Advantage II vs Seresto

Choosing a flea and/or tick treatment is an essential part of keeping your dog protected against bothersome and potentially harmful pests. Two of the most popular options are Advantage II and Seresto. Each top-quality product offers its own unique advantages, which we’ve discussed in detail below to help you make a great choice for your dog.

How do Advantage II and Seresto differ?

There are many similarities between these two high-quality products. They are both safe for use in puppies over the age of 7 weeks. They are both made by the trusted Bayer Animal Health brand, and they are both available over-the-counter. They both kill adult fleas, larvae, and eggs.

These products are quite different from one another in a number of ways, too. Seresto is safe for use in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs, while you should consult a veterinarian regarding safe use of Advantage II in such dogs. Advantage II is a topical treatment administered monthly, and Seresto is a collar that remains effective for up to 8 months.

Seresto uses Imidacloprid and Flumethrin to kill fleas in all life stages within 24 hours. It features added protection against ticks, killing re-infesting ticks within 6 hours. It also repels fleas and ticks and treats sarcoptic mange and chewing lice. Advantage II uses Pyriproxyfen and Imidacloprid to start killing fleas within 12 hours. It also treats lice and prevents heartworms.

Seresto offers a separate collar just for cats, and Advantage II comes in a formula made specifically for use in cats as well.

How can I choose between Advantage II and Seresto?

Your decision between these two products might be as simple as your own preferences - would you appreciate the convenience of a collar that lasts up to 8 months, or would a once-monthly topical treatment be the best choice for you and your dog? If you have a breeding, pregnant, or lactating dog, you’ll want to use Seresto to allow for safe protection. If your dog isn’t already taking a heartworm preventative, Advantage II offers that benefit. If ticks, sarcoptic mange, and chewing lice are a concern for you and your dog, Seresto may be the best choice.

Discuss these two effective treatments with your veterinarian. They’ll be happy to help you weigh the options and make the best choice for your individual dog. If you find yourself with any lingering concerns or questions, call the pharmacists at Allivet for a pet parent consultation!

Feature Advantage II Seresto
Kills Fleas Yes Yes
Repels Fleas No Yes
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae Yes Yes
Kills Ticks No Yes
Repels Ticks No Yes
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm Yes No
Other Parasites Treats lice Chewing Lice and Sarcoptic Mange
Waterproof Yes Yes
How Long to work Begins to kill fleas within 12 hours Kills fleas in 24 hours and repels or kills re-infesting ticks within 6 hours
Taste N/A N/A
Active Ingredient Imidacloprid and Pyriproxyfen Flumethrin and Imidacloprid
RX Required No No
Application Type Topical Collar
Dosing 1 application per month 1 collar lasts up to 8 months
Age Dogs 7 weeks and older Dogs 7 weeks and older
Manufacturer Bayer Animal Health Bayer Animal Health
Safety Speak to your vet about risks associated with breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use.