Widely considered to be the top two flea and tick control medications on the market, we decided to compare Advantix Vs Frontline in order to help our fellow pet owners decide which flea control medicine is best for their pet. By researching and compiling authoritative information from actual users and other trusted sources we have come up with a definitive comparison of these two top of the line flea and tick killers.
Skip ahead to our Advantix Vs Frontline Comparison Chart or continue reading for our written comparison.
Our Advantix vs Frontline comparison will focus on the following similarities and differences between K9 Advantix II and Frontline Plus:
- Active ingredients, how they work, what parasites and/or pests they kill or control
- How to use, how to apply the medications
- Risks, adverse reactions, tips for households with cats
- Availability and package contents, dosages, pricing considerations, best price
Advantix Vs Frontline – Active Ingredients and How They Work
Both dog flea meds are highly effective in killing fleas and ticks, but when comparing Advantix vs Frontline ingredients, the differences really start to show. Frontline Plus contains two active ingredients, Fipronil (9.8%) and (S)-Methoprene (8.8%) which cause fleas to die within 12 hours of application and ticks within 48 hours. When Frontline is applied to your pet’s skin, fipronil is stored in the oil glands of the skin and it is then distributed evenly through the hair follicles through a process called translocation. Fleas and ticks do not have to bite your pet first in order to die, just coming into contact with your pet’s hair coat is enough to kill them. Fipronil also breaks the fleas life cycle in all stages, which helps prevent future infestations. It is very effective in killing fleas, ticks, and biting lice. If you only need to protect against fleas and ticks then Frontline Plus is an excellent option.
Note:
K9 Advantix II is has 3 notably different active ingredients and a mysterious blend of “unspecified” ingredients. It contains Imidacloprid (8.80%), Permethrin (44.0%), Pyriproxyfen (0.44%), and “Other Ingredients” (46.76%). What are those “other ingredients?” Unfortunately, Bayer does not disclose what they are. So, focusing on what we do know, the ingredients in Advantix II do more than just kill fleas and ticks. K9 Advantix II’s improvement over the original product is the addition of the insect growth regulator, (IGR) called pyriproxyfen, which kills flea eggs and flea larvae. And canine Advantix still has imidacloprid and permethrin to kill fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and biting lice. The blend of ingredients is also designed to repel pests before they can bite your pet. In addition to killing all the pests I just mentioned, it also repels them before they can get to your pet. Biting flies are the only type of pest mentioned that the formula repels but does not kill. Advantix was designed to be more of a complete solution to parasite problems and may be a great option for pet owners who live in areas where the above mentioned pests tend to thrive. K-9 Advantix for dogs is designed to be a complete solution. For those of you who are looking for even more of an all-in-one type of solution that contains a heartworm treatment like heartgard for dogs, I suggest you check out Advantage.
How To Apply – Advantix Vs Frontline
Advantix vs Frontline application: Both of these flea treatments are applied topically. The applicator tubes contain liquid (flea drops), all you have to do is apply the contents of one applicator tube to your pet’s skin, while your pet is standing, between the shoulder blades on their back. The instructions from K9 Advantix II are slightly different only because they recommend they you apply the contents of the applicator tube to 2-4 different spots on your pet’s back, from the shoulder blades down to the base of the tail. Frontline’s instructions are to apply the entire tube to one spot between the shoulder blades.
Risks, Adverse Reactions, And Considerations For Households With Cats
K-9 Advantix products should never be used on cats. It is extremely poisonous to cats and can actually kill them if they are overly exposed. The reason is that cats are unable to metabolize certain compounds like permethrin. If you have cats in your household then it is recommended that you separate your cat and dog at least until the medication has dried. This time may vary, so it is recommended that you separate them for 12 hours to be absolutely safe. If your dog or cat has an adverse reaction or side effect, check K9 Advantix II adverse reactions for advice.
Frontline Plus does not have as many warnings about side effects or adverse reactions, but it some cases it can cause skin irritation at the site of application. The irritation should go away within a couple of days, but if it becomes worse within a few days, then go see your veterinarian. In regards to cats, you should not use Frontline for dogs on a cat because the dosages and ingredient content are slightly different. That said, it is not necessary to separate your dogs and cats when you treat one or the other. However, if you’d like to be extra careful then separate them for 12 hours.
Note of caution: There are many reports of adverse reactions from dog owners who have used both products. The fact is, adverse reactions are going to happen to a small percentage of dogs with any flea treatment. Use with caution. Comparing adverse reactions of Advantix vs Frontline, they are about the same and may include: irritation at application site, loss of appetite, nervous or strange behavior, and restlessness.
Advantix Vs Frontline – Availability, Package Contents, And Pricing Considerations
K9 Advantix II is available in 4 pack, 6 pack, and 12 pack. Each package contains 4, 6, or 12 applicators. Each dose, one applicator, is be applied to your pet monthly. Each application is effective for one month. The product is sold according to your dog’s weight:
- Dogs up to 10 lbs. (Green)
- Dogs 11-20 lbs. (Teal)
- Dogs 21-55 lbs. (Red)
- Dogs over 55 lbs. (Blue)
Frontline Plus is available in 3 pack, 6 pack, and 12 pack. Each dose, one applicator, lasts one month. The product is also sold according to your dog’s weight:
- Dogs and puppies (8 weeks and older) up to 22 lbs.
- Dogs 23-44 lbs.
- Dogs 45-88 lbs.
- Dogs 89-132 lbs.
Note: When comparing Advantix vs Frontline prices, keep in mind that the smallest package offered for Frontline only has 3 doses, whereas the smallest package for Advantix has 4 doses. Comparing Advantix vs Frontline 6 pack or 12 pack is more straight forward because you are getting the same amount of doses in both packages.
Advantix Vs Frontline – Which Is A Better Value For The Money?
Well, it depends on how you look at it. If you live in an area where fleas and ticks are a more serious problem than flies and mosquitoes, then you can trust Frontline Plus will do the job wonderfully. It is a highly effective product, I use it on my 3 dogs and have never had a problem with it. I also have two cats in the house that have never been negatively affected by our dogs’ treatments. When you compare K9 Advantix potential for affecting cats, that can be an important consideration.
Frontline Plus can be found online at some pretty cheap prices. There’s no sense paying more at the vet for the same exact product you can get cheaper online and have it mailed to your house.
K9 Advantix II is a great choice for people who live in areas with lots of mosquitoes and flies. If you see your dog being bothered by flying pests, then chances are you live in an area where K9 Advantix II can be your dog’s best friend. Does your dog live outside or spend a lot of time outside? If so, I recommend trying K9 Advantix II. I have used it on my dogs and was very happy with the results. I started out with Advantix and I never had a problem with fleas and ticks, nor mosquitoes and flies. Eventually though, I decided to try Frontline because I found it cheaper than K9 Advantix and I found that it worked just the same. That’s not to say that Advantix can’t be obtained on the cheap. I also know where to get it at a great discount and I’ll be revealing my Advantix vs Frontline source below.
By now I hope this Advantix vs Frontline comparison has helped you decide which of these two flea and tick treatments is right for you and your pet. But if you are still sitting on the fence due to price considerations, let me do the heavy lifting for you. I have been buying pet medications on the internet almost since the internet began, and I have bought from all of the top merchants online and many of the smaller discount sellers. I know who delivers quality product at a good price on time and who doesn’t. I compare Advantix vs Frontline prices every month and publish the best deals right here on this website. I will only recommend established, trusted sellers that have proven themselves online.
Here are the lowest Advantix vs Frontline prices available for the month of December 2011.
