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How does Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies kill fleas on my dog?

Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies kills fleas thanks to the dual-action formula of dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen. Those ingredients work together to kill fleas through contact, and also prevent immature fleas from developing into adult fleas.

Does Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies work if the parasites don’t bite my dog?

Yes, Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies kills through contact, which means a bite is not required.

What happens to the active ingredients once Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies has been applied on my dog?

Following topical application of Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies, the active ingredients spread from the application site to cover the entire body surface within the first few hours and remain for a month.

Does Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies break the flea lifecycle or does it only kill adult fleas?

The pyriproxyfen in Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies is an IGR, or insect growth regulator, which means that flea eggs and flea larvae are not able to develop into adult fleas. In addition to killing fleas through contact, Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies also breaks the flea lifecycle.

How quickly does Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies begin to work?

Vectra® for Dogs and Puppies works fast, killing fleas on dogs in 6 hours.

Why should I worry about immature fleas and fleas on my dog?

Flea infestations can be a real pain – and the adult fleas you are seeing on your dog are only 5% of the total infestation. The remainder of the infestation is flea eggs, larvae and pupae in your home environment. If you have a flea infestation, it can take up to 3 or 4 months of use to completely get rid of all of the immature life stages. A single dose of Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies effectively stops flea infestations and prevents re-infestations on your dog for one month.

Are there any health conditions or situations where I should not use Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies on my dog?

Do not use on puppies less than 8 weeks old or under 2.5 lbs. Do not use this product on debilitated, aged, medicated, pregnant or nursing dogs or dogs known to be sensitive to pesticide products without first consulting a veterinarian.

How long does Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies protect my dog from fleas?

A single dose of Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies will kill fleas on your dog for one month. It also stops the development of flea eggs and larvae into adult fleas for one month.

Why am I still seeing fleas on my dog after I’ve applied Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies?

If your dog is infested with fleas, the adult fleas you see on your dog are only 5% of the total infestation. The remainder of the infestation is flea eggs, larvae and pupae in your home environment. If you have a flea infestation, it can take up to 3 or 4 months of use to completely get rid of all of the immature life stages. A single dose of Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies effectively stops flea infestations and prevents re-infestations on your dog for one month.

What are the side effects of Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies?

You should monitor your dog after applying Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies. Individual sensitivity, such as slight transitory redness, erythema, scratching, pruritus or other signs of discomfort at the site of application, may occur after using ANY pesticide product for dogs. If signs of sensitivity occur, bathe your dog with mild soap or shampoo and rinse with large amounts of water. If signs of individual animal sensitivity occur and persist, contact your veterinarian. Gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea have also been reported. If these or other side effects occur, consult your veterinarian or call us at 1-800-999-0297. Have the product container or label with you when calling your veterinarian for advice.

Do I need to treat my dog for fleas even in colder months?

Yes. Although the likelihood of your pets being affected by fleas decreases in the winter months, they can still pose a threat to your pet! Fleas continue to develop indoors thanks to the warmer indoor temperatures. Therefore, it’s important to keep protecting your pet throughout the year.

I did not see the answer to my questions. Where can I find additional information?

If you have any additional questions about our Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies, please reach out to our Veterinary Technical Solutions Team at 1-800-999-0297.

How to use

Can Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies be used on pets other than dogs?

No. Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies is label for use on dogs that are at least 2.5 lbs and over 8 weeks of age. The active ingredients in Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies, which includes dinotefuran and pyriproxifen, have been formulated for use in cats in Vectra® for Cats & Kittens.

Is it okay to apply Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies more than once a month?

No. Only apply Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies once in a 30-day period. Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies protects dogs from fleas for one month.

What should I do if my dog experiences any side effects after I’ve applied Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies?

If signs of sensitivity occur, bathe your dog with mild soap or shampoo and rinse with large amounts of water. If signs of individual animal sensitivity occur and persist, contact your veterinarian. Gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea have also been reported. If these or other side effects occur, consult your veterinarian or call us at 1-800-999-0297. Have the product container or label with you when calling your veterinarian for advice.

Can I use Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies with other medicinal products?

There are no known interactions, but as always, you should consult with veterinarian if you have concerns before use.

Can I brush my dog after applying Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies?

Yes. Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies remains effective after repeated combing of dogs. However, it is recommended to not brush or comb your dog until the application site is dry.

Is it okay for me to bathe my dog after applying Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies?

Your dog should be dry when applying Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies and should remain dry 24 hours after application. We also recommend shampooing before applying the product, ensuring the dog is dry before applying the product.

What should I do if my dog licks itself after I’ve applied Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies?

Be sure to read entire label before use and follow the instructions on how to apply Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies. The product is applied beginning at the base of the tail along the center of the dog’s back and up to its neck. This makes it a little more difficult for the dog to ingest the product when grooming, as some of these areas are difficult to reach. You should monitor your dog after application. If you believe your dog has ingested the product before it has had time to dry or if the dog is showing signs of sensitivity to the product, contact your veterinarian.

When is the best time to apply Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies on my dog?

Apply Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies on your dog the same day each month. Use the stickers that come in package to add to your calendar as a reminder. It’s also good to pair a monthly heartworm preventive and/or de-wormer on the same day to ensure your dog’s complete protection against parasites.

What age and weight does my dog need to be before I can apply Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies?

Dogs and puppies should be at least 2.5 lbs and be over 8 weeks old before applying Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies.

What if Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies gets in contact with fabrics or house materials?

Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies can stain some susceptible fabrics and other materials. We recommend administering Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies outside or in a room away from susceptible surfaces. You should wait until the application site is dry before allowing your dog to come into contact with susceptible materials or surfaces. Make sure that your dog does not shake after administration. If Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies does come into contact with delicate materials then use an absorbent cloth to remove as much of the product as possible before cleaning the surface appropriately.

If Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies gets in my eyes, is swallowed or gets on my skin what should I do?

If in the eyes, hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, after the first 5 minutes then continue rinsing. Call a poison control center or doctor for treatment advice.

If swallowed, call a poison control center or doctor for treatment advice. Have the person sip a glass of water if able to swallow. Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so by a poison control center or doctor. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

If on skin or clothing, take off contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call a poison control center, doctor, or us at 1-800-999-0297 immediately for treatment advice.

Have the product container or label with you when calling a poison control center or doctor or going for treatment. You may contact us at 1-800-999-0297 for emergency medical information.

How long after using another topical product do I need to wait before applying Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies?

If you have used another topical flea/tick product within the last month, you should consult with your veterinarian before applying Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies.

How do I apply Vectra® for Dogs & Puppies?

  1. Ensure your dog is dry before applying the product, and ensure your dog remains dry for 24 hours after application. The dog should be standing or in a comfortable position for easy application.
  2. Remove the applicator tube from the package.
  3. Holding the applicator tube upright, pointing away from your face, place your thumb and index finger around the applicator tip under the large disk. With your other hand, grasp the stem of the applicator tip above the smaller disk. Press down firmly on the small disk until both disks meet, piercing the seal. Using the applicator tip, part the hair at the base of the tail and begin applying the product onto the skin in a continuous line from the base of the tail along the center of the back all the way up to the shoulder blades, squeezing the applicator tube until it is empty. Avoid superficial application to the dog’s hair.
  4. Discard the empty applicator tube as outlined in the Storage and Disposal section.
  5. Repeat every month.
  6. For optimal treatment, control and prevention of fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae, year-round monthly application is recommended.
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