Frontline or Advocate

[Jules001]

Had my dog 3 years now and have always used Frontline, no problems with it or fleas. However we do have a very large fox population in the area and as such our Vet (incidentally we don't buy Frontline from him) has said that they are stopping supply of Frontline and are now pushing people locally to use Advocate because of the protection against sarcoptic mange I need to order some more treatment either Advocate or Frontline soon and wondered what other peoples thoughts are on this. I don't like chopping and changing his treatment if it isn't necessary and whilst Frontline is working, I would be happy to stay as we are, but I still have nagging doubts about what the vet has said and obviously want to do what is best for my dog. Can I have some other peoples views on this please.

[icemaiden]

I use Advocate on our two because it covers Lungworm too. They both love to play with a slug now and again. With regards to fleas, I have never seen a flea on either dogs so I guess I can say it works.

[icemaiden]

Oh and it's easy to use. place on the back of the neck.

[ladybirder]

My views on Frontline are well known. Why risk it and have the nightmare of an infestation and the expense of getting rid. Just google FL not working and you will see for yourself. It doesn't mean it doesn't work for everyone but why take an unnecessary risk? Here's a previous thread on the subject.

http://www.theanswerb.../Question1057499.html

[ladybirder]

BTW Advocate is the way to go IMO.

[jules77]

I wouldnt touch Advocate with a barge pole...........From the Bayer website....
This product contains moxidectin (a macrocyclic lactone), special care should be taken with Collies, Old English Sheepdogs and related breeds or crossbreeds.

Panacur is far more effective to prevent lungworm. My friends dog was diagonosed with lungworm, and a strong dose of Panacur was given as the treatment.

[boxtops]

I can't speak for dogs, but Advocate is far and away my favourite for cats, for reasons as stated ^^ by icemaiden.

[lankeela]

Ask yourself why your vets are 'pushing' one product over another - a better deal for them from the reps! I would only ever use the Frontline spray and then very sparingly.

[ladybirder]

My vet isn't pushing Advocate. It was recommended by a friend. Frankly I don't care what I use as long as it's not Frontline which is practically being given away now. I never again want my poor old cat and poor old me to go through the nightmare of an infestation again. Stronghold is cheaper I believe and that is supposed to be OK.

[boxtops]

I stand corrected, it's Stronghold which is my favourite ^^^^ - our vet went on to Advocate and we didn't like it at all, it's very runny. I complained and the makers of Advocate paid for the practice nurse to show me how to put it on so it didn't dribble away. We don't have any of the problem with Stronghold, and it covers worms too.

[Jules001]

Regardless of whether I will use Frontline or Advocate, I won't be buying it from the vet as the price difference is just too great. Still undecided as which one to choose, OH thinks we should change to Advocate, for the protection against lungworm and sarcoptic mange, but I am still not sure as I don't like to put any necessary chemicals into Alfie and if I then have to give a general all purpose wormer as well as the Advocate as it doesn't cover tapeworm, this is increasing the amount of chemicals he has and as I have said we have no problems with Frontline Combo spot on at the moment, he also shows no interest in slugs or snails, so I am not so worried about protection for lungworm, but it is really the sarcoptic mange that worries me. A friend's dog locally had mange but she was at the time having treatment for a tumour which will probably have knackered her immune system leaving her open to things like SM and Alfie is in good health, so not sure how worried about the possible threat of SM I should be. Thanks for all your replies so far, keep them coming, it is good to hear other people's views on this.

[ladybirder]

Jules001 doesn't your vet charge for a prescription? Most vets have this sussed and what you would save by buying elsewhere, the vet charges you for the prescription. £8.50 at our local vet

[ladybirder]

BTW if price is a concern, Stronghold is cheaper.

[nannybooby]

use advocate on both my yorkies and they are fine on it ,covers lung worm and other worms too so no need to worm them.

[Youwhat]

I also use Advocate on my dog and he's been fine since day one. Although, aside from that, can anyone tell me where else you can buy these things if not from a vet?
Thanks!

[icemaiden]

You can only get advocate on prescription or the vets, in this country anyway.
And most Vets, if not all, charge for the prescription.

[lankeela]

For non prescription items you can buy them online from places such as canine chemist, vet medic pharmacy and other sites. They supply prescription items too if you can get one cheap enough from your vet.

[Epinephrine]

Advocate does treat sarcoptic mange effectivley and also states to treat demodex mange aswell, although in my experience, most vets still opt for the traditional aludex baths in demodex cases. It is a well respected brand although as jules has said, not to be used in collies or old english sheepdogs or crosses of these breeds.
Remember the sarcoptic scabei mite is zoonotic so can be passed to humans.Brands like stronghold also offer protection against this.
Advocate will also give extra protection against endoparasites (inside) such as lungworms and heartworms.
I would be inclined to agree with your vets, frontline combi for cats - I believe is good but I have not heard such great opinions on frontline for dogs in recent times.

[Epinephrine]

YouWhat - you can ask your vet for a prescription of any drug they recommend and source these drugs elsewhere using this but as icemaiden said there will be a prescription charge, sometimes around £10 or a little over.
Some pet stores such as pets at home - have untrained veterinary staff who have undergone a short course which earns them the title of 'Suitably Qualified Person' this entitles them to prescribe some drugs to your animal ie POM-VPS drugs ( prescription only medicine - veternarian, pharmacist or suitably qualified person) This came into affect when they changed all the drug classes a few years ago. So your flea and tick treatment will be under this.