Pharmacology and composition
Advocate drops for dogs are produced by the world-famous German company Bayer HealthCare AG. Veterinary products from this company are widely known in the pharmacological market and have been successfully used for years to treat and prevent diseases in animals.
The drug is a complex antiparasitic agent. It acts through the synthesis of 2 substances:
- imidacloprid: insecticide, causes the death of ticks and fleas;
- moxidectin: acts against nematodes (worms).
Imidacloprid spreads throughout the dog's skin and coat. It is released along with sebaceous secretions, penetrates the bodies of insects during bites, causing their paralysis and subsequent death. Moxidectin enters the systemic bloodstream, tissues and organs, leading to muscle innervation of nematodes and, as a result, death. Both substances protect against parasites for up to 1 month.
Moxidectin is similar in action to ivermectin. But, unlike it, it is not toxic to collies and similar breeds.
Drops belong to the third hazard class - moderately hazardous substances. If dosages are observed, they do not cause side effects and are well tolerated by dogs of different breeds.
Composition and mechanism of action
- The wide spectrum of action of the drops is ensured thanks to two active components: imidacloprid and moxidexin. The composition also contains other components that have an auxiliary effect.
- After application, the first active substance spreads throughout the animal’s body and fur; it does not penetrate the blood. The second component, on the contrary, penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream.
- On days 4-8, the maximum concentration of substances is observed in the body, at which complete protection is ensured. They are eliminated from the body naturally within a month. During this month, the drug protects the animal from parasites. The drops are classified as moderately safe and have a hazard class of 3.
- The active components, upon contact with parasites, penetrate the body and act directly on the nervous system. This leads to paralysis and then rapid death.
Indications for use
Drops on the withers Advocate are a combined broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent. It is effective against:
- mites – demodectic, sarcoptoid;
- fleas;
- lice;
- lice eaters;
- adult and larval forms of nematodes - roundworms (toxacara, hookworm, uncinaria) and whipworms (trichocephalosis);
- dirofilaria larvae - a type of worm that affects organs: heart, lungs, eyes, etc.
The medicine is not effective against ixodid ticks and adult heartworms. Therefore, if the dog is already affected by these types of parasites, the drug is combined with other drugs.
An antiparasitic agent is used for:
- prevention of infection with helminths and ectoparasites;
- prevention of dirofilariasis;
- destruction of fleas, lice, lice, ticks, worms;
- complex therapy of otitis and allergic dermatitis caused by insects;
- treatment of sarcoptic mange, demodicosis.
Advantages and disadvantages
To make the right choice, you always need to take into account the advantages of the product and take into account the disadvantages. The advantages of drops include a wide spectrum of action, since one medicine protects against infection by different types of parasites.
It is also worth noting safety; it is absolutely harmless to pets when used correctly. Easy to use, for example, unlike tablets, which are quite difficult to give to a dog. Convenient release rate with calculated dosage for one-time use.
The benefits also include reviews from dog breeders who have already used them, since they are mostly positive. High efficiency and protection are noted throughout the month. Side effects are observed in rare cases, and they are minor and go away on their own.
Of course, there are also disadvantages, these include the high cost of the drug. It should also be noted that Advocate has no effect against ixodid ticks, which are very dangerous.
Due to the fact that the drug is quite in demand and popular, counterfeits have appeared on sale.
Counterfeits are especially often found not in specialized retail outlets and online stores, so you should be careful and buy the product only in veterinary pharmacies. Source
Instructions for use and dosage
Advocate drops (spot-on) are produced in various packaging according to the weight of the animal. The dosage is calculated based on their recommended norms - 0.1 ml of the drug per 1 kg of animal weight, which corresponds to 10 mg of imidacloprid and 2.5 mg of moxidectin per 1 kg.
| Release form | Dose of active ingredients | Price per package for 3 pipettes | |
| imidacloprid | moxidectin | ||
| 0.4 ml for small dogs weighing up to 4 kg | 10 mg/kg | 2.5 mg/kg | 1,100 rub. |
| 1 ml for medium animals weighing from 4 to 10 kg | 10-25 mg/kg | 2.5-6.25 mg/kg | 1,200 rub. |
| 2.5 ml for large dogs weighing from 10 to 25 kg | 10-25 mg/kg | 2.5-6.25 mg/kg | RUB 1,250 |
| 4 ml for giant breeds weighing from 25 to 40 kg | 10-16 mg/kg | 2.5-4 mg/kg | 1,300 rub. |
If the pet's weight exceeds 40 kg, combine two pipettes whose volume best matches the animal's weight. For example, for a dog weighing 43 kg, a combination of 4 ml and 0.4 ml drugs is suitable. And for a dog weighing 46 kg, 4 ml and 1 ml are combined.
Each package contains 3 pipettes. But in veterinary pharmacies and pet stores, tubes are sold individually.
Applying drops is no different from using similar products. Follow the step-by-step instructions:
- the animal is fixed - large dogs are held on the floor, medium and small dogs are lifted onto the table;
- open the pipette - remove the protective cap and pierce the tip of the tube with its reverse side;
- move the fur apart - the drug must get on the skin, otherwise it will flow down the fur coat and will not penetrate the body;
- examine the skin - it must be clean, dry, without damage or redness, otherwise the drops cannot be used;
- apply the medicine - drop it into 3-4 points that are inaccessible for licking (from the withers to the lower back), it is better to apply immediately behind the ears in front of the scruff of the neck.
The frequency of use depends on the clinical case and varies from 28 to 64 days. On average, the drug for dogs is recommended to be used once a month during the parasite activity season - from early spring to late autumn.
Description of the product
The product is an antiparasitic drug that has a fairly wide spectrum of action. It has medicinal and prophylactic properties. Used against fleas, ticks, lice, lice, worms and nematodes. When taken in the correct dosage and used according to instructions, it is safe for animals.
The drug is prepared in the form of a liquid for external use. The product is sold packaged in pipettes of various sizes for one-time use. You can purchase pipettes with a volume of 0.4/1.0/2.5/4.0 ml separately or in a pack of 3 pieces. Instructions for use are included with the drug.
Drops can be used for 3 years from the date of manufacture, but subject to proper storage. The temperature range should be between 0 and 30°C. Choose a dark and dry storage place to avoid direct sunlight. Do not store drops together with medications, food, or animal feed. Choose a place inaccessible to children.
Contraindications and side effects
Lawyer is a safe remedy. But in case of individual intolerance, it causes signs of allergy - skin hyperemia and itching. In this case, the drug is washed off with a large amount of water, and the animal is given an antihistamine - Suprastin, Tavegil, etc.
Spot-on is prohibited for the following animals:
- kittens up to 7 weeks;
- pregnant and lactating bitches;
- sick and weakened pets;
- dogs weighing less than 1 kg.
In case of urgent need, these animals are treated under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advocate drops on the withers are one of the best antiparasitic remedies. It has many advantages compared to other drugs:
- complex action - one pipette kills ectoparasites and worms, which frees the animal owner from purchasing and feeding deworming tablets;
- safety;
- side effects are minor, occur rarely and go away on their own;
- allowed for use by puppies from 7 weeks;
- an abundance of dosages for dogs of different sizes;
- collies and similar breeds can be used;
- convenient use.
However, the drug also has disadvantages:
- There are often fakes - be especially careful when ordering from online stores and purchasing in small pet stores;
- high price - from 350 rubles per pipette;
- does not help against ixodid ticks;
- difficult to obtain, especially in regions and small towns - due to the high cost, not all veterinary pharmacies and pet stores purchase the drug.
Owner reviews
YuliaYa1977: “For the first time we took these drops. The dog did not struggle during treatment and behaved calmly. Overall, she tolerated the drug well - no signs of intoxication. Only the wool smells a little, but after other products the smell was stronger.”
KseniaZH: “Six months ago my pug got sick. He was still a puppy then and didn’t weigh even 4 kg. At first a small pimple appeared on my forehead, which then became covered with skin. The vet said it was a subcutaneous mite and appointed a lawyer. He said to drip for 4 months in a row every 30 days. After the second use, the crusts disappeared, and after the 4th time everything disappeared as if by hand. The price is steep, but I ordered at my own risk on the Internet: it turned out to be almost 2 times cheaper and they sent the original medicine, although I was afraid of a fake.”
Doglover27: “The drops saved us! My dog was itching endlessly. I thought it was fleas, but nothing helped. Then I suffered from a food allergy, changed my diet, and also without results. We went to the vet and he said it was itch mites. These small parasites are not visible, so they could not determine what the dog was sick with. After two applications, the animal stopped itching and suffered from itching.”
Analogues of the drug
There are few analogs of the Lawyer. It is rare that any veterinary drug manufacturer combines substances against ectoparasites and helminths in one product. Usually, drops for fleas and ticks are produced separately, and tablets for worms are produced separately.
Therefore, funds like the Lawyer can be counted on one hand.
Analogues are better:
| Medicine | What's better? | Price per pipette |
| Stronghold | Safer than the Lawyer, the dog can be petted and bathed on the first day after treatment, there is a form for dogs weighing from 2.5 kg. | 700-1,300 rub. |
| Palladium Golden Defense | There are dosages for pets weighing from 1 kg. | 350 rub. |
| Inspector Total С | Wider spectrum of action - additionally has a detrimental effect on ixodid ticks. | 300-650 rub. |
Analogues are worse:
| Medicine | Why is it worse? | Cost per pipette |
| Palladium Pet Line No. 2 | Contains fipronil, which often causes allergies | 280-350 rub. |
| Frontline | It does not help against worms, although it gets rid of more ectoparasites and repels blood-sucking insects. | 450-770 rub. |
Analogs
Considering that the drug Advocate has a fairly high price, some pet owners are looking for more affordable analogues. There are quite a lot of drugs that have the same mechanism of action.
They have different active components, their own characteristics, indications and contraindications. Therefore, when choosing any remedy, you must trust the doctor’s recommendations.
Analogues include Ecoprom, the cost of which is about 395 rubles, Frontline Combo - 520 rubles, Stronghold - 300 rubles.
Answers to frequently asked questions
When can you bathe your dog?
It is advisable not to wash your dog with shampoo for 4 days before and after treatment. Detergents break down the lipid layer, which reduces the effectiveness of the flea and tick product. Although bathing does not affect the anthelmintic effect of the drug.
If the dog got caught in the rain, ran through puddles, or jumped into a pond for a couple of minutes, it’s okay. The effect of the drops will continue.
The dog weighs less than the minimum dosage - up to 4 kg. How to proceed?
For animals weighing over 1 kg, the entire 0.4 ml pipette can be used under the supervision of a veterinarian. As a rule, the medicine does not cause side effects. If the dog weighs less, a lawyer cannot be used.
I have two dogs weighing about 20 kg. Is it possible for them to take one pipette for giant breeds (weighing up to 40 kg) and divide it equally?
You cannot divide the pipette - this makes it impossible to calculate the correct dosage. For each dog, a release form is purchased that corresponds to its weight.
Does Lawyer help against ixodid ticks?
The drug is not effective against ixodid ticks. To destroy this type of parasite or prevent infection by it, Advantix is first used. And after 2-7 days they use Advocate.
Can it be used in conjunction with other antiparasitic agents?
Drops cannot be used along with similar drugs. The exception is Advantix and the Foresto collar. They contain different active ingredients and together protect against all types of parasites.
