Insektal for dogs
Insektal is a veterinary medication used for dogs to kill and prevent ticks, fleas, and other external parasites. Developed by the Russian company Ecoprom, it is available in several forms, allowing owners of both small and large pets to choose the most convenient and effective option. Following simple recommendations and instructions, the medication can reliably protect your pet from ectoparasites.
Content
Composition and action
Insektal is effective against fleas, lice, ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and ixodid ticks. It targets parasites at any stage of development. The drug's high effectiveness is due to its composition, which is based on a combination of two active ingredients:
- Fipronil blocks GABA-dependent receptors in arthropods. This disrupts nerve impulse transmission, leading to paralysis and death.
- Pyriproxyfen has a completely different mechanism of action. It interferes with the parasites' hormonal balance, leading to impaired reproductive capacity and various abnormalities. This substance prevents the parasites from developing from the egg and larval stages to adulthood.
Included in the composition collars Permethrin replaces pyriproxyfen. This substance blocks the transmission of nerve impulses, causing impaired motor coordination and paralysis. Consequently, death occurs.
Insektal drops and other forms for dogs are intended for external use. The active ingredients accumulate in the fur, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands, providing long-lasting protection against ticks and other arthropods. When used at the recommended dose, the product does not irritate the skin or have any toxic effects on pets, although it is lethal to fish and bees.
Price
If you are buying Insektal for dogs, you should know that the price mainly depends on the dosage form:
- drops – from 135 to 260 rubles per pipette depending on the volume;
- collar – from 160 to 250 rubles depending on length.
The spray is not available in many veterinary pharmacies, but you can easily purchase drops or a collar.
Indications and contraindications
Regardless of the form of release, Insektal is used for dogs to destroy external parasites:
- Vlas-eaters;
- ixodid ticks;
- fleas;
- lice;
- sarcoptic mites, etc.
The product can also be used to protect animals from the aforementioned arthropods. Its use is especially effective during the warm season (spring to fall), when parasitic insects are most active.
Please note! This medication in drop form can also be used to treat ear mites.
Since the antiparasitic drug contains toxic substances, it is not recommended for use on dogs in the following situations:
- during the recovery period after severe pathologies;
- in the presence of infectious diseases;
- during lactation;
- during pregnancy.
This medication should not be used on exhausted or weakened pets, as their bodies may be unable to eliminate the active ingredients. It should not be used under any circumstances if there has been a history of intolerance to any of the ingredients.
When using medication on puppies, be sure to check the packaging or instructions to determine the minimum age for use. For example, drops can be used from 2 months of age, but collar use should be avoided until the puppy reaches 4 months of age.
Drops
Insektal drops are considered one of the most convenient and effective options. This clear, yellowish liquid is packaged in disposable polymer pipettes. It's available in four different weights:
- from 4 to 10 kg – 0.8 ml;
- from 10 to 20 kg – 1.5 ml;
- from 20 to 40 kg – 2.5 ml;
- from 40 to 60 kg – 4.3 ml.
Pipettes are usually packaged 1 piece at a time in cardboard boxes.
How to apply
Calculating the dosage for your pet is very simple – simply select a dropper of the appropriate size. According to the instructions, Insektal drops should be applied to dogs in 3-4 areas inaccessible for licking. The application schedule depends on the type of parasite and the nature of the problem:
- If the medication is used to protect a dog from parasites, then treatment should be performed on average once a month. The medication only provides protection against fleas for three weeks.
- To kill an attached tick, apply 1-2 drops of Insektal to it. If it doesn't fall off within 20 minutes, carefully remove it with tweezers. Any remaining solution can be poured onto the withers.
- If sarcoptic mange mites are detected on an animal, treatment is performed 2-3 times, 10-12 days apart. To prevent re-infestation, the procedure is repeated after one month.
- To treat otodectosis, the ear canals should first be cleared of scabs, then a couple of drops of the medication should be placed in each ear. Any remaining drops can be placed on the withers. One treatment is usually sufficient. If necessary, repeat the procedure after 7-10 days.
- A single application is also sufficient to kill fleas. In rare cases, the procedure may need to be repeated later. Be sure to treat bedding and other areas frequented by fleas to prevent re-infestation.
Spray
Insektal spray is available in polymer bottles of varying capacities. All bottles are equipped with a spray nozzle. Shake well before use. Spray from a distance of 20-25 cm. If your pet has long fur, lift it with your hand to allow the solution to penetrate the skin. For prevention, repeat the treatment once a month, and for control, repeat 1 to 3 times, depending on the severity of the infestation. The dosage is 1-3 ml of liquid per kilogram. One press of the 100 ml bottle equals 0.125 ml, and one press of the 200 ml bottle equals 0.5 ml.
Please note! Insektal spray can be used to treat bedding, household items, and premises against parasites.
Special instructions
When using the spray, you need to follow a number of simple rules:
- It is advisable to carry out the treatment outdoors. If this is not possible, open the windows and thoroughly ventilate the room after treatment.
- During the procedure, you should use rubber gloves.
- When spraying, be careful not to allow the solution to come into contact with the animal's eyes or mucous membranes. This may cause irritation.
- After treatment, do not allow the animal to lick itself until the medication has completely dried (about 20 minutes). During this time, you can muzzle the animal or tie its jaws with tape.
- The animal cannot be petted for the first 24 hours.
Collars
The collar consists of a polymer strap with a locking mechanism. Each strap is hermetically sealed in a bag, then in a cardboard box. The Insektal collar is available in three different versions:
- 80 cm – for large pets;
- 65 cm – for representatives of medium breeds;
- 35 cm – for small dogs and cats.
Choose a collar that's appropriate for your pet's size. When adjusting the size, ensure there's 1-1.5 cm between your pet's neck and the collar. This will prevent them from removing the collar, but it won't put pressure on them either. The collar lasts for about a month on average. If the infestation is severe, bathe your dog with tick and flea shampoo first, then apply the collar.
Side effects
According to the instructions, Insektal sometimes causes the following side effects in dogs:
- skin irritation;
- lacrimation;
- increased salivation;
- nausea and vomiting.
Allergies may also develop. In this case, the animal should be bathed with shampoo. Remove the collar first, if used. Symptomatic treatments may also be used to improve the animal's well-being. If the animal is intolerant to any of the ingredients, an antiallergic medication should be given.
If the drops or spray are ingested, the dog will experience digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.). The stomach should be flushed and a medication administered to relieve the symptoms.
Owner reviews
Elena, owner of a 5-year-old dog:
"I bought this collar for my mixed-breed dog. It worked well for the first month, but then I found two ticks, and after a while, fleas appeared. The main advantage is the low price. The disadvantages are the short lifespan and the unpleasant odor. I won't buy it again."
Margarita, the pug's owner:
"Our dog is very picky not only about food but also about medications. Through trial and error, we discovered that only fipronil-based medications can be used against ticks. Previously, we always bought Fyprist"When there were supply shortages in the city, the pharmacy recommended Insektal drops. My dog tolerated the treatment without any problems. The medication is significantly cheaper than imported alternatives. The only drawback is that it needs to be treated every three weeks. After three weeks, ticks start to attach, but otherwise, it's a good product."
Veterinarian Reviews
Natalia, a veterinarian with 13 years of experience:
"In my practice, we prefer foreign medications, so I have virtually no experience using Insektal. But I've heard positive feedback from clients, so I can't say anything negative about the drug."
Pavel, a veterinarian with 7 years of experience:
"Insektal's effectiveness is inferior to its foreign-made counterparts. I consider its advantage to be the ease of selecting the right option for a pet of any size, and the convenient packaging helps prevent overdosing. The affordable price is also a plus, but I would recommend not skimping on your pet's health by buying foreign-made tick and flea treatments. Remember that ticks carry the dangerous disease piroplasmosis."
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