Fleas, ticks and parasites will not go away with Stronghold for dogs

As you know, dogs suffer from many parasites. These include ticks, helminths and fleas. The worst thing is that they are also carriers. The pharmaceutical market is filled with all kinds of sprays, tablets, drops that promise to get rid of parasites. Unfortunately, not all of them are effective. The drug Stronghold for dogs has many positive reviews and is an effective remedy.

Release forms and dosage

Stronghold is a safe and effective complex drug from Pfizer for the antiparasitic treatment of cats and dogs. Produced in pipettes with different dosages depending on the type of animal and its weight. As an active ingredient, pipettes with a 6% solution contain 60 mg of selamectin in 1 ml, and pipettes with a 12% solution contain 120 mg of selamectin in 1 ml.

Active ingredients and action of drops

The composition of Strohghold includes a single active ingredient - selamectin. The concentration of the active substance can be 6% or 12% (indicated on the package). The medication is presented in the form of a liquid solution, from transparent to yellowish.

The pharmacological market of veterinary drugs offers 4 options for packaging medicines in plastic drop-type pipette bottles with multi-colored caps:

1. Violet – 0.25 ml (30 mg selamectin).
2. Brown – 0.5 ml (60 mg).
3. Red – 1 ml (120 mg).
4. Green – 2 ml (240 mg).

The variety of volumes is very convenient - the dosage depends on the weight of the dog.

Selamectin paralyzes the nerve endings and muscle function of parasites, ultimately leading to their complete death. This happens immediately after the drops hit the skin of the animal (for external ectoparasites) and when absorbed into the blood (for helminthic infestations).

Stronghold drops successfully fight all types of nematodes, mites (including ear mites), fleas, larvae, eggs and other parasites. The effect of the drug remains effective for 1 month after treating the dog, preventing repeated or primary infection, while having absolutely no detrimental effect on the health of the animal as a whole.

When not to use Stronghold

The use of Strongholdot flea drops is not recommended for animals that are hypersensitive to the active ingredient. Also, the product is contraindicated for weak pets, kittens and puppies under 1.5 months of age who are weak or infected with infectious diseases. In this case, you can choose other drops:

• Barrier;
• Dana Ultra Neo;
• Blokhnet;
• Inspector;
• Leopard;
• Celandine.

Stronghold drops for fleas Correctly selected dosage and compliance with the rules of use usually do not cause side effects.

How to apply

Simple instructions for use. Remove the pipette from the packaging and, holding it vertically, press on the colored cap. Now it can be removed. Apply the preparation to the withers (on dry skin between the shoulder blades at the base of the neck, spreading the hair well). It is necessary to drop all the liquid from the pipette into one place. It is better to remove it compressed to prevent the drug from being absorbed back.

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special instructions

Cat owners should read special instructions. They will help to avoid unwanted consequences and achieve maximum results from applying the medication:

1. After applying the drops, do not allow the animal to be near a fire or operating stove. The wool must be completely dry.
2. When treating leather, do not smoke, drink alcohol, or eat food - the substance is poisonous.
3. After applying the drops, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
4. Within 2 hours after using the medicine, the animal should not come into contact with small children. Prohibit children from petting, washing or kissing the cat.
5. If the product comes into contact with human skin, rinse the affected area thoroughly with clean water.
6. After using the product, empty pipettes should not be used in everyday life. Containers should be thrown away.

Instructions for use

The product is used once, and the dose is selected taking into account the weight of your patient; for every 5 kg of body weight, 0.25 ml of medicinal liquid is taken:

• 2.5-5 kg ​​– 0.25 ml dispenser (with purple cap).
• 5-10 kg – 0.5 ml bottle (brown cap).
• 10-20 kg – 1 ml pipette (red cap).
• 20-40 kg – 2 ml container (with green lid).

2 ml is the maximum dose and is also applied to animals over 40 kg.

If the dispenser was larger in volume than needed for processing, then the remaining product cannot be stored and is disposed of immediately after using the required amount of product.

1. Make sure that the skin at the application site is not damaged (no scratches, abrasions, cuts, wounds).
2. Turn the cap on the bottle of solution counterclockwise, thereby piercing the protective membrane of the dropper.
3. Spread the fur on the animal's withers, including the undercoat (in the area of ​​the shoulder blades).
4. Apply the antiparasitic agent directly to your pet's skin.
5. After squeezing out the drops, do not rub or massage the solution, let it absorb on its own into the epidermis.

Attention! Make sure that the dog cannot reach the treated area with his tongue: the drug can cause poisoning if it gets inside the body.

After complete absorption (~2 hours), you can carry out water procedures with your pet, including bathing with shampoos and other detergents. This does not affect the quality of the impact.

The principle of action of the drug

The active substance - selamectin - is absorbed into the systemic bloodstream through the skin and, spreading throughout the body, binds to the receptors of the cells of the muscle and nervous tissue of the parasites, leading to the blockade of these cells and the rapid death of arthropods and roundworms. This substance is safe for animals because selamectin does not pass through the blood-brain barrier and, accordingly, cannot affect the central nervous system of a dog or cat.

1. To get rid of fleas , as a rule, a single use of Stronghold is sufficient; for further prevention, do not forget to treat your cat or dog once a month.

2. When treating otodectosis or sarcoptic mange in dogs, not one treatment may be required, but a whole course with a certain period of time. It is better to clarify this question with your veterinarian.

3. To prevent dirofilariasis, the drug must be used a month before the start of mosquito flight, do monthly treatments throughout all warm months, the last treatment is carried out a month after the end of mosquito flight.

What else dog owners should know

Stronghold copes well with the task if the owner follows the instructions. But it’s best when our pets avoid such situations. To do this, keep an eye on your dog. Don't let her pick up food from garbage cans, eat feces, or interact with infected dogs. If your pet has become infected with parasites, then you should stop interacting with other dogs, as well as with children and other family members, until all parasites are eliminated.

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Precautionary measures

When using Stronghold drops on the withers for cats, safety precautions are required.

1. Smoking, eating and drinking water during treatment are strictly prohibited.
2. If the insecticidal solution gets on the mucous membranes or skin, it must be washed off with plenty of water.
3. Hand washing at the end of the process is mandatory.
4. It is necessary to limit the contact of the treated pet with children within two hours from the moment of applying the insecticidal solution.
5. The use of used bottles for domestic purposes is contraindicated. Empty containers can only be disposed of.

Stronghold anti-flea drops will not lose their properties if storage rules are followed. The drug should be kept in a place protected from light, at temperatures up to 30 °C. Do not store the product near food or animal feed. The drops are valid for 3 years from the date of release.

Carefully!

Contraindications and side effects

Contraindications to taking Stronghold:

• Allergy to the components of the drug;
• The pet is weakened, dehydrated;
• The dog has an infectious pathology;
• The recovery period after a serious illness.

Caution: Stronghold should not be used on puppies under one and a half months old.

In case of an overdose, the animal experiences the following symptoms:

• Hair loss at the treatment site;
• Apathy, lethargy;
• Impaired coordination and orientation in space.

If immediately after using Stronghold there is a deterioration in the general condition of the dog, an allergic reaction has occurred. This condition has the following symptoms: dilated pupils, redness of the treatment site, the occurrence of convulsions, possible vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, foam at the mouth.

These signs cause anxiety in the pet, the dog whines and rushes about. To alleviate the condition, immediately and thoroughly rinse the treatment area with water. If your dog has ingested Stronghold, perform a gastric lavage and contact your veterinarian.

special instructions

When using the drug, consider the following features:

1. Do not use on puppies under one and a half months of age;
2. Do not apply the medicine to damaged skin;
3. The wool at the treatment site must be dry and clean;
4. For 30 minutes after treatment (while the drug is absorbed), do not bathe or pet the dog, do not allow it to itch.
5. Do not allow your pet to come into contact with children for 2 hours after treatment;
6. Monitor the animal's condition immediately after applying the medicine to make sure there is no allergy, or provide timely assistance if there is one.

Stronghold should not be stored at high temperatures or near food. Used pipettes cannot be reused; discard them.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• easy to apply
• does not leave any oily residue and is quickly absorbed
• Suitable for all breeds of dogs, including pregnant and lactating bitches
• the animal can be bathed after 2 hours
• maximum effect after 12 hours
• protection for a month
• has a registration certificate

Flaws:

• does not affect flatworms
• does not affect ixodid ticks
• evaporates quickly from an open pipette

Customer reviews:

I found a lot of reviews about stronghold on forums. Basically they correspond to my working practice and the practice of my colleagues. The drug is worthy!

1. We picked up a puppy from the street, he was constantly shaking his ears. We went to the doctor, he took a scraping from the ear and said that our dog had otodectosis, he prescribed Stronghold. We bought it, the drug is not cheap, we dripped it onto the withers, and not into the ears, as happens with cheaper products. Within a few days, the itching decreased significantly, and after two weeks, a second smear revealed that all the mites had died. A good product, the animal was cured in just one application! It also has a wide spectrum of action, not only against fleas and ticks, but also against roundworms.
2. We adopted a puppy from a shelter, they told us that he was treated for helminths, but just in case, we treated him with Stronghold for puppies. After the first application, literally a whole lump of helminths fell out! The result is obvious, so to speak. It was disgusting, but the clinic told us that puppies can have a large number of parasites inside, so it is important to treat them once a month.
3. My dog ​​developed a receding hairline on his stomach that only grew larger over time. The pet store advised me to treat my dog ​​for fleas with Stronghold. I didn’t do the treatment quite right, the dog ingested the drug and then ran around the house foaming at the mouth. But the remedy really worked - the tummy was completely overgrown in two weeks.
4. We were treated at the clinic for dog scabies for a very long time. The dog was constantly given some kind of painful injections, but she still constantly scratched herself until she bled and became almost completely bald! It’s good that another clinic prescribed Stronghold. We did not hope, but the effect appeared within a few days - the endless itching disappeared. A month later, the fur began to grow back.

Composition and method of application

The drug is produced in the form of 6 and 12 percent solutions. The composition of the excipients is also not indicated. And in vain, if you go by the reviews about Stronghold.

The manufacturer claims that intolerance to the drug in animals is rare. But buyers often complain about symptoms of poisoning in their animals. If we exclude selamectin, then this happens in 2 cases:

• bought a fake;
• poisoning is caused by excipients.

Stronghold does not contain oily substances and leaves no residue after use. It dries quickly too. If any of the ethers were used as an excipient, it could cause poisoning. Poisoning could also occur due to too much of the drug, but the manufacturer claims that even a 10-fold overdose of selamectin does not cause consequences.

Advantages

The drug Stronghold for dogs has several advantages, which can be considered below:

• High level of efficiency. The use of the substance on infected dogs allows you to get rid of parasites in one treatment. In case of severe infections, a repeat procedure is possible; it is carried out no earlier than a month later.
• Safety. The drug is safe for humans and animals. The thing is that the active component affects the insect at the cellular level, and since people and animals have a completely different structure, it does not pose a danger. The only thing to avoid is getting the medicine into your mouth. This can cause negative consequences in the form of diarrhea.
• Versatility. One medicine can rid and protect your dog from many external and internal parasites.
• Prolonged action. This way you can protect your dog from harmful insects for a month.
• Without smell. It’s also a big advantage because you don’t have to worry about your dog rubbing against clothes or furniture and leaving an unpleasant odor trail.
• Easy to use. The medicine is packaged in pipettes, which are easy and convenient to use. There is no need to prepare any solutions, force them to swallow pills, which they don’t like so much, or give vaccinations, which are very scary for dogs.

Regarding the disadvantages, it is certainly worth noting that the medicine is ineffective against the ixodid tick. Another disadvantage is the cost, which cannot be called low, but the effectiveness and reliability of the drug absolutely justify it.

Answers on questions

Write questions in the comments, the section is constantly updated with information.

How long does the drug last?

The effect of Stronghold lasts for a month.

What analogues are there?

Analogs are better than Stronghold*:

Required reading:

Review of 30 drugs for ear mites

Review of 17 deciduous for dogs

Analogues are worse*:

* subjective opinion based on personal work experience.

When can I wash it?

Stronghold acts through the systemic circulation and is not distributed throughout the lipid layer of the skin. Approximately 30 minutes after application, the drug is completely absorbed into the blood, so you can safely wash your dog or cat without losing the effect of the product after two hours.

General information

Release forms and composition

The drug Stronghold is available in the form of drops, the solution is transparent, colorless and odorless. The product is bottled in polymer bottles. Sold in cardboard packaging with a picture of a dog. There is a colored stripe on the side of the front of the box; its shade matches the color of the pipette caps. In this case, the color indicates a certain volume of solution and dosage.

Selamectin - this component is active in Stronghold drops. It exhibits acaricidal and insecticidal properties. There are 2 concentrations of the active substance - 6 and 12%. The choice depends on the weight of the pet.

Additional ingredients are : isopropyl alcohol, butyl hydroxytoluene, dipropylene glycol methyl ether.

The drug Stronghold belongs to the third class of danger (moderately dangerous). It is important to follow the appropriate dosage and precautions to avoid poisoning. The shelf life of the drug is 3 years. Should be stored at room temperature.

The product can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy and is sold without a prescription.

Operating principle

Stronghold is a systemic antiparasitic agent. After application to the fur, the drug quickly spreads throughout the dog’s entire body.

Selamectin affects the nervous system of parasites, that is, the active component blocks neural connections. Which ultimately leads to insect paralysis and further death.

The medicine begins to act (eliminate parasites) after 24 hours after the procedure. The effect lasts for a month after treatment; during this period, re-infection with internal and external pests is impossible.

Contraindications

Of course, like all other drugs, Strongholde has contraindications that must be taken into account, otherwise the medicine will not be beneficial, but rather will harm your health.

Do not use in the following cases:

• If the dog is very weakened;
• If you have other infectious diseases;
• Other diseases;
• Malnutrition;
• Puppies that are under 2 months of age;
• Intolerance to components.

Side effects

If dosage rules are not followed or there are contraindications, the following negative consequences may occur:

• allergic reactions;
• itching;
• burning in the area where the drug is applied;
• convulsions;
• dilated pupils;

• breathing problems;
• foaming from the mouth.

If such symptoms are observed, the animal urgently requires veterinary attention.

Reviews

Stronghold has long established itself as an excellent drug for fighting parasites. Veterinarians and professional breeders in their reviews also emphasize the rare and useful function of the medicine - the ability to destroy worms . Although the drops only affect young individuals, they at least signal such a problem.

Ordinary owners, leaving their reviews, agree on an unequivocally positive assessment of the effect of the drug both as a preventive and as a treatment.

Moreover, many note that Stronghold helps in advanced cases, after using other means. There are practically no complaints of allergies, and side effects appear only in cases of severe overdose or used in parallel with other drugs.

Video: Stronghold for dogs

Application method

Drops are applied once to dry and intact skin in the withers area or closer to the parietal tubercle. Before use, carefully remove the pipette from the blister, twist the cap until it clicks and lightly press on the spout. Having spread the fur on the withers to the skin lumen, squeeze out the entire contents of the pipette. The dosage is selected according to the weight category of the animal.

The period of complete absorption of the drops into the skin is approximately half an hour. After two hours, the animal can be washed even with the use of cosmetics without reducing the expected effect.

Side effects and overdose

As a rule, no side effects are observed after using the drops. In rare cases, a local allergic reaction may occur, which goes away after a certain period of time and without the use of third-party medications, as well as signs of toxicological poisoning (nausea, vomiting). If symptoms of poisoning are pronounced, you should immediately consult a doctor.

In case of an overdose, excessive salivation, tremors, nausea and vomiting may occur. In this case, the application site is washed generously with running water using a soap solution or any other detergent. In parallel, the animal is prescribed antiallergic drugs and, if necessary, symptomatic or supportive therapy.

Features of application

Stonghold is not recommended for use in parallel with other drugs of a similar group, due to a possible increase in the toxic effect.

No changes in the behavior of the animal are observed after using the drug, nor after the end. The main thing is to strictly adhere to the instructions and recommended time intervals.

Indications for use

The instructions for “Stronghold” for dogs indicate the following diseases for which the use of the drug is effective:

• Ear scabies. For this disease, effectiveness is achieved with a single use of the drug - after 30 days, no living pathogens are detected.

• Sarcoptic mange is scabies caused by mites. In this case, double treatment of the affected animal is required with an interval of 30 days. The effectiveness of this treatment reaches 99%.
• Heartworm disease is a disease caused by heartworm nematodes and transmitted by mosquitoes. The drug completely destroys adults, larvae and eggs. At the same time, it is completely safe for humans and animals.
• Toxocariasis - infection by Toxocara. The disease is dangerous not only for the animal but also for people who come into contact with it, since the likelihood of infection is high.
• Hookworm infection is infection by roundworms called hookworms.
• Entomosis is a group of diseases caused by insects.

The absence of essential oils in the composition of the drug, as in most similar drugs, allows it to be quickly absorbed into the skin and dry, increasing effectiveness.