Promeris for Dogs is a topical flea and tick control product manufactured by Fort Dodge Animal Health. Fort Dodge Animal Health is the Animal Health division of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, one of the largest producers of pharmaceutical products worldwide. In addition to being available in a formula for dogs, Promeris is also available as a formula for cats. However, Promeris for Dogs contains ingredients to help control both flea and tick infestations, while Promeris for Cats is only marketed as being able to be used for flea control in cats. Promeris for Dogs is only available by obtaining a prescription from a veterinarian, and is not currently able to be purchased over the counter.

PRODUCT FORMULA

Promeris for Dogs is currently available in five different formulas, each of which is designed to be effective for dogs in a specific weight range. The currently available formulas are designed as follows:

• For Dogs 10 lbs and under
• For Dogs from 11 lbs to 22 lbs
• For Dogs from 23 to 55 lbs
• For Dogs from 56 to 88 lbs
• For Dogs from 89 to 110 lbs

Promeris for Dogs is marketed as being waterproof, though needs to dry for a short period of time after the initial application. To properly apply Promeris, the entire contents of the application tube need to be applied to the back of a dog’s neck. In order for Promeris to absorb properly, it needs to be applied as close to the skin as possible.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

There are two active ingredients contained in Promeris for dogs, each of which is either effective at controlling fleas or ticks. Amitraz is an antiparasitic ingredient that classified as an alpha-adenergic agonist. Amitraz is primarily used to control tick infestations in dogs, though may cause sedation among other side effects. Amitraz should also be used with caution in diabetic dogs, since it can have an effect  on blood glucose levels.  Metaflumizone is the other active ingredient contained in Promeris for dogs, which is a novel sodium channel blocker insecticide. Metaflumizone is a relatively new chemical compound, which has been used to effectively control fleas in both dogs and cats with relatively high effectiveness.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS AND RATINGS

Customer reviews of Promeris for dogs are relatively mixed. Though many dog owners report using Promeris for dogs without any problems, some pet owners state that they have experienced potentially alarming side effects from use of this product. Most of the stated side effects listed in negative reviews are lethargy, muscle spasms, vomiting and diarrhea. These side effects are relatively rare, though are cited by some veterinarians as only being present when the product formula is ingested by an animal. When applying Promeris for dogs, it is very important to apply the product in a spot where the dog is not able to accidentally ingest the product formula. Positive reviews about Promeris for dogs state that it works just as advertised, being able to effectively control both flea and tick infestations for a full four weeks.

Technorati Tags: dogs, flea and tick control, fleas, Promeris for Dogs Reviews, ticks, vet prescription

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Promeris for Cats is a topical flea treatment that is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Wyeth was formerly known as American Home Products (AHP) and is currently one of the largest producers of pharmaceutical products. In addition to producing Promeris for Cats, Wyeth’s Animal Health Division (also called Fort Dodge Animal Health) also produces Promeris for Dogs, Barricade, Ketaset, Rabvac (a rabies vaccine for dogs) and ProHeart Heartworm preventative, among many other products. Promeris for Cats is currently only available by obtaining a prescription from a Veterinarian, and is not available for purchase over the counter.

PRODUCT FORMULA

Promeris for Cats is currently available in two different formulas, which are designed to be used on cats in a specific weight range. Promeris is available for cats from 1 to 9 lbs, and for cats that weigh over 9 lbs. In order to Promeris for Cats to be entirely effective, it is important to apply this product specifically by following the directions included with the product. Promeris is absorbed through a cat’s skin, and needs to be applied as close to the skin as possible. To properly apply Promeris for Cats, apply the entire contents of the application tube to a single spot on a cat’s neck. It is important to note that the Promeris formula for Cats does not contain an active ingredient to control ticks on cats, and can only be used for controlling flea infestations. Promeris should only be used on cats that are eight weeks of age or older, and should not be used on younger kittens.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT

The active ingredient contained in Promeris for Cats is a relatively new semicarbazone insecticide called Metaflumizone. Metaflumizone is derived from a group of pyrazoline insecticides that block sodium channels. However, this group of insecticides was not approved for optimum safety in mammals, until the development of metaflumizone. Because of this, metaflumizole has been designated by the EPA as a “Reduced Risk Candidate”. Metaflumizole works by blocking function of an insect’s sodium channels, which results in paralysis and eventual death in most fleas.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS AND RATINGS

Most customer reviews about Promeris for Cats are positive. Due to the suspicion of many veterinarians that fleas are becoming immune to some types of insecticide products contained in flea treatments, many cat owners are pleased with the effects of Promeris. The product seems to work on cats just as advertised, killing most fleas on a cat within a relatively short period of time. The complaints of some cat owners were relatively minor, mostly citing that the product is extremely messy, and can cause oily spots on some types of clothing or furniture. The amount of treatment contained in Promeris for Cats application tubes is a bit more than most other topical flea treatment products, which could be contributing to the increased mess. A rare complaint among a small percentage of cat owners was that the product caused mild skin reactions when applied to their cats, sometimes resulting in itchy spots and loss of fur. However, this seemed to be a fairly rare complaint.

Technorati Tags: cat, flea, kitten, Metaflumizone, Promeris for Cats Reviews, treatment

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Frontline Plus for Cats is a flea and tick control product that is manufactured by the Merial Company. Merial is a multinational company that specializes in animal health, and was first founded in 1997. In addition to producing Frontline Plus for Cats, Merial also produces Frontline Plus for Dogs, Heartgard, Ivomec and Previcox. Frontline Plus for Cats is currently only available by obtaining a prescription from a veterinarian, and is regarded as a moderate to high quality product for flea control. Frontline Plus for Cats is a topical flea control product, and requires reapplication after its effectiveness wears off.

PRODUCT FORMULAS

Frontline Plus for Cats is currently only available in one formula variation, which is suitable to be applied to all cats and kittens that are over eight weeks of age. Frontline Plus for Cats is available in three different dosage packages: a 3 – dose package, a 6 – dose package and a 12 – dose package. Since each dosage is effective for approximately one month, the packages provide a 3, 6 and 12 month supply of Frontline Plus for Cats. The price range of this product is from $12 – $15 per single dose, depending on retailer.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Frontline Plus for Cats contains two different active ingredients, which help to control and eradicate the flea population on an infested cat. S-Methoprene is a growth inhibitor, and is used to prevent a flea from maturing into its adult form. Methoprene imitates the juvenile hormone that keeps a flea in its immature state, which interrupts the flea’s life cycle. Frontline Plus for Cats also contains fipronil, a broad spectrum insecticide. Fipronil works by blocking the passage of chloride ions through the GABA receptor, which is a component of the insect central nervous system. An affected insect is paralyzed, and eventually dies. Fipronil is relatively slow-acting, but has proven effective at controlling insect populations.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS AND RATINGS

Customer reviews regarding Frontline Plus for Cats are relatively mixed. Upon examination, it seems that many cat owners believe that the effectiveness of Frontline Plus at treating flea infestations in their cats seems to have deteriorated. Most of the negative reviews state that for the relatively high expense of the product, they would have expected it to be much more effective. Some cat owners state that they have used Frontline Plus for their cats in the past, and only recently has the formula seemed to be ineffective at controlling the flea population. When some cat owners contacted Merial about this problem, the company stated that they are currently researching new ways to control “chemical-resistant” flea species.

However, one positive aspect of Frontline Plus for Cats seems to be that instances of side effects are relatively rare. The neurological side effects (such as seizures) seen in some other topical flea and tick medications do not seem to be associated with Frontline Plus for Cats. In addition to this, some cat owners state that they have used Frontline Plus for controlling flea infestations on their cats with relatively high effectiveness.

Technorati Tags: cat, fleas, Frontline Plus for Cats Reviews, kitten, reviews, ticks

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Frontline Top Spot is a topical flea control product that is available in specialized formulas for both dogs and cats. In addition to helping eradicate fleas, Frontline Top Spot also works to kill several different tick species. Some of the affected tick species are the brown dog tick, the American dog tick, the lone star tick and the deer tick. Since the deer tick is the number one carrier of Lyme Disease, Frontline Top Spot is marketed as being a preventive product against Lyme Disease infection.

PRODUCT FORMULAS

Frontline Top Spot has different formulas for use on dogs and cats. Each of these formulas contains a different percentage of Fipronil, to ensure that each animal receives the proper amount of the product. All of these formulas are available in a 3 dose package, a 6 dose package and a 12 dose package. Each dose is effective for approximately one month, at which time it needs to be reapplied. Frontline Top Spot is marketed as being able to kill all existing fleas on a dog or cat within 24 hours after the initial application of the product.

FRONTLINE TOP SPOT FOR DOGS

Frontline Top Spot for Dogs is available in four different weight-specific formulas, each of which has a different concentration of the active ingredient, Fipronil. Frontline Top Spot for Dogs has a formula designed for dogs that are up to 22 lbs in weight, and eight weeks of age or older. This formula contains 9.7% fipronil per 0.67 ml. Frontine Top Spot for Dogs from 23 to 44 lbs contains 9.7% fipronil per 1.34 ml. Frontline Top Spot for Dogs from 45 to 88 lbs contains 9.7% fipronil per 2.8 ml. Frontline Top Spot for Dogs from 89 to 132 lbs contains 9.7% fipronil per 4.02 ml.

FRONTLINE TOP SPOT FOR CATS

Frontline Top Spot for Cats is currently only available in one formula variation. This formula can be used on all cats and kittens that are eight weeks of age or older. Each application tube contains 0.50 ml of Frontline Top Spot, which is made up of 9.7% fipronil.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS AND RATINGS

In general, customer reviews about Frontline Top Spot are approximately 60% positive, and 40% negative. Most of the negative reviews about Frontline Top Spot stated that it is not effective as a long-term method for treating fleas and ticks on household pets. A complaint by a few pet owners was that the product did not contain any growth hormone inhibitor, which is sometimes used in flea control products in order to disrupt a flea’s life cycle.

Most positive reviews from pet owners stated that they were able to use Frontline Top Spot on their pets without any problems. Positive reviews also cited that the product is effective when used as directed, and when used in combination with household flea control products (such as carpet spray and home flea foggers). Some pet owners stated that Frontline Top Spot seemed to work on one of their pets, but not the other.

Technorati Tags: cats, dogs, flea, Frontline Top Spot Reviews, medication, puppy, review

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Program Tablets are a flea control product manufactured and marketed by the Animal Health Division of Novartis International AG. Program Tablets are marketed as being an oral product, which are effective when administered to a flea-infected animal through oral ingestion. Program Tablets are just one of the animal products manufactured by Novartis International. In addition to Program, Novartis also produces Capstar, Fortekor, Milbemax, Interceptor, Deramaxx, Prac-tic, Sentinel, Atopica and Panolog. Program Tablets are available without a prescription, and can be purchased over the counter at most veterinary facilities and pet supply stores.

PRODUCT FORMULAS

Program Tablets are available in different formulas for dogs and cats, each of which contains a regulated dose of the active ingredient. Program Tablets are currently available in two different dosage packages: a 6 dose package and a 12 dose package. Each of these tablets is effective for approximately one month, at which time a new tablet needs to be administered. The active ingredient contained in Program Tablets is called lufenuron. Lufenuron is effective by being stored in an animal’s body fat after ingestion. Lufenuron controls fleas by keeping a developing flea from producing the chitin needed in order to maintain an exoskeleton. Lufenuron does not have any known toxic effects on mammals, though the main side effect associated with Program Tablets is an upset stomach after ingestion.

PROGRAM TABLETS FOR DOGS

Program Tablets for Dogs are available in four different formulas, each of which is designed for a dog in a specific weight tier. Program Tablets for Dogs are available for dogs up to 10 lbs, from 11 to 20 lbs, 21 to 45 lbs and for dogs that weigh over 46 lbs.

PROGRAM TABLETS FOR CATS

Program Tablets for Cats are available in two different formulas, which are each effective for cats in a specific weight range. Program Tablets for Cats are available for cats from 1 to 6 lbs, and for cats that weigh from 7 to 15 lbs.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS AND RATINGS

Most customer reviews about Program Tablets are relatively positive. The product seems to work just as advertised, without any serious adverse health reactions in most pets. As stated on the product label, the most common side effect of Program Tablets is upset stomach, though this seems to be relatively rare in most dogs. Another positive factor of Program Tablets seemed to be that most pets found the formula to be relatively appealing in taste, which made administration of the product much easier for pet owners.

A negative factor cited by some pet owners was the relatively high expense of this product, and the fact that it needs to be used in addition to a flea control product such as Capstar. The reason for this is that Program Tablets are designed to break a flea’s life cycle, and do not kill all adult fleas. However, as part of a total flea treatment program, Program Tablets seem to work just as their product label advertises for the majority of pet owners.

Technorati Tags: cats, dogs, pets, program, Program Tablets Reviews, tablets

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