PetMeds^® Blog

K9 Advantix is one of the most common used once monthly topical pesticides used for external skin parasite control, covering fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. One of the nicer benefits is that it will still be effective even after washing and bathing (wait 24 hours after applying), and has additional benefits of not only quickly killing mature and immature fleas and ticks, but in also repelling these parasites from biting as well. It comes in very convenient dosing packaging for dogs up to 10 pounds, dogs from 11-20 pounds, dogs from 21-55 pounds, and dogs over 55 pounds.

If your pet is on the border of these dosage cut offs, you can always start with the lower dose of K9 Advantix, however, if effective pest control is not seen, than giving the higher dose is certainly safe in most pets. It is not necessary to separate dogs after dosing them topically with this product, however, if dogs are actively playful and/or licking one another, it may be best to have them apart for a few hours, until the product has had a chance to dry.

A few years ago, it was recommended not to purchase this product if an animal guardian also had cats due to their sensitivity to the permethrin insecticide in this product. However, that labeling has now changed and it is ok to use in households with cats, as long as animal guardians wait until the product is completely dry on the dog before exposing them to household cats.

I have not heard of its use in other species, although an animal guardian of exotic pets can certainly contact Bayer to find out if this is possible. Side effects are rare, but may include (in sensitive pets):

-          Contact irritation/allergy causing hair loss at site of application

-          Digestive upset

-          Neurological reactions such as seizures (rarer cases)

If this should occur, changing to a different topical pesticide like Frontline Plus or trying a natural alternative may be helpful. I never recommend using two topical pesticides at the same time such as Frontline Plus or K9 Advantix. However, if one is not working for an animal guardian, make sure one is treating the home adequately for fleas, as well as one could change from one product to another. It is typically not harmful to humans unless the product is swallowed or gets in one’s eyes. But I have heard of isolated reports of skin numbness following contact with the product, thus animal guardians should always wear gloves when applying this or any topical pesticide in my opinion.

Rimadyl is one of the most widely prescribed non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for dogs, being prescribed for either short term pain/inflammation relief, and in some cases long term pain and inflammation. It is most commonly prescribed for musculoskeletal joint (arthritis) or back problems, but is commonly prescribed to dogs for post operative pain, especially  as pain relief is being increasingly recognized and accepted as a standard of care in veterinary medicine.

The typical dose of Rimadyl is 1 mg per pound twice daily but it can also be given as a single dose of 2 mg per pound once daily. It is not for use in cats. It is often important to have blood work and/or urine done before using this drug, especially in older pets to make sure there are no pre-existing liver, kidney or blood disorders that may contraindicate its use.

When dogs are prescribed it long term, it is also important to monitor blood and urine every 3-6 months. While rare side effects of liver failure have been reported and got much overdone press several years back, most dogs tolerate Rimadyl fairly well, and I find that giving it with food tends to cut down on any upset stomachs.

Occasional side effects include:

• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting with digestive tract bleeding
• rare liver/kidney side effects

It should not be given with aspirin or related products such as other non-steroidal anti inflammatory prescription drugs like Metacam or Previcox.  However, it is safe to use with certain other pain medications such as the recently increasing use of the safe mild opioid derivatives Tramadol.

Amongst the most popular breeds today include the toy breeds.  Such breeds like the Maltese and Poodle, to name two popular breeds, are not only highly intelligent, but very loyal and wonderful family pets.  Compared to larger breed dogs, most of the toy breeds have a significant longer lifespan than larger or giant breed dogs.

As veterinarians we are often asked what are the common health problems seen in certain breeds. With the toy breeds, there are several conditions that come to mind.  Given their small size and often immune and genetic sensitivity, these are the breeds that are the ones I see more reactions to various chemicals, drugs and vaccinations.  That is why I will often stress the most natural lifestyle possible for these little tikes, including feeding less processed foods and more natural diets such as Eat Great. Be Well., and giving the least number of vaccinations possible.

Immunity to core viruses like parvo and distemper can last 5-10 years, and rabies should not be given more frequently than every 3 years. I also recommend that one never gives multiple vaccinations at once to these toy breeds, separating vaccinations out by at least 3 weeks, so as to avoid the increased risk of immune reactions.  Common health issues that can come up include certain musculoskelatal conditions or back issues like trick knees, known as patella luxations, as well as occasional genetic problems of the hips, known as Legg-Perthes Disease. There are also some breeds that may be predisposed to degenerative disc disease.

Cardiovascular issues can include narrowed or inflamed airways such as collapsing trachea syndrome, chronic obstructive or pulmonary airway disease, known as COPD, and degenerative heart disease of the mitral valves called mitral regurgitation. Because of their immune sensitivity, many toy breeds are prone to skin allergies, often secondary to inhalant/contact allergens, food allergens, or flea bite allergies. Dental disease appears to be fairly common as well, especially as they get older, stressing the importance of regular at home dental care with excellent products like C.E.T. toothpaste and C.E.T. rinse. Endocrine or hormonal issues can also be seen, including low thyroid known as hypothyroidism, as well as an overactive adrenal gland, known as Cushing’s disease.

Toy breeds also seem to be prone to urinary tract issues, both behavioral urine problems at times due to their emotional sensitivity, as well as urinary tract infections, including the occasional formation of bladder stones. However, with good diet and regular routine veterinary exams and evaluations many of these problems can be avoided or detected early. Toy breeds are for the most part wonderful canine companions, and I would highly recommend them to any canine lover.

One of the most difficult decisions that almost any animal guardian at some point must make is when they must wish their canine or feline companion a compassionate goodbye,  by choosing humane euthanasia for a chronically ill, untreatable,  or suffering elder pet.   As in human medicine, animals are living longer and longer in recent years, and with age come many chronic degenerative diseases. Organ failure including liver or kidney failure, degenerative joint or spinal disease, declining cognitive dysfunction, and cancer of any organ system all top the list of chronic diseases in aging pets.

And while there have been many medical and surgical advances in helping palliate many of these conditions, there does come a time when an animal guardian must make a decision on continuing management of these and other conditions versus the difficult decision of humane euthanasia when quality of life of most days is very poor. Certainly having a long term relationship with a trusting and kind small animal veterinarian who knows you and your companion best,  and who can help you sort through treatment options is an essential part of caring for an ill pet,  who may be approaching a transitional period of life, and/or where treatment is no longer helping.

While many animal guardians would prefer their pets pass peacefully in their sleep and/or at home, many dogs and cats can linger for weeks or months in states of suffering, that often only the trusted family veterinarian can assess in an objective, nonjudgmental fashion.  While there are some veterinarians who utilize homeopathic medicines in assisting the transitional process, most of the time chemical euthanasia, through the painless injection of an anesthetic, offers the best option for most animal guardians.   This difficult decision is one that can only be made after careful consideration, thought and discussion with your family veterinarian.