Frequently Asked Questions about K9 Advantix II
What is K9 Advantix II and how does it work?
K9 Advantix II is a monthly, topical flea and tick preventative for dogs older than 7 weeks of age. You apply it to your pet's skin every 30 days where its three ingredients--imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen--provide five-way protection against: fleas, flea eggs and larvae, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, and chewing lice. The oils in your pet's hair and skin distribute the Advantix solution all over your pet's body for one month.
This product kills and repels the following varieties of ticks: Deer ticks, American dog ticks, Lone Star ticks, Brown dog ticks.
What are the side effects?
Individual sensitivities are rare, and may occur after using any pesticide product. If signs persist or worsen of the next few days after application, seek immediate veterinary care. If your pet has an unusual reaction to the initial application, check with your veterinarian before using the product again. Certain medications can interact with K9 Advantix II, so consult your veterinarian before using this product if your pet is on medications, aged, debilitated, pregnant, or nursing.
Do not use on cats. This can cause serious and harmful side effects.
What should I do if my pet is showing signs of an overdose?
Seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect an overdose in your pet.
Does this product need a prescription?
No. It is an over-the-counter flea control product.
Is this safe for kids?
The manufacturer recommends you keep your children away from your treated pets until the product has fully dried and absorbed into your pet's skin. If the product does contact your child's skin, remove any contaminated clothing and rinse skin promptly with clean water for 20 minutes. Call your doctor or poison control center for treatment advice.
Is this product the same as Advantage Multi or Advantage II?
No. While Advantage and Advantage Multi are made by the same company as K9 Advantix (Bayer), they are all different products. Advantage II offers flea control for dogs and cats. Advantage Multi is a prescription heartworm preventative for dogs and cats that also kills adult fleas.
Does this product work against heartworms?
K9 Advantix is not indicated for preventing heartworm disease. VetDepot carries a variety of heartworm pet meds. Talk to your veterinarian about which one would be right for your dog.
Can I use this if my dog is heartworm positive?
Consult your veterinarian about whether or not you should use K9 Advantix if your dog is heartworm positive.
How long does it take for this product to kill fleas?
K9 Advantix II kills adult fleas within 12 hours of application. It then continues to work by preventing eggs and young fleas from developing and by repelling them for up to a month.
Is it necessary to use a tick preventative like K9 Advantix II during colder months?
K9 Advantix prevents fleas and ticks all year, no matter what climate you live in. Flea pupae are able to survive very cold conditions, and fleas are able to hide in cracks and corners in your home. It only takes one of those fleas laying eggs to begin a new infestation. Fleas, ticks, and heartworms all pose serious risks to your dog, so it's better to not leave your pet vulnerable.
Which size should I buy for my pet?
K9 Advantix II is sold in four different sizes for dogs of the following weights: 1-10 lbs. (Green), 11-20 lbs. (Teal), 21-55 lbs. (Red), and over 55 lbs. (Blue).
We sell all sizes in 4 month, 6 month, and 12 month supplies.
Do fleas have to bite my pet first before Advantix kills them?
No. K9 Advantix II kills through contact. This is important because flea bites can cause skin problems like flea allergy dermatitis, anemia, or transmit parasites. Killing them before they bite helps keep your pet safe.
Does this get rid of mange on dogs?
K9 Advantix II does not treat mange mites. Talk to your vet if you suspect your dog has mange.
If my pet is on medication can I use K9 Advantix?
Ask your veterinarian before using K9 Advantix II on pets that are on medication, aged, debilitated, pregnant, or nursing.
I've already used Frontline Plus, Advantage, Revolution, or some other flea control product on my pet. Can I use this one at the same time to control ticks or mosquitoes?
Consult your veterinarian before using another flea and tick treatment. Do not mix and match products without instructions from your veterinarian.
Can I use this with Trifexis?
While Trifexis is used to protect against heartworms, it also offers protection against fleas. You should consult your veterinarian before giving your pet Trifexis with K9 Advantix II or before switching your pet to or from Trifexis. Do not combine flea, tick, or heartworm preventatives without your veterinarian's explicit instructions.
Can Diatomaceous Earth be used with K9 Advantix?
Diatomaceous Earth is a non-toxic mineral made from finely ground fossils that is fed to animals to control internal parasites. Consult your veterinarian before using it and Advantix together.
How does K9 Advantix kill fleas before they can lay eggs?
Adult fleas require 24 to 36 hours on your pet before they can lay eggs. K9 Advantix II kills fleas within 12 hours of application, so the parasites die before they can lay eggs.
Why do I still see active fleas on my pet after I've applied this?
The imidacloprid in Advantix overstimulates the fleas' nervous systems, which ultimately kills them. As they die, they rise to the top of your pet's haircoat.
Why are there still fleas in my home? I already treated my dog with K9 Advantix II.
Immature fleas can remain dormant in carpets, bedding, and other areas of your home for a long time, and approximately only 5% of the flea population found in a home are adult fleas. When conditions are right, they can develop and infest your home. Using this product helps break the life cycle of any flea that jumps on your dog. But to kill those that remain in your home, you may need to use an indoor flea control product like an Adams Plus Fogger or a Virbac Knockout ES Area Treatment.
Is this product waterproof?
Yes. It is still effective even after swimming or bathing. Wait 24 hours after applying before letting your pet get wet.
How long do I need to wait after applying before bathing my dog?
Make sure to wait 24 hours after applying K9 Advantix II before allowing your pet to get wet, either via bathing or swimming. If you need to apply it right after a bath, make sure your pet is completely dry first.
Does K9 Advantix for Dogs treat ear mites?
Advantix II does not treat ear mites in dogs. Consider trying products like Sentry HC Earmite Free or Otomite Plus to clear up your pet's ear mites.
Can I use Advantix on other animals?
No. Only use Advantix on dogs. This product can have serious consequences if used on a cat. Make sure to keep cats away from treated dogs for 24 hours after application.
Can I use this product on myself to treat fleas?
No. This product is indicated for use on dogs only. Do not use on humans.
Can I re-apply more often than every 30 days?
The manufacturer notes that in cases of severe flea infestations, you may retreat with K9 Advantix before the 30 day interval is up. However, do not retreat more often than once every 7 days. Once the severe infestation is controlled, resume monthly applications.
What if my dog is still growing? Can I give them a higher dose?
You should ask your veterinarian about what Advantage II product they'd recommend for your pet. If you use a product that is for dogs that weigh more than your pet currently does, it could result in an overdose.
Does K9 Advantix II expire?
K9 Advantix does not have an expiration date as long as you store unused containers in their original packaging and at room temperature.
Can Advantix make my pets drowsy?
Drowsiness is not one of the reported potential side effects. Consult with your veterinarian.