Advantage II vs Credelio

As a pet parent, your dog’s health is incredibly important. Choosing the right flea and/or tick treatment for your pup plays a critical role in keeping them happy, healthy, and protected against pests and diseases. Advantage II and Credelio. are a couple of the most-loved treatments available at Allivet. Each effective and dependable product has a unique set of advantages, and they are very different from one another. Read on to learn how they compare!

What are the differences between Advantage II and Credelio?

First, let’s highlight the similarities between these two top-quality products. Both medications are administered monthly, and neither should be used in a pregnant, breeding, or lactating dog unless your veterinarian recommends otherwise. They are both safe for use in puppies. Credelio can be administered to dogs 8 weeks and up weighing a minimum of 4.4 pounds, while Advantage II is safe from an age of 7 weeks. They are both effective in killing fleas within 12 hours.

There are plenty of differences between these treatments, as well. Credelio is an oral flea and tick treatment, while Advantage II is a topical option. Credelio is available only with a prescription, and Advantage II is an over-the-counter product.

Credelio uses Lotilaner to offer added protection against ticks, killing 98.7% of the harmful pests within 8 hours. Advantage II combines Pyriproxyfen with Imidacloprid for protection against lice, heartworms, and flea larvae and eggs.

How do I choose between Advantage II and Credelio?

As you can see, you can’t go wrong with either of these incredible products. They’ll both protect your dog in different ways. To make your decision, decide which pests your dog could benefit most from protection against - lice, flea larvae and eggs, and heartworms (offered by Advantage II), or ticks. You might also base your decision upon prescription vs. over-the counter, opting for Credelio as the prescription option and Advantage II if you prefer over-the counter. The final consideration might depend on whether you’d prefer an oral product like Credelio, or a topical treatment like Advantage II.

Talk to your veterinarian about the choice you’ve made for your dog. Your vet can confirm that the product you’re leaning toward would be best for your dog. If you have any concerns or questions about these or any other pet medications, contact the Allivet pharmacists for a pet parent consultation!

Feature Advantage II Credelio
Kills Fleas Yes Yes
Repels Fleas No No
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae Yes No
Kills Ticks No Yes
Repels Ticks No No
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm Yes No
Other Parasites Treats lice No
Waterproof Yes Yes since taken orally
How Long to work Begins to kill fleas within 12 hours Kills 100% of fleas in 12 hours and 98.7% of ticks in 8 hours.
Taste N/A Beef Flavored
Active Ingredient Imidacloprid and Pyriproxyfen Lotilaner
RX Required No Yes
Application Type Topical Chewable Tablet
Dosing 1 application per month 1 tablet per month
Age Dogs 7 weeks and older Dogs 8 weeks and older that weigh at least 4.4 pounds
Manufacturer Bayer Animal Health Elanco
Safety Speak to your vet about risks associated with breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs Has not been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs.