivity to any pesticide and drug. With the addition of moxidectin to this formulation, this particular product offers additional protection against both roundworm and hookworm intestinal parasites and heartworms, which is an important feature, particularly for outside kitties. While this product rapidly kills adult fleas and ticks who bite the cat, unlike the sister product, Bravecto for Dogs, this product does not repel these external parasites. Another important difference is that the Bravecto Plus product should not be used in pregnant or nursing kitties. The only other issue I have seen with this product is the occasional irritation at the site of application with even rarer digestive tract upset. With all that being said, the product offers excellent coverage against most major internal and external parasites in the cat. I give this product an overall rating of 4 with ease of application of a 5.
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In recent years, the company Bayer has developed a revolutionary flea/tick collar for both dogs and cats that is highly effective, especially in flea control, as well as providing moderately effective tick control. The most exciting aspect of this product is that it provides BOTH repelling and killing of fleas and ticks for up to 8 months!! While it is somewhat expensive, it is actually cheaper than purchasing 8 months of Revolution, Advantage or Frontline. In many areas of the country, this protection will last the entire flea and tick season, by just properly applying the collar. Another major advantage over collars developed in prior years (i.e. Preventic collar) is that Seresto is water resistant, and can be worn with confidence, even by dogs who frequently swim. The collar also has no odor, as well as a powdery, soft feel, in addition to leaving no greasy topical residue, like many of the other topical flea and tick products available. The collar is safe if chewed and/or even eaten by the pet, which was a problem with the old Amitraz based collars such as the Preventic collar. The Bayer company has also made it radioopaque, in case an overzealous pet did ingest the collar, so as to allow radiographic tracing and/or location should it possibly get caught up in the intestinal tract. The collar also has unique technology, in that the release of the active ingredients is triggered by friction of the movement of the pet's hair and body heat. The cat collar even has a break-away apparatus to allow for the pet to safely detach from the collar should it get caught on something outside. The reflectors on the dog product also allow the dog to be seen during the hours of darkness. While the collar is very safe for most pets, I have occasionally and rarely seen reactions in sensitive, geriatric or chronically ill pets. These typically involve transient itching, redness and hair loss at the site of adherence to the skin. While most of the time this will resolve on its own in a week or two, occasionally pets will develop enough irritation where the collar may need to be removed. The major rare systemic reactions seen in sensitive pets are mild lethargy and decrease in energy, but even more rare is the development of neurological symptoms, including weakness and/or seizures. I don't recommend that it be used in pets with a history of seizures and/or neurological sensitivity or reactions. While it is amazing for killing and repelling all stages of the flea life cycle quite quickly, it can sometimes take up to several days for the maximal effects to be seen with tick control and prevention. I, therefore, give this product an overall rating of a 4 out of 5, with an ease of compliance and efficacy of a 4.5 out of 5.
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