Comfortis vs K9 Advantix

Keeping your pet healthy is one of the primary roles of pet parenthood. Choosing a flea and/or tick treatment to protect your dog or cat might prove tough because of the broad range of options on the market. Two of the most popular treatment options are Comfortis Chewable Tablets and K9 Advantix II.These formulas each offer safe and reliable protection, but there are unique advantages to each that might help you make a decision on the best fit for your pet. The table and information that follows should help you make an informed decision!

What makes Comfortis and K9 Advantix II different from one another?

One key difference is that Comfortis is an oral flea treatment. and K9 Advantix II is a topical treatment Both are administered monthly. Comfortis requires a veterinarian prescription, while K9 Advantix II is an over-the-counter option.

Comfortis kills fleas with the active ingredient Spinosad. K9 Advantix II contains Pyriproxyfen, Imidacloprid, and Permethrin, which team up to kill fleas and ticks. It also repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies, and treats lice. K9 Advantix II kills fleas within 12 hours, while Comfortis begins killing fleas within 30 minutes.

Comfortis is safe for use in cats, but K9 Advantix is not. If your pet is pregnant, lactating, or breeding, you should consult your veterinarian for treatment options. Comfortis is safe for use in cats and dogs ages 14 weeks and up, while K9 Advantix II can be used on puppies over 4 pounds and 7 weeks old.

How do I choose between Comfortis and K9 Advantix II?

There are a few key considerations that might help you make your decision. These include:

  • How old is your pet? If you have a puppy between the ages of 7 weeks and 14 weeks weighing over 4 pounds, K9 Advantix II is the safest option. If you have a cat or a dog over the age of 14 weeks, you might want to opt for Comfortis.
  • Does your dog just need the effective flea control provided by Comfortis, or would they benefit from the added tick, lice, mosquito, and biting fly protection offered by K9 Advantix II?
  • Do you prefer oral administration? If so, you’re probably leaning toward Comfortis. If you gravitate toward topical products, K9 Advantix II might be the right choice for you and your dog.
  • Do you prefer an over-the-counter treatment, or would a prescription medication be just as convenient for you?

Once you’ve answered these questions, you might be closer to making an informed decision for your pet. If you have any other questions or concerns about parasite control options, reach out to your veterinarian and/or the knowledgeable pharmacists at Allivet!

Feature Comfortis K9 Advantix II
Kills Fleas Yes Yes
Repels Fleas No Yes
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae No Yes
Kills Ticks No Yes
Repels Ticks No Yes
Repels Mosquitoes No Yes
Prevents Heartworm No No
Other Parasites No Lice & Biting Flies
Waterproof Yes since taken orally Yes
How Long to work Begins to kills fleas in 30 minutes 12 hours to kill fleas
Taste Beef flavored N/A
Active Ingredient Spinosad Permethrin, Imidacloprid, and Pyriproxyfen
RX Required Yes No
Application Type Chewable Tablet Topical
Dosing 1 tablet per month Monthly application
Age Dogs and cats 14 weeks and older Puppies 7 weeks and older and weighing more than 4 lbs.
Manufacturer Elanco Animal Health Bayer Animal Health
Safety Not evaluated for safe use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs. Don't apply to cats