Difference Between K9 Advantix & Frontline for Dogs

Fleas and ticks can cause various, sometimes serious, diseases in dogs.
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K9 Advantix and Frontline are two products used to kill fleas and ticks on dogs. Manufactured by different drug companies, there are several differences between the two products. While K9 Advantix both repels and kills bugs, Frontline does not repel them, however some dog owners find Frontline a safer product.

K9 Advantix

Manufactured by Bayer, K9 Advantix both repels and kill fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice and biting flies. The active ingredients are imidacloprid, permethrin and pyriproxyfen. These ingredients work together to attack bugs’ nerve cells, paralyzing them and causing death. They also stunt growth of fleas. Bugs are repelled and killed before attaching to your dog. K9 Advantix kills fleas within 12 hours and ticks within 48 hours.

Frontline

Frontline is manufactured by Merial. The active ingredient is fipronil, which upon application through your dog’s hair follicles spreads through your dog’s natural oil glands within his skin. Effective about 24 hours after application, Frontline kills fleas within 18 hours and ticks within 48 hours. Though Frontline does not repel bugs, when they land on your pet and attempt to bite him, the bugs will die. Frontline also kills lice.

Application

Regardless of which product is used, applications last monthly. Both products come in liquid form and are packaged in individual tubes, one per usage. The Frontline medication is applied between your dog’s shoulder blades, with you parting fur to apply directly on his skin. K9 Advantix recommends the same process, but suggests applications to occur evenly in two or three places from the back of the shoulder to your dog’s tail.

Major Differences

The primary differences between K9 Advantix and Frontline are the ingredients. K9 Advantix contains stronger pesticides and greater warnings regarding human contact. Another difference is the timeframe for killing fleas, with K9 Advantix effective in 12 hours and 18 hours for Frontline. Lastly, K9 Advantix repels bugs while Frontline does not. Either product will work to kill bugs, so you may want to ask your vet for his recommendation or try both to see which is more effective for your dog.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

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