Simparica for dogs

Simparica is a veterinary medication for internal use against ticks and other ectoparasites, used prophylactically and therapeutically in dogs. The medication has a broad spectrum of activity and is effective against many external parasites. The formula was developed by the American company Zoetic, which has facilities and branches in 60 countries worldwide.

General description

Simparica (some mistakenly called "Sympathica") is a square-shaped tablet. It is available in six different types. They differ only in the active ingredient content. Its antiparasitic effect is due to the presence of a substance called sarolaner. The medication may contain 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 120 mg of this substance. The concentration of the active ingredient can be found not only on the packaging but also on the tablet itself. A number printed on one side indicates the sarolaner content.

The medicine also contains a flavor additive, which allows most dogs to eat it without any problems or compulsion.

The tablets are packaged in blisters of 1, 3, or 6 tablets. No special storage conditions are required. The key is to store the medication in a dry place, away from sunlight. The ambient temperature should range from 2 to 30 degrees Celsius.

How and how long does it work?

Simparica is a systemic medication. Upon entering the gastrointestinal tract, sarolaner is rapidly absorbed and distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. The drug's effectiveness is achieved because the active ingredient is present in virtually all tissues and organs. The drug is effective against ixodid, sarcoptic, demodectic mites, fleas, and other external parasites. The active ingredient blocks receptors and causes disruption of the nervous system, which inevitably leads to death. ectoparasites.

The medication is fast-acting. Fleas are killed within just three hours of administration, and ticks within eight hours. Simparica is an effective protection for pets against ectoparasites, as fleas are killed on contact before they lay eggs, eliminating the risk of their reproduction. This antiparasitic medication has a low rate of accumulation in the body, so its effect lasts for a long time – up to 35 days.

According to the GOST classification, Simparica is classified as a low-hazard substance. If the dosage and recommended use regimen are followed, the drug is safe for pets. It is non-toxic and non-mutagenic.

Price

The price of a package of 3 Simparica tablets depends on the content of the active substance:

• 5 mg – 950-1000 rub.;
• 10 mg – 1050-1150 rubles;
• 20 mg – 1100-1200 rubles;
• 40 mg – 1150-1250 rubles;
• 80 mg – 1250-1350 rubles;
• 120 mg – 1500-1600 rub.

You can buy the medication at any veterinary pharmacy or online. A prescription is not required.

When and how to apply

According to the instructions for use, Simparica is used for dogs to destroy the following external parasites:

• fleas;
• ixodid ticks;
• demodectic mites;
• sarcoptic mites;
• psoroptoid mites.

The drug can also be used to prevent entomoses and acarases caused by various types of ticks and fleas. The use of this medication reduces the risk of Lyme disease, babesiosis, and other blood-borne parasitic diseases, as ticks and fleas are killed before they can transmit pathogens.

You can simply administer the tablets by hand. Dogs eat them easily due to their pleasant taste and aroma. If your pet refuses to take the medication voluntarily, you can try one of the following:

1. Hide the pill in a treat and offer it to your dog. You can use a piece of meat, chicken, ground meat, or your dog's other favorite food as a "disguise."
2. If the previous two methods fail to feed the medication, you'll have to force-feed it. To do this, place the tablet on the back of the tongue and ensure the animal swallows it. For larger dogs, it's best to use a special device, which can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy.

The medication will be effective if you follow the recommended dosage. Make sure your pet swallows the entire tablet, especially if you're disguising it in food.

Dosage and administration

The instructions state that Simparica dosage for dogs depends on weight, and the concentration of the active ingredient in the tablets must be taken into account. The minimum dose is 2 mg of sarolaner per 1 kg of body weight. Depending on the active ingredient concentration, one tablet is designed for the following weight:

• 5 mg – 1.3-2.5 kg;
• 10 mg – 2.6-5 kg;
• 20 mg – 5-10 kg;
• 40 mg – 10-20 kg;
• 80 mg – 20-40 kg;
• 120 mg – 40-60 kg.

If the animal weighs more than 60 kg, then you need to select a suitable combination of tablets.

Please note! Tablets must be given whole; they must not be broken or crushed.

The medication's effects can last up to 35 days, but to ensure reliable protection, it should be administered monthly during the insect infestation period. If the medication is used to kill ticks or fleas, it should be administered to your pet twice, separated by one month.

The instructions do not contain any information about incompatibility of this antiparasitic drug with other medications. If you plan to combine medications, consult your doctor first to prevent overdose and drug poisoning. Particular caution should be exercised when combining Simparica with other antiparasitic medications.

Contraindications and restrictions

You should stop using the medication in the following cases:

• in case of intolerance to the components;
• in severe liver diseases;
• in case of severe kidney disorders;
• during the recovery period after serious illnesses;
• in infectious pathologies;
• when exhausted.

Clinical studies of the drug's effects on females and their offspring during pregnancy and lactation have not been conducted, so potential side effects have not been determined. Generally, the antiparasitic drug is approved for use, but only under veterinary supervision. Simparica is contraindicated for use in puppies under 8 weeks of age. It is also contraindicated for use in animals weighing less than 1.3 kg.

Please note! People with hypersensitivity should exercise extreme caution as the medication may cause an allergic reaction. In this case, consult a doctor.

Side effects

Simparica tick tablets are generally well tolerated by dogs. If an animal is intolerant to the ingredients, an allergy may develop. In such cases, the medication should not be used for further ectoparasite control. To alleviate any allergy symptoms that develop, the pet is given an antihistamine. Symptomatic therapy may also be used.

The following symptoms may indicate an overdose:

• increased salivation;
• tremor;
• unsteadiness of gait;
• apathy and depression.

In this case, measures are taken to remove the components of the drug from the body and symptomatic treatment should be prescribed by a doctor.

Owner reviews

Oksana, the beagle's owner:

"We live at our dacha in the summer. On the veterinarian's advice, we use Simparica to protect against ticks and fleas (it's new to the Russian market, so it's not available everywhere). After walks in the woods, the ticks fall off the animal on their own (already dead), so I think the product does an excellent job."

Anton, the owner of two shepherd dogs:

“I had a negative experience with this drug - within a month of taking it, the dogs became ill with piroplasmosis. I had previously used Frontline drops"I haven't had any similar problems. However, Simparica is not cheap. I can't recommend it."

Svetlana, owner of a French bulldog:

"The doctor recommended Simparika. He clarified that the medication is less toxic than Bravecto. The dog ate the medication from my hand. There were no similar reactions. No ticks or fleas have been noticed yet, although they are currently at their peak."

Veterinarian Reviews

Valentina, a veterinarian with 16 years of experience:

"Simparica is a relatively new drug on the market. It's easy to use and rarely causes side effects, but it doesn't guarantee 100% protection against blood parasitic diseases. I recommend my clients use high-quality imported topical drops. I've learned from personal experience that this is the best solution."

Victor, a veterinarian with 9 years of experience:

"Simparica is an excellent antiparasitic medication. Its main advantage is that the tablets have a pleasant taste, and dogs eat them themselves. The drug's high efficacy has been proven in clinical trials conducted in Europe. With good tolerability and compatibility with other medications, it outperforms well-known medications from European manufacturers. Yes, the price is not cheap, but it's not worth skimping on your pet's health."

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