Frequently Asked Questions about Advantage II
What is Advantage II and how does it work?
Advantage II is a monthly, topical flea preventative for dogs older than 7 weeks of age and cats older than 8 weeks of age. You apply it to your pet's skin every 30 days where its two ingredients--imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen--go to work killing adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. This product also treats chewing lice on dogs. The oils in your pet's hair and skin distribute Advantage II all over your pet's body for one month.
Advantage II does not kill ticks. For tick control, consider collars like Preventic for Dogs.
What are the side effects?
Individual sensitivities are rare, and may occur after using any pesticide product. If signs persist or worsen of the next few days after application, seek immediate veterinary care. If your pet has an unusual reaction to the initial application of Advantage II, check with your veterinarian before using the product again. Certain medications can interact with Advantage II, so consult your veterinarian before using this product if your pet is on medications, aged, debilitated, pregnant, or nursing.
What should I do if my pet is showing signs of an overdose?
Seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect an overdose in your pet.
Does this product need a prescription?
No. Advantage II is an over-the-counter flea control product.
Is this product the same as Advantage Multi or K9 Advantix II?
No. Advantage II offers flea control for dogs and cats. Advantage Multi is made by Bayer also, but it requires a veterinary prescription. It contains moxidectrin instead of pyriproxyfen, and is formulated to prevent heartworm disease and kill adult fleas.
K9 Advantix II is a flea and tick control product from the makers of Advantage II, but it is for dogs only. It contains imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen like Advantage II, but it also has permethrin. This topical product is for the treatment and prevention of fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, and lice.
How long does it take for Advantage II to kill fleas?
Advantage II kills adult fleas within 12 hours of application. After the initial 12 hours are up, any fleas in the environment or your home that jump on your dog are killed within 2 hours. Advantage II works for 30 days with a single application.
Which size of Advantage II Spot On should I buy for my pet?
Advantage II is sold in four different sizes for dogs of the following weights: 1-10 lbs. (Green), 11-20 lbs. (Teal), 21-55 lbs. (Red), and over 55 lbs. (Blue). The feline versions Advantage II is available in three sizes for cats of the following weights: 5-9 lbs. (Orange), 9-18 lbs. (Purple), and for kittens 1-5 lbs. (Turquoise).
VetDepot.com sells all sizes of Advantage II in 4 month, 6 month, and 12 month supplies.
Do fleas have to bite my pet first before Advantage II kills them?
No. Advantage II kills through contact. This is important because flea bites can cause skin problems like flea allergy dermatitis, anemia, or transmit parasites. Killing them before they bite helps keep your pet safe.
If my pet is on medication can I use Advantage II?
Ask your veterinarian before using Advantage II on pets that are on medication, aged, debilitated, pregnant, or nursing.
I've already used Frontline Plus, K9 Advantix, Revolution, or some other flea control product on my pet. Can I use Advantage II as well?
Consult your veterinarian before using another flea preventative. Do not mix and match products without instructions from your pet's veterinarian.
Can I use Advantage II with Trifexis?
While Trifexis is used to protect against heartworms, it also offers protection against fleas. You should consult your veterinarian before giving your pet Trifexis with Advantage II or before switching your pet to or from Trifexis. Do not combine flea, tick, or heartworm preventatives without your veterinarian's explicit instructions.
Can Advantage II be used with Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous Earth is a non-toxic mineral made from finely ground fossils that is fed to animals to control internal parasites. You should consult your veterinarian before using it and Advantage II together.
How does Advantage II kill fleas before they can lay eggs?
Adult fleas require 24 to 36 hours on your pet before they can lay eggs. Advantage II kills fleas within 12 hours of application, so the parasites die before they can lay eggs.
Why do I still see active fleas on my pet after I've applied Advantage II?
The imidacloprid in Advantage II overstimulates the fleas' nervous systems, which ultimately kills them. As they die, they rise to the top of your pet's haircoat.
Why are there still fleas in my home? I already treated my pets with Advantage II.
Immature fleas can remain dormant in carpets, bedding, and other areas of your home for a long time, and approximately only 5% of the flea population found in a home are adult fleas. When conditions are right, they can develop and infest your home. Using Advantage II helps break the life cycle of any flea that jumps on your pet. But to kill those that remain in your home, you may need to use an indoor flea control product like an Adams Plus Fogger or a Virbac Knockout ES Area Treatment.
Is this product waterproof?
Yes. Advantage II is still effective even after swimming or bathing. Wait 24 hours after applying Advantage II before letting your pet get wet.
How long do I need to wait after applying Advantage II before bathing my pet?
Make sure to wait 24 hours after applying Advantage II before allowing your pet to get wet, either via bathing or swimming. If you need to apply it right after a bath, make sure your pet is completely dry first.
Does Advantage II kill any other pests like ticks, bed bugs, or mosquitoes?
Advantage II is only effective against fleas, flea eggs, and larvae on dogs and cats. Advantage II also treats chewing lice infestations on dogs. It does not kill or repel ticks, bed bugs, or mosquitoes.
Does Advantage II for Dogs & Cats treat ear mites?
Advantage II does not treat ear mites in dogs and cats. Consider trying products like Sentry HC Earmite Free or Otomite Plus to clear up your pet's ear mites.
Can I use Advantage II on other animals?
No. Only use Advantage II on the species on the packaging. Do not use a canine Advantage II product on a cat because the formulas are calibrated by species and weight. A dog product may cause an overdose if used on a cat.
Can I use this product on myself to treat fleas?
Advantage II is for cats and dogs only. Do not use on humans.
Can I re-apply Advantage II more often than every 30 days?
The manufacturer notes that in cases of severe flea infestations, you may retreat with Advantage II before the 30 day interval is up. However, do not retreat more often than once every 7 days. Once the severe infestation is controlled, resume monthly applications.
What if my dog is still growing? Can I give them a higher dose?
You should ask your veterinarian about what Advantage II product they'd recommend for your pet. If you use a product that is for dogs that weigh more than your pet currently does, it could result in an overdose.
Do I need to use a flea preventative year-round, even during winter?
Fleas are a threat to your pet all year. Flea pupae are able to survive very cold conditions, and fleas are able to hide in cracks and corners in your home. It only takes one of those fleas laying eggs to begin a new infestation. It's simpler and safer for you, your family, and your pets to use Advantage II or another flea preventative all year.
Does Advantage II expire?
Advantage II does not have an expiration date as long as you store unused containers in their original packaging and at room temperature.
Can Advantage II make my pets drowsy?
Drowsiness is not one of the reported potential side effects. Consult with your veterinarian.