Advantix for dogs 4–10 kg is a spot-on from Bayer (now Elanco) with two active ingredients: imidacloprid (10%) and permethrin (50%). The key difference from tablets is the repellent effect: it drives away ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies and flies, so parasites are less likely to bite. One treatment protects against fleas and ticks for 4 weeks, and it's water-resistant. Puppies can have it from 7 weeks, and pregnant and nursing dogs too. But because of permethrin, Advantix is deadly for cats.
What it is and who makes it
Advantix was developed by Bayer and is now made by Elanco (Germany). Imidacloprid kills fleas and their larvae; permethrin kills and repels ticks and flying insects. Pipettes are dosed by weight: our catalogue has single 1 ml pipettes for dogs of 4–10 kg and a pack of Advantix for dogs of 25–40 kg.
What it protects against
| Parasite | Effect |
|---|---|
| Ixodid ticks (Ixodes, Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor) | Kills and repels, 4 weeks of protection |
| Fleas and their larvae | Kills, 4 weeks; also used for flea allergy dermatitis |
| Lice, biting lice | Treatment and prevention |
| Mosquitoes, sandflies, flies | Repels, reduces bites |
Repelling mosquitoes and sandflies matters for preventing the diseases they carry, such as heartworm and leishmaniasis.
How to apply it correctly
- Have the dog stand. Part the coat between the shoulder blades so the skin is visible.
- Squeeze the whole 4–10 kg pipette onto the skin there (larger dogs are treated at 3–4 spots along the back).
- Don't let the dog lick the area and don't touch it until it has dried.
- Wash your hands. Keep cats away from the dog on the day of treatment.
- Repeat every 4 weeks throughout parasite season.
Pros
- Repels. Ticks and mosquitoes are less likely to bite, lowering disease risk.
- Broad spectrum. Ticks, fleas, lice, mosquitoes, sandflies and flies.
- Water-resistant. According to the manufacturer, it stays effective after bathing.
- For puppies from 7 weeks. Allowed for pregnant and nursing dogs.
- A month of protection. One pipette every 4 weeks.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Dangerous for cats. Permethrin causes severe seizures in cats — never use it on cats or let a cat lick a treated dog.
- No worm cover. Deworming needs a separate product.
- Product on the coat. For the first day the coat can look greasy where applied; children shouldn't stroke the dog until it's dry.
- Possible local reaction. Brief itching or skin redness sometimes occurs.
If you have a cat
This is the main question when choosing Advantix. If your dog and cat sleep together and groom each other, a tablet or a permethrin-free product is safer for the dog. If you do use the drops, keep the animals apart until the product has fully dried and make sure the cat doesn't lick the dog in the first days. Treat the cat only with cat products — see fleas on cats.
Who it suits
Dogs that walk in forests or near water, go to the countryside or travel to areas with mosquitoes and sandflies — that's where repellent protection matters most. How to protect your dog year-round is in fleas and ticks in dogs, and for comparison see our Advocate review — a spot-on that covers worms but not ixodid ticks. All products are in parasite control.
Verdict
Advantix is one of the few spot-ons that not only kills but also repels ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies — strong protection for active dogs in season. Its main limitation is permethrin: it's strictly for dogs, and homes with cats need extra care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bathe my dog after Advantix?
According to the manufacturer, it's water-resistant. To let the drops spread well, avoid bathing or shampooing for the first 2 days.
Can Advantix be used on cats?
No. Permethrin is deadly for cats.
How often should Advantix be applied?
Every 4 weeks during tick and mosquito season.
From what age can puppies have Advantix?
From 7 weeks.
How does Advantix differ from Advocate?
Advantix kills and repels ticks, fleas and mosquitoes but doesn't act on worms. Advocate acts on fleas, ear and mange mites and worms but doesn't protect against ixodid ticks.
