Fleas and ticks are not only a nuisance to your dog, but they can also make him seriously ill if they remain on his skin and coat. Furthermore, fleas are infesting and ticks can also transmit diseases to humans. This is why it is very important that you, as a responsible dog owner, give your pet a product against fleas and ticks throughout the year. Advantix is a very common product that kills these parasites and also acts as a repellent against them. Learning how to apply it correctly will ensure effective and optimal protection for you and your dog.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Apply Advantix
Step 1. Choose the right dosage for your dog
Advantix is not a single dose treatment that is the same for all dog sizes, so you must make sure you choose the correct one. There are four different dosages, depending on the weight of the dog. If you do not know the weight of the animal, contact the veterinarian or check the reports of the last visit.
- Advantix packs contain 4 pipettes
- Small dogs (up to 4 kg: 0.4 ml.
- Medium dogs (4 to 10 kg): 1 ml.
- Large dogs (10 to 25 kg): 2.5ml.
- Very large dogs (over 25 kg): 4 ml.
Step 2. Remove the single-dose pipette from the package
You can remove the foil by pulling it with your fingers or use scissors to open the foil package. With scissors, the operation will be easier and faster.
Step 3. Remove the pipette cap
There is a precise procedure for removing the cap, so that you can then apply Advantix directly from the pipette; it is not simply a matter of unscrewing the cap and squeezing the product out. First of all, make sure you hold the pipette so that it is in an upright position. Then remove the cap, turn it over and put it back on the pipette.
- Putting the cap back on the pipette will break the seal which serves to preserve the product well, thus allowing Advantix to escape.
- When the seal is broken, remove the cap and set it aside.
Part 2 of 3: Apply Advantix
Step 1. Have the dog stand in a four-footed position
You will need to apply Advantix at various points along the animal's back. If the dog is standing on all fours, it will be easier to apply the product well to the skin. If your dog is prone to fidgeting, ask someone to help you keep him still while you apply Advantix.
Step 2. Divide the dog's coat
Use your fingers to part the fur until you see the skin. For maximum effectiveness, you will need to apply the product in direct contact with the skin. The first point to apply Advantix is at the beginning of the back, right near the base of the neck.
- For small and medium-sized dogs, three application points along the back will be needed.
- For large and very large dogs you will need four.
Step 3. Apply Advantix
Gently rest the nozzle of the pipette on the dog's skin. Squeeze 1/3 or 1/4 of the product onto the skin, depending on the number of application points needed. Do not put too much Advantix in one place, it could end up on the hair and run down on the hips. This not only risks wasting the product, but also increases the possibility that the dog will ingest it.
- Advantix should not be applied to wet or injured areas of skin. Dry your dog's skin if it is wet. If there are any injuries, do not apply Advantix and contact your veterinarian.
- It is not necessary to massage the skin after applying the product. Another reason why it is better not to do this is that the product can be dangerous for human skin.
- The remaining points of application should be distributed at a distance of a few centimeters from each other on the dog's back. For large or very large dogs, the last application should be close to the base of the tail. For small to medium-sized dogs, it should be about mid-back.
Part 3 of 3: Final Steps
Step 1. Throw away the pipette
If you have used all of the product, you can throw the pipette in the unsorted trash. Even if you have not used the entire content, you will still have to throw it away, but you must not throw it in the trash or pour any remaining product down the household drains. Look for a pharmacy with a special collector for expired or partially used medicines.
Pipettes that you have not used should be stored at room temperature, in a cool, dry place
Step 2. Wash your hands
Advantix can be harmful to human skin. Even if you are sure that the product did not come into contact with your skin, it is still a good idea to wash your hands thoroughly after performing the treatment. If you notice that some Advantix has accidentally ended up on your skin, rinse it immediately for 15-20 minutes. If in doubt, contact your doctor or emergency room.
Step 3. Do not wash the dog for two days
Advantix must be absorbed by the animal's skin. If you wash it, you will also get rid of the product.
Although Advantix is water resistant, it will take at least two days for it to be completely absorbed and not removed by bathing the dog or making it swim
Step 4. Do not allow the dog to ingest Advantix
Since you have applied the product on the back, the animal should not be able to reach the application area with its mouth. However, if by chance some of it had fallen to the ground, the dog could lick it. Advantix can be very dangerous if ingested so if this happens, contact your vet immediately to find out what to do.
If you have other pets, keep your dog away from them so that they do not ingest the product and do not come into contact with it
Step 5. Monitor your dog for side effects
Advantix rarely produces side effects in dogs. It could potentially cause lethargy, vomiting and excessive salivation. You may notice a redness of the skin in the area of application of the product, which indicates the presence of irritation. The dog may scratch if the skin is irritated or it may just look annoyed.
If your dog has any of these side effects, take him to the vet
Advice
- Advantix must be applied once a month. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is very close to the application period for the next dose. Let the vet know you missed a dose.
- If the dog has a severe parasite infestation, Advantix can be applied more than once a month, but not more than once a week. The vet will be able to tell you the right frequency of application. Once the infestation is eradicated, you can return to normal monthly administration.
- Advantix can be used in dogs 7 weeks of age and older.
- If the product comes into contact with your clothes, change and put on clean clothes.
- Apply Advantix monthly throughout the year, even in the winter months. This way the dog will always be protected. Furthermore, you will not have to remember to start the treatment again when the summer period arrives.
Warnings
- Do not give Advantix to dogs weighing less than 1.5 kg. The product is formulated for dogs over this weight and, if given to smaller dogs, can cause severe side effects.
- Do not administer Advantix to cats. One of the active ingredients in the product, permethrin, can be fatal to felines. There are specific pesticides for these animals. The vet will be able to point you to the right product for your cat.
- Advantix should not be given to pregnant and lactating bitches.
