Advocate drops for dogs

From spring to autumn, pets require special care and attention. Fleas, ticks, and other ectoparasites attack at every turn and can cause serious health problems. Dogs that lead active lifestyles and spend a lot of time outdoors are particularly at risk. Using Advocate drops for dogs can help prevent ectoparasite infestations. The product is used for both preventative and therapeutic purposes.

Composition and release form

The drug "Advocate" for dogs (original name - Advocate) is produced by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer, which has earned the trust of consumers worldwide. This antiparasitic medication is available as a liquid, packaged in polypropylene pipettes. The volume can vary from 0.4 to 4.0 ml, making it easier to select the right dosage. A package typically contains three pipettes, but many veterinary pharmacies sell them individually. This medication is intended for external use only, as it contains toxic substances.

Advocate prevents infestations by ticks, fleas, nematodes, and other ectoparasites. It has a broad spectrum of action, making it quite popular among dog owners. It contains two active ingredients:

1. Imidacloprid acts on the insects' nervous system through receptors, blocking the transmission of nerve impulses. As a result, the parasites die quite quickly.
2. Moxilectin causes muscle dysfunction and paralysis, which inevitably leads to the death of arthropods.

In addition, the composition includes propylene carbonate, benzyl alcohol and other auxiliary components.

Operating principle

Imidacloprid is virtually not absorbed into the bloodstream. It remains on the surface, accumulates in the fur and sebaceous glands, and negatively affects parasites upon direct contact. Its effect is long-lasting.

Unlike imidacloprid, moxilectin penetrates the bloodstream. Its peak blood concentration is reached 5-8 days after treatment. It remains in the body for 4 weeks. It is eliminated from the body gradually, which explains the lack of a sharp decline in the drug's effectiveness.

Because the medication acts both externally and internally (through the blood), it is used to combat virtually all types of parasites, including helminths. The antiparasitic effect lasts for 28-30 days, after which prophylactic treatment must be repeated.

Indications for use

Advocate for dogs is used to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases caused by various types of parasites. Indications for use include:

• Prevention of infestation by fleas, lice and biting lice.
• Destruction of the above insects.
• Prevention and treatment of demodicosis, sarcoptosis and other types of mites.
• Getting rid of ear mites (ear scabies).
• Prevention of dirofilariasis (the drug is not effective against adult sexually mature individuals).
• Treatment and prevention of intestinal nematodes (the drug acts on parasites regardless of their stage of development).
• Treatment of allergic dermatitis in combination with other drugs.

The drug can be used as prescribed by a doctor in case of parasite infestation or without any prescription for preventative purposes. When used as directed, Advocate drops for dogs are safe and rarely cause side effects or other adverse reactions.

Instructions for use

The dosage of the medication for external use is calculated based on the animal’s weight:

1. For small dogs weighing less than 4 kg, 0.4 ml of the drug is required.
2. For animals weighing 4-10 kg, you need to take a 1 ml pipette.
3. If the dog's weight is between 10 and 25 kg, you need to take 2.5 ml of the drug.
4. For pets weighing from 25 to 40 kg, 4 ml of medicine is required.

If your dog weighs over 40 kg, calculate the dosage based on 0.1 ml of the medication per kilogram of body weight. When purchasing the medication, select the pipette size based on your pet's weight. Larger animals will require multiple pipettes.

When treating tick, flea, or other parasite infestations, the procedure is performed once. If necessary (depending on the animal's condition and response), the treatment is repeated after 2-4 weeks as directed by a veterinarian. Excessive use of the product without a veterinarian's prescription is prohibited, as it may lead to an overdose.

According to the instructions for use, "Advocate" for dogs should be used as follows:

1. If preventative treatment is being carried out, it is recommended to bathe the animal without shampoo the day before.
2. Unscrew the cap from the pipette and put it on backwards to break through the protective foil.
3. Part the fur and apply a drop onto the skin. It's important to ensure the liquid comes into contact with the skin.
4. The medicine should be applied between the shoulder blades and along the spine, but in such a way that the dog cannot lick it.
5. For ear mites, "Advocate" is applied to the ear canal after cleaning it first. Both ears should be treated, even if the mite is only in one.
6. Avoid bathing your pet for the first 4 days. The product is water-resistant, but loses its effectiveness upon contact with water, so limit the amount of water exposure, including swimming in bodies of water. Shampoo can neutralize or weaken the effectiveness of the active ingredients, so avoid using it.
7. Preventive treatment is carried out every 28-30 days.
8. It is not recommended to use Advocate drops with other antiparasitic drugs, as this may cause excessive toxicity and poisoning of the pet's body.
9. Use with drugs of symptomatic or etiological action is permitted.

Contraindications and side effects

It is prohibited to use antiparasitic medication in the following cases:

• If the puppy is under 7 weeks old.
• During and after severe diseases, including infectious ones.
• In case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

The product is permitted for use in nursing and pregnant bitches, but only under the supervision of a veterinarian after a medical examination. Treatment of pets weighing less than 1 kg is sometimes permitted, but only after consultation with a veterinarian.

It belongs to hazard class 3, so it does not cause adverse reactions when used correctly. Avoid ingesting the product (ie, avoiding licking it) as it has immunosuppressant, toxic, irritating, and even mutagenic effects. Otherwise, the following side effects may occur:

1. Vomit.
2. Lethargy and weakness.
3. Decreased activity.
4. Lack of appetite.

An allergic reaction most often causes itching and redness of the skin. If adverse reactions occur, the dog should be thoroughly bathed with soap or shampoo. Symptoms usually resolve on their own and require no treatment. If this does not happen, consult a veterinarian, who will prescribe antihistamines and symptomatic medications.

Precautions and storage rules

Please remember that this medication is toxic. Taking precautions will ensure its safe use:

1. Before using Advocate for dogs, read the instructions. Do not exceed the stated dose.
2. Do not eat or drink during treatment. Also, do not smoke.
3. After completing the procedure, wash your hands under running water and use soap. If you have any sensitivity, be sure to wear protective gloves.
4. If the medicine gets into your body or on your mucous membranes, or if you experience an allergic reaction, consult a doctor.
5. After treatment, do not pet the dog for 3-4 days. Do not allow children to play with the animal.
6. The medicine should be stored away from feed and food products, preventing contact with sunlight, while the temperature should be between 0 and 30°C.
7. Keep the drug out of reach of animals and children.
8. Medicine containers must be disposed of with household waste. They cannot be used for any other purposes.
9. Store only in original packaging.
10. Do not use after expiration date.

Price

The price of Advocate drops for dogs may vary depending on the region, as well as the volume of the pipettes (the amount of active substance).

Below is the approximate price of one pipette:

• For animals weighing up to 4 kg – 350-370 rubles.
• For pets weighing from 4 to 10 kg – 440-520 rubles.
• For animals weighing from 10 to 25 kg – 570-700 rubles.
• For dogs weighing from 25 to 40 kg – 720-850 rubles.

Reviews

Most dog owner reviews of Advocate drops are positive, although there are those who were dissatisfied with the drug's effectiveness.

Julia:

"During the summer, we were repeatedly infested with helminths. To combat the parasites, the doctor recommended Advocate drops. The high price was a bit surprising, but I bought it. There was no toxicity, and compared to the pills we were previously taking, the dog doesn't resist the treatment. We now use these drops regularly and no longer encounter parasites."

Victor:

"Every year with the arrival of summer, we move to our dacha, so preventing parasites is a very important issue. We once bought Advocate drops. The reviews were all positive, but two weeks later, we found a tick on our German Shepherd, so I can't recommend the product to anyone else."

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