| Though I do not agree with the safety or effectiveness of chemical pesticide use, it is a common practice among pet owners encouraged or even forced by many veterinarians, and the topic comes up in discussion often. In 2005 when I wrote this out originally I did it out of having noticed on my online communities that people were using products without knowing the mode of action, or even what “pests” were targeted by available products.
Here is some info I gathered on all of the monthly preventatives I am aware of, updated the last time in 2008. If you see something you know to be erroneous, outdated, or see a med I missed, please contact me. I got all the info from the manufacturer websites. |
K9 Advantix
A topical medication made by Bayer. Effective against fleas, ticks, mosquitos. Active ingredients are imidacloprid and permethrin. According to Bayer, “K9 Advantix repels and kills mosquitoes before they can bite”, “it repels and kills [different varieties of] ticks before they can attach”, and “stops fleas from biting in less than 5 minutes and kills them before they lay eggs”, and “kills flea larvae before they develop into adult fleas”.
Frontline
A topical medication made by Merial. Effective against fleas and ticks. Active ingredient is fipronil. According to Merial, “Frontline starts killing fleas and ticks as soon as they come into contact with your dog”.
Frontline Plus
A topical medication made by Merial. Effective against fleas and ticks. Active ingredients are fipronil and (S)-methoprene. According to Merial, “Frontline Plus kill[s] up to 100% of adult fleas on your pet within 24 hours. It also contains a special ingredient that kills flea eggs and larvae to keep ALL stages of fleas from developing.”
Advantage
A topical medication made by Bayer. Effective against fleas, ticks, mosquitos. Active ingredient is imidacloprid (9.1%). According to Bayer, Advantage stops fleas from biting in three to five minutes, and starts killing fleas within an hour. Within 12 hours of initial application, 98-100 percent of all existing fleas on pets are dead and it kills fleas before they lay eggs, so their life cycle is broken. And because it kills flea larvae within 20 minutes of contact, you don’t need to use an insect growth regulator.
ProMeris
A topical medication made by Fort Dodge. Effective against fleas, Brown Dog ticks, American Dog ticks, Lone Star ticks, Black-Legged, and Deer ticks. Active ingredients aremetaflumizone and Amitraz. According to Fort Dodge, “ProMeris for dogs contains metaflumizone, as well as Amitraz, to provide broad-spectrum control of fleas and ticks.” |
| Tablets/Chewables
Revolution
A topical medication made by Pfizer. Effective against fleas, heartworms, and other parasites including ear mites, the mites that cause sarcoptic mange, and the American dog tick. Active ingredient is selamectin. According to Pfizer, Revolution Kill[s] adult fleas and prevent[s] flea eggs from hatching for one month, and is used for prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, treatment and control of ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestations, treatment and control of sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei), and control of American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) infestations.
Interceptor
A tablet made by Novartis. Effective against heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Active ingredient is milbemycin oxime. According to Novartis, Interceptor eliminate[s] the tissue stage of heartworm larvae and the adult stage of hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) infestations when administered orally according to the recommended dosage schedule.
Heartgard
A tablet or chewable made by Merial. Effective against heartworms. Active ingredient is ivermectin. According to Merial, Heartgard is highly effective in preventing heartworm disease.
Heartgard Plus
A chewable made by Merial. Effective against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Active ingredients are ivermectinand pyrantel. According to Merial, Heartgard Plus is is highly effective against heartworms, and treats and controls other dangerous parasites and provides the most control against roundworms and hookworms available in a Real Beef chewable heartworm preventative.
Iverhart Plus
A chewable made by Virbac. Effective against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Active ingredients are ivermectin and pyrantel. According to Virbac, Iverhart Plus is guaranteed to protect against these dangerous parasites: heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms.
Tri-Heart Plus
A chewable tablet made by Schering-Plough. Effective against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Active ingredients are ivermectin and pyrantel. According to Schering-Plough, “Tri-Heart Plus flavored chewable tablets contain ivermectin/pyrantel – a proven combination to protect your dog and ensure your complete peace of mind.” .
Sentinel
A tablet made by Novartis. Effective against fleas, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. Active ingredients are milbemycim oxime and lufenuron. According to Novartis, Sentinal is for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, for the prevention and control of flea populations, the control of adult Ancylostoma caninum (hookworm), and the removal and control of adult Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina (round-worm) and Trichuris vulpis (whipworm) infections. It controls flea populations by preventing the development of flea eggs and does not kill adult fleas. |
