Advantix Allergies in Dogs

Advantix is a brand-name flea and tick medication produced by Bayer. K9 Advantix and K9 Advantix II are some of the products you can buy over-the-counter and use as a topical flea treatment for your dog. Advantix kills fleas within 12 hours and prevents re-infestation for a month. It also repels all kinds of ticks, including those that cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Ehrlichiosis. Dogs treated with Advantix will be less likely to be bitten by mosquitoes or flies.

Most veterinarians consider Advantix safe for dogs, but it is a strong medication that should be used with caution. The main active ingredients are imidacloprid and permethrin, both of which can be toxic in high doses. Imidacloprid is an insecticide that belongs to a group of chemicals called neonicotinoids (they mimic the action of nicotine in the tobacco plant). Neonicotinoids act on the central nervous system to kill insects. They are less toxic to mammals, but studies on rats have found that high doses of imidacloprid can cause thyroid problems. Permethrin is another insecticide that acts as a neurotoxin. It is very toxic to cats and fish, but less so to other mammals. Advantix packages carry a warning to keep cats away from a treated dog for 24 hours. It’s also a good idea discourage your dog from swimming in streams and ponds immediately after treatment since Advantix could contaminate the water.

Side effects are typically mild when Advantix is used as directed, however, the packaging directions and warnings should be followed exactly. The medication is harmful to the eyes and mouth, and dogs should not be allowed to ingest it. Some dogs can also have an allergic reaction to Advantix. This usually manifests as skin irritation developing into a red, burn-like mark at the application site. Dogs with Advantix allergies may also have behavioral changes, like increased excitability, panting, and circling. Vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy are associated with a severe response that should be treated immediately.

Advantix is an over-the-counter medication that treats fleas, ticks, and other pests. Many owners use this medication on their dog without a problem, but allergic reaction is possible in sensitive individuals. Redness and irritation at the application site is the most common response, but behavioral changes and other more serious symptoms are possible.

Look for these signs after applying Advantix to your dog.

• Skin irritation
• Red patches resembling a burn
• Scratching
• Signs of pain or discomfort
• Behavioral changes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy

Types

Bayer has developed two types of Advantix.

• K9 Advantix – the original product kills adult fleas and ticks, but not eggs, pupae and larvae.
• K9 Advantix II – contains Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) so that it can kill fleas and ticks in all stages of the life cycle. This product is now more popular and more available than the original version.

It’s not known what causes any individual to be allergic to a specific medication. Look for symptoms of Advantix allergies in the following situations.

• After treating your dog with Advantix for the first time
• Your dog comes in contact with another dog that has just been treated

Advantix allergies are typically diagnosed because owners notice unusual symptoms after they have treated their dog with Advantix. If your dog has signs of skin irritation or redness after application you should call the veterinarian for advice. If symptoms are severe the veterinarian may recommend an office visit so the dog can be examined and other potential causes can be ruled out. Gastrointestinal upset and lethargy are signs of a more serious reaction, so this should be treated as an emergency. Advantix packaging includes an emergency telephone number. Call this number for advice if you don’t have access to a veterinarian or if your dog has a very unusual response.

Some dogs could also experience a reaction after exposure to another dog that has just been treated. Advantix is one factor you should consider if your dog exhibits symptoms after interacting with other dogs. It’s recommended to treat your dog with Advantix at night, directly before crating, so the medication will remain confined to a small area. However, owners that don’t take these precautions could unwittingly expose your dog.

If you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop applying the medication and wash your dog with Dawn or another detergent-based soap. Remove as much medication as possible, but avoid scrubbing too hard over the application site or other areas of irritation.

Symptoms will generally clear up in a day or two without further treatment. However, severe skin lesions could need topical ointment and antibiotics so they heal without becoming infected. If your dog is scratching at the application site, it’s a good idea to get treatment to avoid a chronic problem. The veterinarian may also prescribe Benadryl to calm the immune system and reduce histamine production. This can also alleviate behavioral changes if this seems to be a problem. Don’t give your dog Benadryl intended for humans without first discussing an appropriate dosage with a veterinarian. 

Pain medication may be prescribed for dogs that seem to be extremely uncomfortable. Other treatment will focus on the symptoms as needed. Severely ill dogs that are vomiting and lethargic may need fluids and electrolytes to avoid dehydration and support the metabolism. If the veterinarian is unsure how to treat your dog, call the Bayer emergency number where experts will be most familiar with unusual reactions to Advantix.

Most dogs with mild allergic reactions will recover without a problem. It’s a good idea to get treatment however, since this will make your dog more comfortable and treatment will avoid complications with infection. If your dog has a bad experience with Advantix, try another flea and tick medication, such as Frontline, or Advantage. Allergic reactions are possible with any of these medications, but individual sensitivity may make you dog more susceptible to the chemicals in Advantix than those in other brands.

Not every dog should be given Advantix, so it’s important to read the packaging carefully. Puppies and dogs under 4 pounds are considered too small for Advantix treatment. It should also not be given to weak, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals without the advice of veterinarian. As with any new medication, watch your dog closely after the first application, and be prepared to treat any negative responses immediately.