Vectra 3D by Ceva for dogs of 10–25 kg is a spot-on with three active ingredients: dinotefuran, permethrin and pyriproxyfen. It kills and repels ixodid ticks, fleas, lice, mosquitoes, sandflies and flies, while pyriproxyfen stops flea eggs and larvae developing. According to the manufacturer, fleas on the dog die within 12 hours and ticks don't attach to the skin: 100% protection for the first 3 weeks and about 95% in the fourth. Treatment is repeated monthly. It's contraindicated for cats, ferrets and rodents.
What it is and who makes it
Vectra 3D is made by the French company Ceva. “3D” refers to three ingredients with different jobs: dinotefuran kills insects quickly, permethrin repels and kills ticks and flying insects, and pyriproxyfen breaks the flea life cycle. The ingredients accumulate in the skin, hair follicles and sebaceous glands and spread over the body surface.
Ingredients and action
| Ingredient | Job |
|---|---|
| Dinotefuran | Quickly kills fleas and other insects on contact |
| Permethrin | Repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies and flies |
| Pyriproxyfen | Stops flea eggs and larvae developing |
How to apply it correctly
- Apply to dry, intact skin.
- Hold the pipette upright and squeeze the contents onto the skin where the dog can't lick: between the shoulder blades and along the back towards the tail.
- Don't bathe your dog for 48 hours after treatment.
- Don't use other flea and tick products at the same time.
- Repeat monthly throughout the season.
Pros
- Repels ticks. Ticks don't attach to the skin — the main protection against babesiosis.
- Protection from mosquitoes and sandflies. Important for preventing heartworm and leishmaniasis.
- Works on flea eggs and larvae. Helps clear the home of the next wave of fleas.
- Fast on fleas. Fleas die within 12 hours.
- For puppies from 7 weeks. From 1.5 kg (with the appropriate strength).
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Dangerous for cats. Permethrin causes severe poisoning in cats; the product is contraindicated for cats, ferrets and rodents.
- No bathing for 48 hours. The product needs time to spread.
- No worm cover. Deworming needs a separate product.
- Caution. Pregnant, nursing and weak dogs only after consulting a vet.
If you have a cat
Like all permethrin spot-ons, Vectra 3D needs care in a home with a cat. If the animals sleep together and groom each other, a tablet is a better choice for the dog. If you use the drops, keep the animals apart until the product has absorbed and don't let the cat lick the dog. Cats have their own products — see fleas on cats.
Who it suits
Dogs that walk in forests, parks and near water, go out of town or live in areas with mosquitoes and sandflies — where it's important not only to kill parasites but to stop them biting. More on seasonal protection in fleas and ticks in dogs. For comparison, see our Advantix review, another spot-on with a repellent effect. All products are in parasite control.
Verdict
Vectra 3D is a strong repellent spot-on: ticks and mosquitoes don't get the chance to bite, fleas die and their eggs and larvae don't develop. It's strictly for dogs, the dog mustn't be bathed for 48 hours after application, and homes with cats need extra precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Vectra 3D last?
According to the manufacturer, tick protection is 100% for 3 weeks and about 95% in the fourth week; treatment is repeated monthly.
When can I bathe my dog after Vectra?
No sooner than 48 hours after application.
Can Vectra 3D be used on cats?
No, it's contraindicated for cats, ferrets and rodents.
From what age can puppies have Vectra?
From 7 weeks and 1.5 kg — there's a smaller strength for puppies.
Can Vectra be combined with a collar?
The manufacturer doesn't recommend using other flea and tick products at the same time.
Does Vectra help against mosquitoes?
Yes, it repels mosquitoes and sandflies and reduces bites.
