Simparica by Zoetis is a liver-flavoured chewable tablet for dogs that protects against fleas and ixodid ticks. The active ingredient is sarolaner: fleas die within 8 hours and ticks within 12 hours of attaching, and protection lasts about a month. According to the manufacturer, it is also used for sarcoptic mange, demodicosis and ear mites. Give one tablet a month, with or without food, to puppies from 8 weeks of age and 1.3 kg. It is a veterinary medicine, so the dose must match the dog's weight exactly.
What it is and who makes it
Simparica is made by Zoetis (USA), one of the largest companies in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Sarolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class: it enters the dog's bloodstream, and the parasite dies when it starts feeding. That's why bathing, rain and swimming don't affect the tablet, unlike spot-on drops. Our catalogue has a tablet for dogs of 1.3–2.5 kg (5 mg, sold individually) and strengths for bigger dogs, such as Simparica 5–10 kg.
What it works against
| Parasite | Effect |
|---|---|
| Fleas (Ctenocephalides canis, C. felis) | Killed within 8 hours, before they lay eggs |
| Ixodid ticks (Ixodes, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus) | Killed within 12 hours, protection for about a month |
| Sarcoptic mange, demodicosis, ear mites | Treatment as directed by a vet |
| Flea allergy dermatitis | Used as part of treatment |
Killing ticks quickly reduces the risk of the diseases they carry (babesiosis, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis), because pathogens are usually not transmitted immediately after a bite.
How to give it and choose the dose
- Weigh your dog — the dose is 2–4 mg of sarolaner per kg, and tablets come in weight bands.
- Give the tablet whole, with or without food. Most dogs eat it like a treat.
- Repeat monthly throughout tick season, and year-round in mild winters.
- Don't split a large-strength tablet by eye for a small dog — use the tablet for your dog's weight band.
Pros
- Easy to give. A liver-flavoured chewable — no drops on the coat and no smell.
- Fast action. Fleas die within 8 hours, ticks within 12.
- Doesn't wash off. Bathing, rain and swimming don't reduce effectiveness.
- Broad spectrum. Fleas, ticks and, according to the manufacturer, skin and ear mites.
- Suitable for tiny dogs. From 8 weeks and 1.3 kg — there's a strength for the smallest dogs.
- Safe around children. Nothing stays on the coat after the tablet.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- The parasite has to bite. The tablet doesn't repel ticks; it kills them after they attach, so still check your dog after walks.
- For dogs only. Never give this tablet to cats.
- Caution with seizures. Dogs with epilepsy or a history of seizures should get drugs of this class only after talking to a vet.
- No worm protection. Deworming needs a separate product.
Who it suits
Dogs that walk a lot in parks and forests, swim, live with children, and owners who find drops inconvenient. If fleas keep coming back, treat the home too — see fleas and ticks in dogs. For worm protection, read worms in cats and dogs. All products are in parasite control.
Verdict
Simparica is convenient, fast flea and tick protection in one monthly tablet. The key is choosing the right strength for your dog's weight and giving it regularly. Read the leaflet before the first dose, and talk to your vet if your dog has chronic health problems.
Tablet or spot-on: which to choose
A tablet is more convenient if your dog swims often or there are small children at home: nothing stays on the coat. Spot-on drops suit dogs that won't take tablets and often also act against worms. The choice depends on your dog's lifestyle, and different flea and tick products shouldn't be combined without your vet's advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Simparica work?
According to the manufacturer, fleas die within 8 hours and ticks within 12 hours of attaching.
How often should I give Simparica?
Once a month. The effect lasts about 4–5 weeks, but monthly dosing is recommended for reliable protection.
From what age can puppies take Simparica?
From 8 weeks of age and 1.3 kg body weight.
Can I bathe my dog after the tablet?
Yes. It works from the inside, so bathing and swimming don't affect it.
