"Advocate" is a modern veterinary drug with combined effects. It is used to treat and prevent pets from becoming infected with parasites, scabies mites and fleas. The medication is used according to strict instructions to avoid the development of side effects and overdose. The drug for dogs and cats is produced by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer, which has a good reputation and reviews among consumers.
"Advocate" - drops for dogs
Composition and toxicity
Advocate drops are available in the form of a colorless solution for external use; oral administration is strictly prohibited and can lead to the death of a pet. More often recommended for treating dogs due to better tolerance. Available in several forms depending on the weight of the animal.
Table 1. Types of drops according to weight
| Pet weight | Variety | Pipette volume in ml |
| No more than 4 kg | Cats and small dog breeds | 0,4 |
| 4-10 kg | Medium breeds | 1 |
| 11-25 kg | Large breeds | 2,5 |
| 11-25 kg | Very large breeds | 4 |
Attention! To eliminate diseases and prevent disorders in dogs weighing more than 40 kg, it is necessary to use a combination of pipettes of various sizes to achieve the optimal dosage of the active substance.
For large breeds remains the same as for small breeds
The drug consists of two active substances, each of which has its own characteristics of action:
- imidacloprid, produced on the basis of nicotine, it is this substance that provokes the death of parasites after their serious poisoning;
- moxidectin, a semi-synthetic component that has a paralyzing effect on endoparasites. Allows you to influence not only adult individuals, but also their immature offspring.
While killing parasites, nicotine remains dangerous for the pet if the drops are used ineptly.
Experts classify drops as a third group of toxic substances, considered moderately dangerous. If the dosage of the active substance is observed, they are absolutely safe and do not cause intoxication.
Attention! When using drops, it is necessary to exclude individual intolerance to the active ingredient or excipients. If it is present, even strict adherence to the instructions can be dangerous and lead to undesirable consequences for the health of the animal.
Example of packaging for “Advocate” drops
Indications for use
Most often, the medication is prescribed for treatment and preventive measures:
- mixed type helminthic infestations;
- the appearance of fleas and lice bites;
- otodectic mange and sarcoptic mange;
- demodicosis and cheyletiosis;
Shepherd dogs, bulldogs, Rottweilers and collies are most susceptible to demodicosis.
- only preventive treatment of dirofilariasis, effectiveness is shown against immature individuals of type L3 and L4;
- elimination and prevention of the effects of nematodes;
- to protect against fly bites and the laying of their larvae;
Flies tend to prefer to attack the animal's ears
- in some cases it is used to suppress the symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis.
Drops against fleas, helminths and scabies mites can be prescribed to treat cats. The only exceptions are individuals whose age has not reached nine weeks.
Contraindications for use
When prescribing a drug, it is imperative to exclude the presence of any contraindications. Advocate drops should not be applied to the withers of an animal if the following diagnoses and conditions are present:
- dogs whose age has not yet exceeded seven weeks;
- animals suffering from infectious diseases, especially in the acute stage with a large number of symptoms;
- pregnant individuals or nursing offspring;
- dogs with signs of exhaustion or under 1 kg body weight;
- with hypersensitivity or intolerance to any component of the medication;
- with severe damage to the kidneys and liver.
For pregnant and lactating pets, drops are prescribed only when absolutely necessary due to the toxicity of the medication
Attention! In exceptional cases, after examining a pregnant cat or dog, a veterinarian may decide on the need for treatment. In this case, the doses are most often reduced compared to those prescribed in the instructions. The drug itself is applied only in a hospital setting.
Presented types of drops "Advocate"
Indications for use
Drops on the withers Advocate are a combined broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent. It is effective against:
- mites – demodectic, sarcoptoid;
- fleas;
- lice;
- lice eaters;
- adult and larval forms of nematodes - roundworms (toxacara, hookworm, uncinaria) and whipworms (trichocephalosis);
- dirofilaria larvae - a type of worm that affects organs: heart, lungs, eyes, etc.
The medicine is not effective against ixodid ticks and adult heartworms. Therefore, if the dog is already affected by these types of parasites, the drug is combined with other drugs.
An antiparasitic agent is used for:
- prevention of infection with helminths and ectoparasites;
- prevention of dirofilariasis;
- destruction of fleas, lice, lice, ticks, worms;
- complex therapy of otitis and allergic dermatitis caused by insects;
- treatment of sarcoptic mange, demodicosis.
The effectiveness of “Advocate” drops
As soon as the drug enters the skin of a pet, it is rapidly distributed throughout the epidermis and fur. The active substance protects cats and dogs for a long time, providing an insectoacaricidal effect.
“Advocate” drops, unlike other products, penetrate through the skin into the internal organs, which enhances their effect
Unlike imidacloprid, moxidectin does not work on the surface, but inside the body. It enters the systemic bloodstream through the skin, from where it begins to be distributed to tissues and organs. The maximum dose of the active substance of the drug is recorded on days 4-9 after treatment. Complete elimination of moxidectin occurs after four weeks.
Attention! The active substance of the drug practically does not reduce its effectiveness even after the animal’s fur and epidermis are wet. But veterinarians do not recommend immediately letting your pet near water or bathing him with shampoo after applying drops to the withers. In the future, until the course of therapy is completed, the use of soap solutions should be moderate and only when really necessary.
Correct way to apply drops
Instructions for use and dosage
Advocate drops (spot-on) are produced in various packaging according to the weight of the animal. The dosage is calculated based on their recommended norms - 0.1 ml of the drug per 1 kg of animal weight, which corresponds to 10 mg of imidacloprid and 2.5 mg of moxidectin per 1 kg.
| Release form | Dose of active ingredients | Price per package for 3 pipettes | |
| imidacloprid | moxidectin | ||
| 0.4 ml for small dogs weighing up to 4 kg | 10 mg/kg | 2.5 mg/kg | 1,100 rub. |
| 1 ml for medium animals weighing from 4 to 10 kg | 10-25 mg/kg | 2.5-6.25 mg/kg | 1,200 rub. |
| 2.5 ml for large dogs weighing from 10 to 25 kg | 10-25 mg/kg | 2.5-6.25 mg/kg | RUB 1,250 |
| 4 ml for giant breeds weighing from 25 to 40 kg | 10-16 mg/kg | 2.5-4 mg/kg | 1,300 rub. |
If the pet's weight exceeds 40 kg, combine two pipettes whose volume best matches the animal's weight. For example, for a dog weighing 43 kg, a combination of 4 ml and 0.4 ml drugs is suitable. And for a dog weighing 46 kg, 4 ml and 1 ml are combined.
Each package contains 3 pipettes. But in veterinary pharmacies and pet stores, tubes are sold individually.
Applying drops is no different from using similar products. Follow the step-by-step instructions:
- the animal is fixed - large dogs are held on the floor, medium and small dogs are lifted onto the table;
- open the pipette - remove the protective cap and pierce the tip of the tube with its reverse side;
- move the fur apart - the drug must get on the skin, otherwise it will flow down the fur coat and will not penetrate the body;
- examine the skin - it must be clean, dry, without damage or redness, otherwise the drops cannot be used;
- apply the medicine - drop it into 3-4 points that are inaccessible for licking (from the withers to the lower back), it is better to apply immediately behind the ears in front of the scruff of the neck.
The frequency of use depends on the clinical case and varies from 28 to 64 days. On average, the drug for dogs is recommended to be used once a month during the parasite activity season - from early spring to late autumn.
Reviews about the use of “Advocate” drops
The majority of consumers who used Advocate drops to treat and protect their pets were satisfied with the course they completed. Cats and dogs, when the active ingredient is applied correctly, rarely show side effects, with the exception of cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance.
Many owners noted the fast and effective operation of the drops
Drops were used not only on animals living in an apartment or city, but also on cats and dogs living in rural areas with a large number of insects and parasites. The medication successfully protected the pet from flies and their larvae, repelled ticks and blood-sucking mosquitoes.
Advocate drops also helped pets living in yards and often forced to come into contact with parasites
When eliminating skin disorders, drops were used both as a separate remedy and as a combination with other medications. They showed an equally good therapeutic effect in two regimens, but were more often used as a separate agent in the initial stages of the disease. According to reviews of those who used Advocate drops on dogs and cats, the first results were noticeable after just a couple of applications.
In some cases, one or two procedures are enough for the pet’s condition to improve.
To eliminate flea and tick attacks, a single treatment is sufficient, while pet owners confirm the long-term effect of the active substance, provided that the dose is selected correctly. Allergic attacks occur in less than 1-2% of cases. Severe anaphylactic reactions are extremely rare and are usually associated with previously unknown contraindications for treating skin and fur.
An allergic reaction to drops is extremely rare.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advocate drops on the withers are one of the best antiparasitic remedies. It has many advantages compared to other drugs:
- complex action - one pipette kills ectoparasites and worms, which frees the animal owner from purchasing and feeding deworming tablets;
- safety;
- side effects are minor, occur rarely and go away on their own;
- allowed for use by puppies from 7 weeks;
- an abundance of dosages for dogs of different sizes;
- collies and similar breeds can be used;
- convenient use.
However, the drug also has disadvantages:
- There are often fakes - be especially careful when ordering from online stores and purchasing in small pet stores;
- high price - from 350 rubles per pipette;
- does not help against ixodid ticks;
- difficult to obtain, especially in regions and small towns - due to the high cost, not all veterinary pharmacies and pet stores purchase the drug.
Owner reviews
YuliaYa1977: “For the first time we took these drops. The dog did not struggle during treatment and behaved calmly. Overall, she tolerated the drug well - no signs of intoxication. Only the wool smells a little, but after other products the smell was stronger.”
KseniaZH: “Six months ago my pug got sick. He was still a puppy then and didn’t weigh even 4 kg. At first a small pimple appeared on my forehead, which then became covered with skin. The vet said it was a subcutaneous mite and appointed a lawyer. He said to drip for 4 months in a row every 30 days. After the second use, the crusts disappeared, and after the 4th time everything disappeared as if by hand. The price is steep, but I ordered at my own risk on the Internet: it turned out to be almost 2 times cheaper and they sent the original medicine, although I was afraid of a fake.”
Doglover27: “The drops saved us! My dog was itching endlessly. I thought it was fleas, but nothing helped. Then I suffered from a food allergy, changed my diet, and also without results. We went to the vet and he said it was itch mites. These small parasites are not visible, so they could not determine what the dog was sick with. After two applications, the animal stopped itching and suffered from itching.”
Features of use and prevention
It is important to protect not only your pet, but also yourself, since “Advocate” drops, if the recommendations for use are not followed, can cause poisoning, including in humans.
- Do not apply the drug in places close to food. The best use is in an open space or room with good ventilation.
- Drinking and smoking are prohibited during the procedure.
- Handling a sick animal is carried out only with gloves, after which you should still wash your hands well with plenty of soap.
- If the active substance gets on the mucous membrane, you should immediately wash it off with plenty of water.
- If drops get inside, you need to consult a doctor for possible gastric lavage.
Careless use of the medication can lead to poisoning for both the pet and the owner.
Video - Application and effect of the drug
Answers to frequently asked questions
When can you bathe your dog?
It is advisable not to wash your dog with shampoo for 4 days before and after treatment. Detergents break down the lipid layer, which reduces the effectiveness of the flea and tick product. Although bathing does not affect the anthelmintic effect of the drug.
If the dog got caught in the rain, ran through puddles, or jumped into a pond for a couple of minutes, it’s okay. The effect of the drops will continue.
The dog weighs less than the minimum dosage - up to 4 kg. How to proceed?
For animals weighing over 1 kg, the entire 0.4 ml pipette can be used under the supervision of a veterinarian. As a rule, the medicine does not cause side effects. If the dog weighs less, a lawyer cannot be used.
I have two dogs weighing about 20 kg. Is it possible for them to take one pipette for giant breeds (weighing up to 40 kg) and divide it equally?
You cannot divide the pipette - this makes it impossible to calculate the correct dosage. For each dog, a release form is purchased that corresponds to its weight.
Does Lawyer help against ixodid ticks?
The drug is not effective against ixodid ticks. To destroy this type of parasite or prevent infection by it, Advantix is first used. And after 2-7 days they use Advocate.
Can it be used in conjunction with other antiparasitic agents?
Drops cannot be used along with similar drugs. The exception is Advantix and the Foresto collar. They contain different active ingredients and together protect against all types of parasites.
Overdose and side effects
If the drug is used correctly, overdose is excluded. If it occurs and if side effects occur, the animal may show signs of intoxication in the form of nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, redness and peeling.
If you suspect an overdose in your pet, it is advisable to show it to a specialist.
To eliminate unwanted reactions, you should wash off the drops from the animal’s fur and skin and carry out symptomatic treatment. If an allergic reaction occurs in the form of sneezing or active lacrimation, it is also necessary to remove the active substance from the pet’s body and give an anti-allergenic agent.
Repeated sneezing of a pet after drops most often indicates an allergic reaction.
Attention! Side effects were especially pronounced in animals that were treated in the presence of contraindications. They immediately started vomiting and had loose stools. This condition in pregnant and lactating animals always requires urgent contact with a veterinary clinic.
If the pet has contraindications, treatment is sometimes carried out by a veterinarian within the clinic
Analogues of the drug
There are few analogs of the Lawyer. It is rare that any veterinary drug manufacturer combines substances against ectoparasites and helminths in one product. Usually, drops for fleas and ticks are produced separately, and tablets for worms are produced separately.
Therefore, funds like the Lawyer can be counted on one hand.
Analogues are better:
| Medicine | What's better? | Price per pipette |
| Stronghold | Safer than the Lawyer, the dog can be petted and bathed on the first day after treatment, there is a form for dogs weighing from 2.5 kg. | 700-1,300 rub. |
| Palladium Golden Defense | There are dosages for pets weighing from 1 kg. | 350 rub. |
| Inspector Total С | Wider spectrum of action - additionally has a detrimental effect on ixodid ticks. | 300-650 rub. |
Analogues are worse:
| Medicine | Why is it worse? | Cost per pipette |
| Palladium Pet Line No. 2 | Contains fipronil, which often causes allergies | 280-350 rub. |
| Frontline | It does not help against worms, although it gets rid of more ectoparasites and repels blood-sucking insects. | 450-770 rub. |
Cost and storage conditions
The medication must be stored in room conditions at a temperature not exceeding +30 degrees. It is important to avoid direct sunlight on the packaging. The shelf life of Advocate drops is 3 years. The average price of “Advocate” drops depends on the volume of the pipette and can range from 700 to 1500 rubles.
The drops require careful adherence to the instructions for use so that the cat or dog does not develop undesirable consequences for their health. Let us briefly highlight the most basic of them.
Precautionary rules
When using, you must carefully read the instructions and reviews of the “Lawyer”. This will avoid many mistakes and restore lost health to your pet and protect it in the future.
Properties and pharmacodynamics
Thanks to its balanced composition, Advocate has a pronounced insecticidal and acaricidal effect. Refers to universal, combined medications with prolonged action.
Imidacloprid is a substance belonging to the group of chloronicotinyl insecticides. The mechanism of action is based on disruption of innervation, transmission of nerve impulses of ectoparasites, as well as interaction with acetylcholine receptors of arthropod blood-sucking insects, which leads to their death.
Advocate for dogs is available in pipettes of various sizes.
Moxidectin is a semi-synthetic compound from the milbemycin group. It is quickly adsorbed through the skin, penetrates the bloodstream, is evenly distributed in the body, and provides a prolonged effect. It has a stimulating effect on the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which, by binding to postsynaptic receptors of ecto- and endoparasites, provokes disruption of muscle innervation, which leads to instant paralysis and death of fleas, ticks, and nematodes.
The insecticidal effect after a single treatment of dogs lasts for four to six weeks, and the acaricidal effect lasts for 28-35 days.
General information and recommendations about the drug Advocate
The drug Advocate for cats contains the active ingredients imidacloprid and moxidectin. It has a wide range of antiparasitic effects and can be used against harmful insects - fleas and ticks, as well as in the treatment of diseases caused by parasites in animals. The components of the drug cause the death of arthropods due to the insecticidal mechanism of action. According to the degree of chemical poisoning, the veterinary drug Advocate is classified as hazard class III. In the dosages recommended by the instructions, Advocate is well tolerated by cats and has no side effects.
© shutterstock
Side effects
Symptoms of drug overdose:
- Depressed state of the pet;
- Changes in mood;
- Convulsions;
- Dilated pupils;
- Hypersalivation.
Side effects of the drug occur in cases of overdose and individual intolerance to the drug. Short-term effects may occur:
- Itchy sensation;
- Koi hyperemia;
- Allergic irritations.
If symptoms of side effects and overdose do not go away within 2-3 days, you should urgently contact the clinic.
