How Advantage Multi Works for Your Dog's Health
Advantage Multi for Dogs is a comprehensive monthly topical medication that plays a vital role in safeguarding your pet's health. Designed for dogs at least 7 weeks old and weighing a minimum of 3 pounds, this product combines powerful active ingredients to deliver protection against a wide range of parasitic threats.
Key Functions of Advantage Multi
- Heartworm Prevention: Protects against heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
- Flea Control: Kills adult fleas and treats flea infestations caused by Ctenocephalides felis.
- External Parasite Treatment: Effectively treats and controls sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis).
- Internal Parasite Treatment: Treats and controls intestinal parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
- Microfilariae Treatment: Reduces circulating microfilariae in heartworm-positive dogs.
Active Ingredients
The effectiveness of Advantage Multi comes from two active ingredients:
- Imidacloprid (10%): A potent insecticide that kills fleas by disrupting their nervous system.
- Moxidectin (2.5%): An antiparasitic agent that targets internal parasites and prevents heartworm infection.
Application Instructions
Administering Advantage Multi is simple and stress-free when done correctly. Follow these steps for safe and effective application:
- Remove one dose applicator tube and hold upright.
- Remove the cap, flip it, and use to break the tube's seal.
- For dogs under 20 lbs, part the fur between the shoulder blades and apply entire contents at one spot on visible skin.
- For dogs over 20 lbs, apply the contents at three to four spots along the back from base of the neck to upper back.
- Ensure the application site is not accessible to licking for at least 30 minutes.
- Children should avoid contact with the application site for two hours.
Effectiveness and Bathing
Shampooing 90 minutes after application doesn't impact heartworm protection. For flea treatments, wait at least four days post-application to bathe your dog. Frequent weekly bathing may reduce flea control efficacy.
Safety Guidelines
- Only apply topically. Do not let the dog ingest the solution.
- Avoid use on cats or other species.
- Store between 39°F and 77°F (4°C–25°C) in original packaging.
- Consult your vet before use, especially for sick or underweight dogs.
- Do not use in puppies under 7 weeks or weighing under 3 lbs.
Side Effects
Most side effects are mild and may include:
- Common: Itching, lethargy, application site residue or medicinal odor.
- Less Common: Vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence, temporary hair loss.
- Rare but Serious: Accidental ingestion may lead to neurological symptoms or even coma in sensitive breeds such as Collies.
Heartworm Testing & Precautions
Dogs should be tested negatively for heartworms before starting Advantage Multi. The medication isn't effective against adult heartworms, so infected dogs need prior treatment. Annual heartworm tests are recommended.
Missed Dose?
If you miss a dose, administer as soon as possible and return to the monthly schedule. Do not double up doses. Gaps longer than 30 days require veterinary consultation.
Dosage by Dog Size
- 3–9 lbs: 40 mg imidacloprid / 10 mg moxidectin
- 9.1–20 lbs: 100 mg / 25 mg
- 20.1–55 lbs: 250 mg / 62.5 mg
- 55.1–88 lbs: 400 mg / 100 mg
- 88.1–110 lbs: 500 mg / 125 mg
For dogs over 110 lbs, combine multiple applicator tubes appropriately.
Veterinary Oversight
Advantage Multi is available by prescription only. Work closely with your vet to ensure safe and effective use, especially if your dog is breeding, pregnant, lactating, or has underlying health conditions. Dogs with an MDR1 gene mutation are at increased risk of side effects.
By following the recommended guidelines, Advantage Multi provides safe, broad-spectrum protection that helps ensure the long-term health and comfort of your furry friend.
