There are many drugs that, when treating cats and dogs, have an antiparasitic effect; Stronghold is one of them. This drug is effective, it does not harm the health of animals. With this tool, internal parasites, which are helminths, and external parasites, representatives of which are ticks that affect ears, fleas, are removed from the pet's body. The drug allows you to destroy insects and parasites such as worms at different stages of their development. As the instructions for use show, "Stronghold" is suitable not only for ridding the animal of parasites, but also for processing objects to which the pet has access.
In what form is it released, what substances does the antiparasitic agent contain in its composition?
The drug is available in the form of a solution with such an active ingredient as selamectin. The concentration of the main substance in the composition of Stronghold is 6 or 12%. The medicine is safe for dogs and cats. The main component is supplemented with isopropyl alcohol and dipropylene glycol. The blister contains three pipettes of a certain volume. If the active ingredient is 6%, their volume is 0.25 ml or 0.75. At 12% of the active substance, in addition to 0.25 ml, the pipette may contain 0.5 ml, 1 or 2 ml of the product.
Pharmacological action, pharmacokinetics
"Stronghold" instructions for use recommend using as a systemic drug, the action of which is aimed at the destruction of parasites in the body of the animal. The drug effectively copes with the destruction of nematodes, sarcoptoid mites and many insects. In cats and dogs, the formation of round helminths is inhibited, which is associated with the stronghold ovocidal properties. The drug is not able to affect sexually mature nematodes, which belong to the species Dirofilaria immitis. Stronghold disrupts the development of microfilariae, decreasing their number in the bloodstream. The drug can also be used to treat those animals that have previously been invaded.
The action of the "Stronghold" application instructions displays as based on the connection of the active component with the receptors of the cells that make up the muscle and nervous tissue of the parasites. The result is providing chlorine anions with better permeability of parasite cell membranes, blocking their electrical activity. Parasites have paralysis, which causes their death. In mammals, such receptors are found only in the central nervous system, therefore, the components of the drug cannot break the blood-brain barrier.
In those areas where the medicine is applied, its rapid absorption occurs. The drug has long been present in the blood, its concentration corresponds to the therapeutic.
How long does an antiparasitic effect appear after using the Stronghold? Instructions for use show that the drug after application begins to act after 24 hours. Toxicity to cats and dogs is negligible; animals of almost any breed tolerate treatment well.
Since the therapeutic concentration of Stronghold has been present in the blood for a long time, the body is cleansed of parasites, and protection against reinfection is formed, which lasts for thirty days.
Indications
The effectiveness of the removal of parasites from the cat's body with the help of this tool and the implementation of the treatment with the tool "Stronghold" for dogs, the instructions for use confirm in cases of diseases such as:
- toxocariasis;
- the presence of fleas (prevention, treatment);
- hookworm;
- sarcoptosis;
- otodectosis, in which infection occurs with an ear tick;
- dirofilariasis (prevention);
- flea dermatitis of allergic etiology (complex treatment).
If the drug is used for preventive purposes, it is applied to potential infection sites.
Stronghold Application
Drops are used only externally and only on dry skin of the animal. The protective membrane on the pipette is punctured, then press the cap and remove it. To implement the procedure, the hair is spread in those areas where it is necessary to apply the product. Typically, the drug is applied in the neck area (at its base) and between the shoulder blades directly from the pipette. "Stronghold" for cats, instructions for use recommends applying very carefully. When applying the drug, dogs also need to ensure that their hands and other exposed areas are not smeared with the product. Do not touch those places that are covered with the drug. Massaging the areas where the drug is present is not necessary.
"Stronghold" is applied only once, regardless of whether an animal is infected with one or more types of parasites. The desired dose is selected taking into account the weight of the pet. Usually, 6 mg of the drug is taken for each kilogram.
When treating and implementing prophylactic measures with Stronghold, the instructions for use for puppies (weight less than 2.5 kg) recommends using a dose of the active ingredient of 15 mg. For the same purposes, for dogs of different weights, the following doses are recommended:
- 30 mg - animals weighing 2.6 kg, not more than 5.1;
- 60 mg - cats and dogs weighing 5.2 kg, not more than 10.1;
- 120 mg - pets weighing 10.2 kg do not exceed 20.1;
- 240 mg - weight from 20.2 kg to 40.
"Stronghold 6" for kittens, the instructions for use do not allow application to animals under the age of 1.5 months, for other pets weighing no more than 2.5 kg use 15 mg of the product if the cat's weight is about 2.6 kg, but does not exceed 7.5 kg - 45 mg.
If otodectosis is detected in the animal, the ears are pre-cleaned, exudate and scabs are removed from the auricles and the ear canal, in no case should the drug be instilled into the ear canals. In cases where complications such as otitis media, other diseases in which the ears are affected, additional therapy with appropriate medications with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects is performed. If required, the treatment is repeated, but not earlier than thirty days later.
The use of the drug for dogs and the treatment with the anti-parasitic agent "Stronghold" for cats, the instructions for use in all cases, except for the treatment of sarcoptosis, are recommended to be carried out once. With sarcoptosis, this action is performed twice with an interval of one month. For preventive purposes, treatment can be performed every month.
The medicine should be used before the season of parasitic activity - one and a half months before its start. Its regular application will stop the development of parasites and destroy their larvae and eggs, which the parasites left in the home.
Contraindications
Both “Stronghold 3” and “Stronghold 6”, the instructions for use prohibit the use of puppies and kittens for the treatment of puppies until they are 1.5 months old. The drug is not prescribed for increased sensitivity of the animal to the components of the drug. It is not recommended to carry out treatment if the animal has recently been ill with a disease and has not yet fully gained strength. The solution is not applied in the presence of infections.
Side effects
The likelihood of side effects is negligible if the "Stronghold" is used correctly. Instructions for use, reviews confirm that there are no side effects in cats and dogs if all the recommendations of the specialist are followed and the doses of the drug selected by him are applied.
special instructions
In the process of applying the medicine, you must adhere to sanitary and hygienic rules and follow the instructions for use. If the solution has got on mucous or exposed areas of the skin, they should be washed quickly quickly. Pipettes should be discarded immediately, because their use for other purposes is impossible.
During the procedure, you can’t smoke, you can’t keep food, water and drinks nearby, and you should not consume them during processing. After its completion, you need to clean your hands using soap. It is worthwhile for some time (at least three hours) to exclude the animal’s contact with children and make sure that the pet does not come close to an open fire, sources that have a high temperature, until the treated areas are dry.
The cost of the drug, analogues
The price of the Stronghold depends on the weight of the animal and the required amount of drops. You can buy a package of antiparasitic drugs for 300-1785 rubles. You can replace the medicine with the tool “Inspector Total K” or “Advantage”. The drug has no agrochemical analogues.
Reviews
Customers leave mostly positive reviews after treating the pets with Stronghold solution. Instructions for use for kittens, puppies and adult animals should be well studied before applying the product. In addition, you should contact your veterinarian so that he picks up a suitable dose of the solution for the pet. Judging by the reviews, the drug effectively relieves animals of fleas and ear mites, avoids infection during the implementation of preventive measures, and helps to cure otodectosis. As a result of the use of Stronghold, it is possible to remove worms and many other parasites. For prophylaxis, a solution is usually used once every two to three months, according to pet owners, this is enough.