Advocate for dogs 4–10 kg is a spot-on with two active ingredients: imidacloprid (10%) and moxidectin (2.5%). One 1 ml pipette protects against fleas for 4 weeks, treats ear mites, sarcoptic mange and demodicosis, prevents heartworm and works against the main roundworms. It's an all-in-one product, but Advocate isn't designed to protect against ixodid ticks — you need a separate product for those. Apply to the skin once a month; puppies from 7 weeks.
What it is and who makes it
Advocate was developed by Bayer and is now made by Elanco (Germany). Imidacloprid kills fleas on contact, while moxidectin is absorbed through the skin and acts on mange mites, ear mites, heartworm larvae and intestinal nematodes. Pipettes come in weight bands: our catalogue has single pipettes for dogs of 4–10 kg and a pack of Advocate for dogs 10–25 kg. There is a separate Advocate for cats — never use the dog version on a cat.
What it works against
| Problem | Regimen per the leaflet |
|---|---|
| Fleas, flea allergy dermatitis | One treatment protects for 4 weeks; monthly for dermatitis |
| Ear mites (otodectosis) | Once, with a vet check after 30 days |
| Sarcoptic mange | Twice, 4 weeks apart |
| Demodicosis | 2–4 times, a month apart |
| Heartworm (prevention) | Monthly throughout mosquito season |
| Roundworms (Toxocara, hookworms, whipworms) | Monthly or seasonally |
How to apply it correctly
- Take out the pipette, hold it upright, remove the cap, turn it over and pierce the seal.
- Have the dog stand. Part the coat so the skin is visible.
- For dogs of 4–10 kg, apply the contents at 3–4 spots along the spine, from the shoulder blades to the base of the tail, a little at a time so it doesn't run off.
- Don't let the dog or other pets lick the area, and wash your hands.
- Keep the dog out of open water for 4 days. Bathing doesn't reduce effectiveness, but frequent shampooing can.
Pros
- Many parasites with one pipette. Fleas, ear and mange mites, Demodex, heartworm and roundworms.
- Treats as well as prevents. Used for ear mites, sarcoptic mange and demodicosis per the leaflet.
- Heartworm prevention. Important for dogs living near water and in areas with mosquitoes.
- Allowed in pregnancy and lactation. As stated in the manufacturer's leaflet.
- Easy weight-based dosing. Pipettes for different weight bands.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Not for ixodid ticks. During tick season you'll need an additional product — discuss the combination with your vet.
- Bitter taste. If the dog licks it, drooling can occur; correct application prevents this.
- Coat at the application site. Brief itching or a greasy look sometimes occurs.
- Take care with Collies and related breeds. Moxidectin is a macrocyclic lactone — prevent licking and don't use other drugs of this group at the same time.
Who it suits
Dogs that need combined flea and worm protection in one product, dogs with ear mites or mange (as prescribed by a vet) and those living in mosquito areas. More on protection in fleas and ticks in dogs and worms in cats and dogs. All products are in parasite control.
Verdict
Advocate is one of the most versatile spot-ons: fleas, mange mites, ear mites, heartworm and worms are covered by one pipette a month. The one serious limitation is that it doesn't protect against ixodid ticks, so in spring and autumn it's combined with another product on your vet's advice.
Side effects and storage
According to the leaflet, brief itching may occur after treatment, and rarely skin redness, a greasy coat or vomiting; these resolve on their own. If the dog licks the product, the bitter taste can cause drooling that passes within minutes. Store pipettes at no more than 30 °C, in the pack and out of children's reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Advocate protect against ticks?
Against ear and mange mites — yes; against ixodid ticks (the ones that carry babesiosis) — no. You need a separate product for those.
How often should I apply Advocate?
Once a month. Treatment regimens for ear mites, mange and demodicosis are in the leaflet and are confirmed by your vet.
Can I bathe my dog after Advocate?
Bathing doesn't reduce effectiveness, but frequent shampooing can. Keep your dog out of ponds and rivers for 4 days.
From what age can puppies get Advocate?
From 7 weeks. Weak animals and dogs under 1 kg should be treated under veterinary supervision.
