An In-Depth Review of K9 Advantix II Large Dog Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment: A Lifesaver for Furry Friends
Flea, tick, and mosquito prevention is a crucial aspect of pet ownership, especially for those living in warmer climates where these pests thrive. K9 Advantix II, manufactured by Elanco US Inc, has established itself as a popular choice for dog owners looking to protect their pets from these annoying parasites. This review explores K9 Advantix II for large dogs (21-55 lbs) in detail, highlighting its effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value.
Product Overview
Key Features
- Item Model Number: 86315092
- Weight: 0.32 ounces (9.07 g)
- Size: 6-pack
- Age Range: Suitable for dogs aged 7 weeks and older
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Application: Easy topical application recommended for use on dogs only.
K9 Advantix II is designed to kill fleas within 12 hours of application and offers protection against ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies. The formula is waterproof after 24 hours and is fragrance-free, making it comfortable for pets to wear.
Application Instructions
The application process is straightforward, involving the following steps:
- Ensure the dog is standing for easy access.
- Part the hair to expose the skin and apply the contents of the tube to four to six spots along the back.
- Gently squeeze the tube to dispense the solution, taking care not to apply too much at any one spot.
- Avoid contact with the dog’s eyes and ensure the product isn’t ingested.
Performance Analysis
Effectiveness Against Pests
K9 Advantix II has received commendations for its effectiveness in controlling flea and tick populations. Pet owners have noted a significant reduction in fleas shortly after application. One user shared their experience of switching from Comfortis to K9 Advantix II after discovering ticks on their dog, Fluke. They reported that K9 Advantix II successfully kept ticks at bay despite living in a heavily wooded area known for tick infestations.
Another user in the southern U.S. highlighted the product’s ability to combat an ongoing flea infestation, noting that it significantly reduced the number of fleas after just one application. While complete eradication of fleas may take additional treatments, the ability to reapply after a week if necessary is a valuable feature.
Comfort for Pets
The ease of application is a standout aspect of K9 Advantix II. Several users noted that their dogs did not exhibit signs of discomfort during or after application. One pet owner mentioned their dog rolled in the grass post-application, seemingly unaffected by the treatment. This indicates that the product is well-tolerated, which is an important consideration for pet owners concerned about their pet’s comfort.
Additional Benefits
Beyond flea and tick prevention, K9 Advantix II also helps repel mosquitoes and biting flies, making it an all-in-one solution for outdoor-loving dogs. This is particularly beneficial in areas with high mosquito populations, which can transmit diseases to pets.
Value for Money
K9 Advantix II offers a 6-month supply, making it a cost-effective option for pet owners. The convenience of not having to reapply frequently is an added bonus, allowing dog owners to focus on enjoying their time with their pets rather than worrying about pest control.
Overall Rating
Taking into account the effectiveness, ease of use, comfort for pets, and overall value, K9 Advantix II earns an impressive 4.2 out of 5 stars. This rating reflects the product’s strong performance in flea and tick prevention, its user-friendly application, and the peace of mind it provides to pet owners.
Pros
- Fast-acting formula that kills fleas within 12 hours
- Easy to apply with no prescription needed
- Waterproof after 24 hours
- Provides protection against multiple pests, including mosquitoes and biting flies
- Cost-effective for long-term use
Cons
- May require reapplication in heavily infested areas
- Not suitable for use on cats or other animals
- Some users may find it less effective in extreme infestations
Conclusion
K9 Advantix II for large dogs is a reliable choice for pet owners looking to protect their furry companions from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. With its vet-recommended formula, ease of application, and effectiveness, it stands out as a top contender in the pet supply market. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of rural living or simply want to keep your dog comfortable during outdoor adventures, K9 Advantix II is worth considering for your pet care arsenal.
David Houck –
K9 Advantix II for large dogs has been a game changer for keeping my pup safe from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. The application process is straightforward, and I appreciate the 6-month supply, which means less frequent reapplications. It works quickly and effectively, ensuring my dog stays comfortable and itch-free, even in peak bug season. Plus, it’s vet-recommended, giving me confidence in its safety and effectiveness. For anyone seeking peace of mind for their furry companion, this is definitely the product to choose! 🦠🛡️
A. Waldron –
I recently relocated from the cooler mountainous area of South Carolina to the warmer climate of central Georgia for graduate school. For the past two and a half years, I had been using Comfortis for my dog, Fluke, with no issues. However, about two weeks ago, I discovered a lump on her neck and found a tick upon inspection. I searched her body and found four more ticks. Luckily, Fluke is a rescue from a vet, so I don’t have the worry of expensive vet bills in situations like this. I learned that Comfortis doesn’t necessarily protect against ticks, and while it worked well in SC, the tick population in my heavily wooded river area might be too much for it to handle.
I opted for this product because it claims to prevent ticks from attaching, and so far, it has been effective. Fluke, a unique 25-pound lab/pit mix, received the larger size since she falls between the medium and large dosing ranges, ensuring she gets sufficient protection. After applying the product, she has remained her happy self. The directions suggest applying it in four to six spots, and I chose six to avoid high concentration in any single area.
I’ve seen some reports of adverse reactions to this product, particularly among smaller dogs. It seems that the formula might be overwhelming for them, though I’m not an expert—just an observation. Ultimately, I believe each dog is different, and what works for one may not for another, similar to medications for people. I’m simply pleased that I found a product that suits Fluke.
On another note, if you’re only looking for flea prevention, Comfortis is excellent and much less messy than topical treatments. In my search for ticks, I didn’t find a single flea on her!
UPDATE AS OF JULY 2013: I have since adopted a 4-pound Pomeranian named Barnaby. I still stand by my original statement: this product is effective for fleas, ticks, and mites in the warmer climate of central Georgia. Barnaby has had no adverse reactions to this medication, and Fluke continues to be flea and tick-free without any negative symptoms. For Barnaby, I applied the medication to four spots along his back to avoid high concentrations in one area. I purchased the smallest dose available, and although it was slightly more than what he typically needs, it didn’t seem to bother him.
I always wait at least 72 hours before bathing my dogs and never bathe them for at least five days before applying the medication, as the natural oils in their skin help distribute the treatment. Both dogs tolerate this medication well, and I haven’t found any fleas or ticks since starting it. However, I advise potential buyers to remember that this product may not work for every dog, just as some medications don’t work for everyone. Please consult with a veterinarian to understand your dog’s specific needs based on breed, climate, and tolerance for topical flea prevention. I hope my experience with this product is helpful in your search for the right fit for your dog.
MajB –
I have been using this product for a while now, and I’m pleased to report that my dog’s flea problem has been resolved. She doesn’t seem to mind the application, although she might find the scent a bit strong—her keen nose leads her to roll in the grass right after I apply it. I personally don’t detect any odor when I prepare the tube for application; I checked by using the lid to punch the opening. During application, she remains calm and doesn’t try to escape, which suggests it doesn’t cause her any discomfort.
Applying the liquid is quick and straightforward. After punching the opening with the lid, you just place the tip of the tube on her skin and squeeze the soft container—it’s that easy.
I also appreciate that this product is designed to target more than just fleas, especially since we have a lot of mosquitoes around due to a nearby creek. I haven’t encountered any ticks or lice in our area, so I can’t speak to its effectiveness against those pests. Occasionally, we do see flies that this product is meant to repel.
One concern I have is the lack of expiration dates on the packaging. I want to ensure I’m getting a fresh product, especially since I’m considering buying boxes with more applications for a better price. I’ve searched the box, insert, and tube, but I haven’t been able to find any expiration information or anything related to it.
Trevor Martin –
If you’re in the South, you’re probably aware of what vets say about fleas here being resistant to many products. I’m currently dealing with a significant infestation. I attempted to get prescription medications, but since it’s been over a year since my pets’ last vet visit, I was turned down. This product has been effective in killing a large number of fleas on my dog. I was literally combing out up to 100 fleas daily until I started using this. It reduced the flea count to just a few that still jump on them from our yard. Unfortunately, my area remains untreated, so it hasn’t completely solved the issue, but the great thing about this product is that you can use it again after a week if necessary, which should help eliminate them entirely. Compared to Frontline, this works significantly better for me here in Houston. I also appreciate that it helps with mosquitoes, which are a concern in this region, though I’m not sure how effective it is against them. My dog still seems uncomfortable outside, as he often feels like there are bugs bothering him. One downside is that it’s not very waterproof. I would consider giving it four stars because of that, but I’m just pleased it’s working in my area! I do need to order more soon because I have a pool, and my dog goes in multiple times a day, which has washed off some of the medication; her flea issue has become worse than my other larger dog who rarely swims. On a positive note, it dries nicely and isn’t greasy at all, and my dogs were much less sensitive to the smell and application compared to Hartz Guard, which left them feeling greasy even days later.