Every pet owner has experienced the appearance of fleas on their pet. These insects not only cause nuisance, but are also carriers of dangerous infectious diseases. Many special drugs have been created to protect against parasites. One of the most effective and efficient is Stronghold for cats. This modern antiparasitic agent is presented by the American company Pfizer Animal Health.
Description and main properties
Stronghold is a latest generation veterinary drug with acaricidal, insecticidal and anthelmintic properties.
Within 36 hours, the medicine destroys not only adult fleas and scabies mites, but also their eggs and larvae. Thanks to its anthelmintic effect, it gets rid of roundworms, nematodes, toxocaras and hookworms. This is one of the few medicines that help cope with heartworm, a parasite that affects the lungs and heart muscle.
Stronghold is for external use only. When ingested, it is quickly destroyed by gastric juice and has no therapeutic effect.
When applied, the drops are quickly absorbed and retained in tissues and skin in high concentration for a long time, which allows them to be used not only for treatment, but also for prevention. When insects and helminths come into contact with the active substance, they die.
The external product is highly moisture resistant, dries quickly after application, does not have a strong odor and is non-irritating.
Composition and release form
The drug contains the active component selamectin, a modern semi-synthetic substance. It also contains isopropyl alcohol and dipropylene glycol.
The medicine is a clear or yellowish liquid containing the active substance in varying concentrations. To treat cats, a drug containing 6% selamectin is used. The drops are packaged in pipette bottles with caps of different colors, making it easier to choose the right dosage :
- purple - 0.25 ml;
- brown - 0.5 ml;
- blue - 0.75 ml;
- red - 1 ml;
- green - 2 ml.
Description of the drug and its composition
Stronghold flea remedy is produced by a well-known company from the USA - Pfizer Animal Health. The veterinary drug is an alcohol-based solution, which is packaged in pipette bottles made of polymer material with a dispenser cap. The medicine is transparent, may be colorless or light yellow.
The main active ingredient is selamectin. The substance has systemic properties important for the fight against fleas and other parasites:
- insecticidal;
- nematicidal;
- acaricidal;
- larvicidal;
- ovocidal.
Stronghold for fleas contains other components - dipropylene glycol, isopropylone alcohol.
Selamectin penetrates the flea's body - its nervous and muscle tissue, and binds to their receptors. There is an increase in the permeability of cell membranes. Chlorine ions entering the cell block the nervous system of the parasites, causing them paralysis and then death. It is important that selamectin does not penetrate the affected animal’s body and does not harm the pet.
The solution contains different amounts of the active substance - 6% for cats or 12% for dogs. The cat flea remedy Stronghold is available in several dosages, the choice for each application depends on the weight of the animal:
- 0.25 mg each (with purple cap), used for cats less than 2.5 kg;
- 0.75 mg each (blue cap) – for animals from 2.5 to 7.5 kg.
If the cat weighs more, several bottles are combined for one-time use. For dogs, use Stronghold for fleas with a cap in dark green, purple, brown or red. For very small animals, cat medicine with purple droppers is suitable. You should carefully calculate the required dose of Stronghold for fleas per weight in kg, and do not exceed that recommended by veterinarians.
Mechanism of action
The active substance is active against adult individuals, as well as their immature forms. After application, selamectin is quickly absorbed into the skin at the site of application, enters the general bloodstream and spreads to all tissues.
The active component penetrates the muscle and nervous tissue of parasites, where it increases cell permeability to chlorine ions. As a result, there is a decrease in the activity of muscle fibers and nerve cells, leading to their paralysis and death.
The drug does not affect the cat's nervous system, since the animal's nerve fibers are separated from the bloodstream by the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from exposure to toxins.
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INDICATIONS
Prescribed to dogs and cats to kill fleas (Stenocefalides spp.) and prevent re-infection of animals within 1 month after application of the drug. For the treatment of allergic flea dermatitis as part of complex therapy. For the prevention and treatment of otodectosis (ear scabies) caused by O. cynotis and sarcoptic mange caused by S. scabiei. For deworming of toxocariasis caused by Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, and hookworm disease caused by Ancylostoma tubaeforme. For the prevention of dirofilariasis in regions where Dirofilaria immitis is registered.
To kill fleas and prevent re-infestation: Stronghold is used once a month during the flea active season. The drug destroys adult fleas that are on dogs and cats 24-26 hours after application and protects against re-infestation for 30 days. By destroying flea eggs, Stronghold interrupts the development cycle of the parasite and prevents the next generation of fleas from appearing. Monthly use of the drug not only directly protects animals from infection, but also destroys the residual population of fleas (eggs and larvae) in the house or apartment. In this case, the use of the drug must be started a month before the onset of the flea active season. Within a month after the first application, Stronghold ensures a sharp reduction in the number of fleas in the animal’s habitat. The drug can also be used as one of the components of the treatment of flea allergic dermatitis, and it must be applied monthly.
Treatment of otodectosis (ear scabies) in dogs and cats: Stronghold is used once. During the treatment process, it is recommended to clean the ear canal from exudate and scabs, and in cases of complications of otodectosis with otitis media, prescribe appropriate treatment with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs. If necessary, the course of treatment is repeated after 1 month.
Treatment of sarcoptic mange in dogs: Stronghold is used twice with an interval of 1 month. In order to prevent possible invasion, it is recommended to use the drug once a month.
Treatment of tocoscariasis and hookworm in dogs and cats: Stronghold is used for therapeutic purposes once, and for preventive purposes - monthly.
Prevention of dirofilariasis: Stronghold is used once a month during the flying season of mosquito vectors. The drug completely prevents infection of dogs and cats, killing microfilariae and preventing their transformation into adult nematodes. Since Stronghold has no effect on adult heartworms, its use is absolutely safe in infested animals. In order to protect animals that are imported into regions where dirofilariasis is common, it is recommended to prescribe Stronghold a month before the expected date of import. The last treatment of the animal with Stronghold must be carried out within one month after the end of the mosquito vector flight season. If the monthly interval between applications of Stronghold has been exceeded, it is necessary to apply the drug as soon as such an opportunity arises. When replacing chemotherapeutic agents in the dirofilariasis prevention program, the interval between the administration of Stronghold and the previously used drug should be at least one month.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Increased individual sensitivity to the drug. It is prohibited to use Stronghold on puppies and kittens under 6 weeks of age, patients with infectious diseases and convalescent animals. The drug should not be used orally or by injection. When treating otodectosis, do not inject Stronghold directly into the ear canal. It is not recommended to apply the drug to wet animal skin. After applying the drug, do not allow the treated animal to come into contact with a source of fire or high temperature until the animal’s fur is completely dry.
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Selamectin has a wide spectrum of systemic antiparasitic action against nematodes, insects and sarcoptic mites that parasitize dogs and cats. Stronghold has a detrimental effect on the larvae of round helminths and also has ovicidal properties. The drug does not affect mature nematodes Dirofilaria immitis, but reduces the number of microfilariae circulating in the blood, and it can be safely used even in previously infested animals. The mechanism of action of the drug is the ability of selamectin, by binding to the receptors of the cells of the muscle and nervous tissue of parasites, to increase the permeability of membranes to chlorine ions, which leads to a blockade of the electrical activity of the nerve and muscle cells of nematodes and arthropods, their paralysis and death. Due to the fact that in mammals these receptors are localized only in the central nervous system, and selamectin does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, the drug is safe for dogs and cats at recommended doses. Stronghold is well absorbed from the site of application. Selamectin remains in the blood for a long time in a therapeutic concentration, ensuring the destruction of parasites and protecting animals from reinvasion for a month. Stronghold is a low-toxic compound for warm-blooded animals (the LD50 of selamectin for mice when administered orally is 1600 mg/kg). The drug is well tolerated by dogs of various breeds (including collies) and cats.
SIDE EFFECTS
With proper use and dosage, side effects are usually not observed.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
During the procedure, smoking, drinking and eating are prohibited. At the end of the procedure, you should wash your hands with warm water and soap. If the drug accidentally gets on the skin or mucous membranes, it should be immediately washed off with a stream of water. It is not recommended to wash, pet or allow the animal near small children for 2 hours after treatment with the drug. After this time, the animal can be washed even with shampoo, which does not reduce the effectiveness of Stronghold. Empty drug pipettes must not be used for household purposes; they are thrown into waste containers.
STORAGE CONDITIONS
In a dry, dark place inaccessible to children and animals. Away from heating devices and open flames. Separated from food and feed at a temperature not exceeding 30 °C. Shelf life: 3 years.
Rules of application
Stronghold is effective for destroying all forms of adult parasites and their larvae. It is used to treat the following diseases in cats:
- entomosis;
- otodectosis;
- dirofilariasis;
- sarcoptic mange;
- toxocariasis;
- hookworm.
- eye nematode;
- lice, fleas.
Please open the package before use. To do this, place it in a vertical position and remove the foil covering the pipette without pressing.
The medicine is used externally. It is applied to the skin in the interscapular area and near the base of the neck a month before the start of insect activity. During application, it is necessary to ensure that the drug does not get on the animal’s fur.
According to the instructions for use, Stronghold drops are used once at the rate of 6.0 mg of active substance per kilogram of animal weight. To treat cats, use the following number of drops:
- less than 2.5 kg - one pipette with purple;
- from 2.5 to 7.5 kg - pipette with a blue cap;
- more than 7.5 kg - you should choose a suitable combination of pipettes with caps of different colors.
If the animal is affected by several types of parasites, you should contact a veterinarian who will help you adjust the dose of the drug.
To prevent dirofilariasis, drops are used once a month. This is especially important in regions where there are outbreaks of the disease. During the cold season, the medicine is not used.
To treat otodectosis, the medicine is used once. Before instillation, it is necessary to prepare the auricle by cleaning it of dirt and crusts. The drug can be used in combination with other antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents.
For subcutaneous mites, the drug is used twice with an interval of one month. For preventive purposes, drops can be used monthly.
For the prevention and treatment of helminthic infestations, the drug is used once a month. For a month, the drug remains active and destroys not only adults, but also their eggs and larvae.
After application, it is completely absorbed into the skin within two hours. After this, the animal can be bathed, touched, and stroked.
Doses and method of use of stronghold for cats and dogs
Stronghold is used only externally. The drug is applied to the withers of the animal, while the skin should be dry. This is done as follows: spread the fur between the shoulder blades at the base of the neck and carefully pour out the contents of the pipette completely, avoiding getting the contents on your hands. It is not recommended to massage the area where the drug is applied. The drug is prescribed 1 time, the dose is selected taking into account the weight and type of animal.
To kill fleas and prevent their reappearance: stronghold for cats and dogs is used once every 30 days during the period of flea activity. The drug destroys adult fleas 24 - 26 hours after application. In addition, the drug destroys flea eggs, thereby interrupting the development cycle of parasites and eliminating the possibility of fleas reappearing.
Treatment of otodectosis (ear mites, ear scabies): stronghold is used once. It is recommended to clean the ear canal from scabs and exudate, and in cases of complications with otitis media, prescribe appropriate treatment with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs. If necessary, the course of treatment is repeated after 30 days.
Treatment of sarcoptic mange in dogs: Stronghold is used twice with a period of 30 days. In order to prevent possible invasion, it is recommended to use the drug once every 30 days.
Treatment of tocoscariasis and hookworm: used for therapeutic purposes once, and for preventive purposes - once a month.
Prevention of dirofilariasis: used once every 30 days during the flying season of mosquito vectors. The drug kills microfilariae and prevents their transformation into adult nematodes, completely preventing infection of dogs and cats. Since Stronghold has no effect on adult heartworms, its use in infested animals is safe. 30 days before bringing an animal into an area with widespread heartworm disease, it is recommended to administer a stronghold to protect the animal. The last treatment with stronghold must be carried out within a month after the end of the mosquito vector flying season.
Advantages and disadvantages
Due to its effectiveness and high quality, this medicine is appreciated by many owners of domestic cats. The main advantages of the drug Stronghold:
- can be used to get rid of external and internal parasites;
- does not contain oil, which allows it to dry quickly if it gets on the wool;
- the ability to use to get rid of not only adult fleas, lice and lice, but also their larvae and eggs;
- safe for kittens from six weeks of age;
- non-toxic, which avoids overdose;
- has a preventive effect and prevents re-infection within a month.
Disadvantages include the risk of developing an allergic reaction and high cost.
Contraindications and side effects
Like any medication, Stronghold drops for cats have contraindications. The medicine should not be used in the following cases:
- hypersensitivity to individual components of the drug;
- recent infectious diseases;
- open wounds and moist skin;
- kittens are up to 6 weeks old.
With the correct dosage, there are no side effects; in rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur, which is accompanied by the loss of a small amount of hair at the site of application. It usually goes away on its own and does not require additional treatment.
When not to use Stronghold
The use of Strongholdot flea drops is not recommended for animals that are hypersensitive to the active ingredient. Also, the product is contraindicated for weak pets, kittens and puppies under 1.5 months of age who are weak or infected with infectious diseases. In this case, you can choose other drops:
- Barrier;
- Dana Ultra Neo;
- Blokhnet;
- Inspector;
- Leopard;
- Celandine.
Stronghold drops for fleas
Correctly selected dosage and compliance with the rules of use usually do not cause side effects.
Safety regulations
When handling a cat, you should strictly follow the rules of personal hygiene and safety standards. Basically, these are standard measures:
- use rubber gloves when applying;
- do not eat or smoke during the procedure;
- Do not use empty drug packaging for household purposes, put it in a plastic bag and dispose of it;
- If the medicine gets into your eyes or mucous membranes, rinse them with running water and detergent;
- store drops separately from food and out of the reach of children;
- After instillation, wash your hands thoroughly.
Analogues of the drug
Many cat owners try to choose another product due to the high price. You should know that Stronghold has no direct analogues.
Serenia, Adventage, Bars Spot-On, and Inspector Total K have similar therapeutic properties. The choice of a similar drug should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. This will help avoid negative consequences and not harm your pet’s health.
Reviews from owners and veterinarians
Reviews from veterinarians and cat owners about Stronghold drops are positive. Experts note the versatility and effectiveness of the product, and owners note the ease of use.
Previously, I recommended a set of products to get rid of fleas and intestinal parasites. When I got acquainted with Stronghold drops, I appreciated their advantages: long-term therapeutic effect, safety, wide list of indications for use. I recommend it to all cat owners.
Alexey, veterinarian
The drug deserves the highest praise. It not only gets rid of parasites, but is also easy to use, does not cause any inconvenience to the animal, is quickly absorbed and easy to dose.
Svetlana, veterinarian
Previously, various shampoos and sprays were used against fleas, which brought temporary relief.
It was a little easier with deworming tablets, as they got rid of parasites for a while. The doctor recommended the modern drug Stronghold, which made caring for the animals much easier. With the help of drops I was able to quickly get rid of fleas. The downside is that I think the price is too high. Evgenia
How do deworming drops work for cats?
Recently, drops on the withers against worms for cats have become an increasingly popular means of prevention. Owners are attracted by the main advantage - treatment for all parasites at one time. The alternative is oral medications, and some pets find these very difficult to give.
Let's take a closer look at the nuances of using deworming drops. After all, in addition to the advantages, there are also disadvantages that are not obvious to experienced owners. The drug in the form of drops acts after absorption into the bloodstream, and this creates risks if the cat has ailments:
- Kidneys, including urolithiasis.
- Liver.
Most drops from the mid-price segment are oil-based, which means they take a long time to be absorbed into the skin. After treatment, the cat should not be stroked at the withers. Until the drug is completely absorbed into the skin, the cat can lick it off, and in this case the toxicity of the drops increases significantly.
When using deworming drops, in case of overdose or side effects, it is quite difficult to reduce the toxicity of the drug. If you use tablets, you can give your cat a laxative.
Common side effects of anthelmintic medications include:
- Vomit.
- Diarrhea.
- Ignoring food.
- Apathy.
- Excessive salivation and irritation of the mucous membranes.
- Change in color of mucous membranes.
Important! If your cat's baseline body temperature begins to drop as symptoms of an overdose appear, she should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Now about the positives. The active substances accumulate in the blood lymph, that is, theoretically they should not affect the functioning of organs. With the bloodstream, the active substances enter the upper layers of the skin and accumulate there, which protects the cat from skin parasites for some time.
Some types of universal drops can be used to treat small kittens and pregnant cats. However, these drugs have significant features: high price and water base.
