Stronghold for cats: instructions for use, reviews

Stronghold for kittens is considered one of the best and most effective remedies for fleas, ear mites and worms. At what age can drops be used and what is the dosage for kittens? All necessary information is contained in the instructions for use. If you have any questions about how to apply the drug, what side effects are possible and whether there are analogues - the answers to your questions are in the article. Stronghold drops are considered the best, not without reason, but first things first.

Description and basic properties

Stronghold is a state-of-the-art veterinary drug with acaricidal, insecticidal and anthelmintic properties.

Within 36 hours, the medicine destroys not only adult fleas and itch mites, but also their eggs and larvae. Thanks to its anthelmintic action, it eliminates roundworms, nematodes, toxocars and hookworms. This is one of the few medicines that can help to cope with dirofilaria, a parasite that affects the lungs and heart muscle.

Stronghold is for external use only. When ingested, it is rapidly destroyed by the action of gastric juice and has no therapeutic effect.

When applied, drops are quickly absorbed and retained in tissues and skin in high concentration for a long time, which allows them to be used not only for treatment, but also for prophylaxis. When insects and helminths come into contact with the active substance, they die.

The external agent is highly moisture resistant, dries quickly after application, does not have a pungent odor and does not irritate.

Terms of use

Stronghold drops are very easy to use. They are considered relatively safe, but one must not forget that this is an insecticide, that is, a poison. Therefore, before use, it is imperative to read the instructions and clearly follow its recommendations.

The drops are applied to the skin of the animal. In no case should they be used for internal use. To begin with, a protective film is pierced in the ampoule. Then you need to determine how much of the product needs to be applied to the skin of the animal. The dosage depends on the weight of the pet. It is necessary to apply the product only to the area of ​​the skin where there is no damage. Cats and dogs are advised to drip Stronghold onto the withers.

The instructions clearly describe for what weight a particular amount of insecticide is required. But most often, 1 ml of the drug is taken for every 10 kg. For cats and dogs, there are special forms of the product. They differ in the concentration of active ingredients.

To eliminate parasites on the skin or in the skin, it is necessary to use Stronghold drops on the skin. To do this, the pet's fur is gently parted and the right amount of the product is applied. Then you can rub in the liquid a little so that it is absorbed faster.

Stronghold can also get rid of ear mites. To do this, use the same drops, but they must be used to treat the ear inside. The ear canals should be thoroughly cleaned beforehand. You do not need to drip Stronghold inside, as it is dangerous, but it is worth applying a small amount of the product on the auricle.

Composition and form of release

The medicinal product contains the active ingredient selamectin, a modern semi-synthetic substance. It also contains isopropyl alcohol and dipropylene glycol.

The medicine is a clear or yellowish liquid containing the active ingredient in various concentrations. For the treatment of cats, a drug containing 6% selamectin is used. Drops are packaged in pipette bottles with caps of different colors, making it easy to choose the right dosage:

• purple - 0.25 ml;
• brown - 0.5 ml;
• blue - 0.75 ml;
• red - 1 ml;
• green - 2 ml.

Stronghold Price

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Mechanism of action

The active substance is active in relation to adults, as well as their immature forms. After application, selamectin is rapidly absorbed into the skin at the site of application, enters the general bloodstream and is carried to all tissues.

The active ingredient penetrates into the muscle and nervous tissue of parasites, where it increases the permeability of cells to chlorine ions. As a result, there is a decrease in the activity of muscle fibers and nerve cells, leading to their paralysis and death.

The drug does not affect the nervous system of the cat, since the nerve fibers of the animal are separated from the bloodstream by the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from the effects of toxins.

Indications for the use of Stronghold drops

The main active ingredient - selamectin, has a wide spectrum of action, affecting:

• Helminths, including: nematodes, round worms at any stage of development.
• Fleas, lice, lice.
• Ixodid (grazing) ticks.
• Subcutaneous mites.

Note! Stronghold is safely prescribed for the treatment of dirofilariasis.

Aggressive treatment, in the presence of adult parasites in the heart, can lead to thrombosis or other disastrous consequences. Selamectin does not kill adults, but it effectively reduces the number of masks and eggs in the blood of an infected animal, which reduces the risk of aggravating the disease.

The mode of action of selamectin on blood-sucking parasites is very primitive. Contacting with the parasite, the substance increases the permeability of the membranes of its body to chlorine ions. A sharp increase in the concentration of chlorine ions leads to disruption of the functioning of nerve fibers. As a result, the parasite loses its mobility and dies.

Unlike parasites, mammalian nerve fibers, which are affected by selamectin, are found only in the central nervous system. The destructive effect is possible only with a serious overdose.

Application rules

Stronghold is effective in killing all forms of adult parasites and their larvae. It is used to treat the following diseases in cats:

• entomosis;
• otodectosis;
• dirofilariasis;
• sarcoptic mange;
• toxocariasis;
• hookworm.
• ocular nematode;
• lice, fleas.

Open the packaging before use. To do this, it should be placed in an upright position and, without pressing, remove the foil covering the pipette.

The drug is used externally. It is applied to the skin in the interscapular region and near the base of the neck one month before the beginning of the period of insect activity. During application, it is necessary to control so that the drug does not get on the animal's hair.

According to the instructions for use, Stronghold drops are used once at the rate of 6.0 mg of active ingredient per kilogram of animal weight. For the treatment of cats, use the following number of drops:

• less than 2.5 kg - one pipette with purple;
• from 2.5 to 7.5 kg - pipette with a blue cap;
• more than 7.5 kg - a suitable combination of pipettes with caps of different colors should be found.

If the animal is affected by several types of parasites, you should contact your veterinarian who can help you adjust the dose of the drug.

In order to prevent dirofilariasis, drops are applied once a month. This is especially important in regions with outbreaks of the disease. In the cold season, the medicine is not used.

For the treatment of otodectosis, the medication is used once. Before instillation, it is necessary to prepare the auricle by cleaning it from dirt and crusts. The drug can be used in combination with other antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs.

With a subcutaneous tick, the drug is used twice with an interval of one month. For preventive purposes, drops can be applied monthly.

For the prevention and treatment of helminthic invasions, the drug is used once a month. Within a month, the drug retains its activity and destroys not only adults, but also their eggs and larvae.

After application, it is completely absorbed into the skin within two hours. After that, the animal can be bathed, touched, stroked.

Instructions for the use of Stronghold drops

Instructions for use are the main guideline when using any drugs. Many are accustomed to not reading the instructions until something goes wrong with the animal. We strongly recommend that you take a few minutes and study at least the main points:

• Expiration date: indicated on the package and each pipette. If the date of manufacture is printed on the pipette, the shelf life and storage conditions are indicated in the instructions.

• Visual Compliance - Carefully inspect the pipette and its contents before use. Stronghold is an expensive drug that is often counterfeited. In addition, under improper storage conditions, droplets can change color, precipitate, or be transformed in another way.

• Appointments and dosages - this paragraph indicates whether the drug can be used for a kitten and the spectrum of action.

• Indications and contraindications - most often, this item is standard in all antiparasitic drugs.

Advice: if you have any doubts after reading the instructions, you are not sure that the drops can be used for any reason, it is enough to consult a veterinarian by phone. Remember, there are no absolutely safe antiparasitic agents, so prudence is the key to your pet's health.

At what age can you apply

At what age can Stronghold be used? Many owners trust the opinion of their "colleagues" so much that they neglect the safety of the pet. It is believed that Stronghold can handle pregnant cats and kittens from birth, but this is not the case!

The drug's instructions clearly state that it is contraindicated in kittens under 6 weeks of age.

If the need for treatment is critical, it is carried out only under the supervision of a veterinarian. In addition, when handling kittens under 6 weeks of age, an individual dosage is selected. After treatment, the kitten is bathed, which reduces the prolonged therapeutic effect, but makes it possible to alleviate the condition of the animal.

Advantages and disadvantages

Due to its effectiveness and high quality, this drug has been appreciated by many owners of domestic cats. The main advantages of Stronghold:

• can be used to get rid of external and internal parasites;
• does not contain oil, which allows it to dry quickly on contact with wool;
• the ability to use to get rid of not only adult fleas, lice and lice, but also their larvae and eggs;
• safe for kittens from six weeks of age;
• non-toxic, which avoids overdose;
• has a preventive effect and prevents re-infection within a month.

Among the disadvantages are the risk of developing an allergic reaction and the high cost.

Negative reviews

Unfortunately, the drops are not suitable for all cat owners, despite the promised safety and high efficiency.

Yulia: “The drug was advised to me in the veterinary clinic, as fleas were found in the cat. The dose was strictly observed, but the side reactions were terrible: yellow foam stood out from the mouth, signs of severe intoxication appeared. A day later, the cat died. Veterinarians convincingly stated that the drops are completely safe and the death of the cat was due to an individual reaction. I decided not to use this drug anymore. "

Evgeny: “My pet developed incomprehensible irritations, I thought it was a common allergic reaction. He took the cat to the veterinarian, who revealed the presence of a tick. Having found a lot of good opinions about Stronghold on the Internet, I decided to buy these drops. However, they did not bring the desired result, although cheap analogs eliminated this problem. In addition, I didn’t like that the drug had no instructions, I had to look for this information.

Anastasia: “I picked up a street kitten, it turned out that he had a lot of parasites. The specialist recommended Stronghold drops. My opinion about the drug is ambiguous: the price is much higher than similar drugs, but the desired effect is not observed. It was not possible to remove the tick, although the ears began to hurt less. We managed to get rid of fleas, but for a short time. I did not dare to repeat the procedure, since the kitten is still small. "

Contraindications and side effects

Like any medication, Stronghold cat drops have contraindications. The medicine should not be used in the following cases:

• hypersensitivity to individual components of the drug;
• recently transferred infectious diseases;
• open wounds and moist skin;
• kittens age up to 6 weeks.

With the correct dosage, side effects do not appear, in rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur, which is accompanied by the loss of a small amount of hair at the site of application. It usually goes away on its own and does not require additional treatment.

Cases of prescribing a veterinary drug

Stronghold can be used both as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent.

Cases of prescribing the drug:

• ear scabies;
• flea dermatitis;
• helminthiases caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara;
• sarcoptic mange (a disease caused by mites of the genus Sarcoptes);
• ankylostomiasis (helminthiasis caused by roundworms of the genus Ancylostoma).

In areas where filamentous helminths of the genus Dirofilaria immiti (heartworms) are spread, animal prophylaxis with Stronghold can be carried out.

Safety regulations

When handling a cat, you should strictly follow the rules of personal hygiene and safety standards. Basically, these are standard measures:

• use rubber gloves when applying;
• do not eat or smoke during the procedure;
• do not use empty packages from under the drug for domestic purposes, put in a plastic bag and dispose of;
• if the medicine gets into the eyes and mucous membranes, rinse them with running water with a detergent;
• store drops separately from products out of the reach of children;
• wash hands thoroughly after instillation.

Caution!

Contraindications and side effects

Contraindications for taking Stronghold:

• Allergy to the components of the drug;
• The pet is weakened, dehydrated;
• The dog has an infectious pathology;
• Recovery period after a serious illness.

Caution: Stronghold should not be used on puppies under one and a half months old.

In case of an overdose in an animal, the following symptoms are noted:

• Loss of hair at the treatment site;
• Apathy, lethargy;
• Impaired coordination and orientation in space.

If immediately after the application of Stronghold there is a deterioration in the general condition of the dog, an allergic reaction occurs. This condition has the following symptoms: dilated pupils, redness of the treatment site, the occurrence of seizures, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, foam at the mouth is possible.

These signs cause anxiety in the pet, the dog whines and rushes. To alleviate the condition - urgently rinse the treatment area thoroughly with water. If your dog has swallowed Stronghold, perform a gastric lavage and go to the veterinary clinic.

special instructions

When using the drug, consider the features:

1. Do not use on puppies under one and a half months of age;
2. Do not apply the medicine to damaged skin;
3. The coat, at the treatment site, must be dry and clean;
4. Within 30 minutes after treatment (while the drug is absorbed), do not bathe and pet the dog, do not allow it to scratch.
5. Do not allow the pet to come into contact with children within 2 hours after processing;
6. Monitor the condition of the animal immediately after applying the medication to make sure that there is no allergy, or provide assistance in time if there is one.

Stronghold should not be stored at high temperatures and near food. Used pipettes cannot be reused, please dispose of them.

Drug analogs

Many cat owners try to find another remedy due to the high price. You should know that Stronghold has no direct analogues.

Serenia, Adventage, Bars Spot-On, Inspector Total K. have similar therapeutic properties. The choice of a similar drug should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. This will help to avoid negative consequences and not harm the pet's health.

Stronghold for kittens: general characteristics of the drug

This is one of the most common and well-known antiparasitic drugs, which is actively used by veterinarians around the world. The most commonly used drip (liquid) form of the drug. In appearance, it is a yellowish liquid, oily consistency. It is poured into polyethylene pipettes, which are packed in packages made of thick cardboard. In addition to the drug itself, the package must contain instructions.

Different forms of drug release differ in the content of the active substance, which can vary from 6% to 12%. To avoid confusion among the owners, the pipettes are painted in different colors. The preparation intended for the treatment of kittens is always filled in pipettes with a lilac color of the cap... They contain exactly 0.25 ml of the medicinal composition. Each dispenser contains 15 mg of selamectin.

The composition of the drug and the benefits of the active substance

The high efficiency of the remedy is due to the fact that it contains selamectin. The latter is valued not only for its pronounced and quick effect against parasites. Its main advantage is the almost complete absence of side effects and safety for all warm-blooded animals, even in case of overdose (moderate).

In many ways, this effect is due to the peculiarities of the biochemistry of the organism of parasites. In particular, the cell wall of each cell in their body contains several large chlorine channels. In warm-blooded creatures, these are found only in the cells of the brain and spinal cord, and they are reliably protected by the blood-brain barrier.

The compounds that make up the drug have a high molecular weight and cannot pass through it. Parasites do not have such a defense mechanism. However, this does not mean that kittens can be “watered” with Stronghold: side effects will surely arise with this approach to treatment.

Drug analogs

Given that selamectin is widely used in veterinary pharmaceuticals, the analogs of the drug are quite diverse:

• Revolution. This medicine, by the way, is 100% analogous. Not only the active ingredient is the same, but also the auxiliary compounds. True, in our country this drug is not used very often.
• "Lawyer".
• "Advantix".

Safe dosage for kittens

The manufacturer indicates that the normal dosage for kittens is 0.25 ml per animal. The same applies to all cats whose weight does not exceed one and a half kilograms.

What parasites can the drug be used against?

The remedy is effective against:

• Bloch.
• Ticks.
• Vlasoyedov.
• Lice.
• Larval stages of round parasitic worms. It has proven itself well in the fight against the larvae of dirofilariae (heartworm).

How Stronghold drops work

The principle of operation of "Stronghold" is quite typical for drugs of this class. Drops "Stronghold" quickly and reliably block the transmission of neuromuscular impulses, as a result of which the parasite's nervous system is unable to control the body.

Worms, being paralyzed, are excreted from the body, and fleas and other ectoparasites die from suffocation, since the action of the drug extends, among other things, to the muscles responsible for the respiratory system.

At what age can the drug be used

Many breeders are very interested in the age at which pets can be treated with this medicine. And this is quite understandable, since the parasites most easily "settle down" is the kittens, since their immune system is not yet able to adequately resist threats from the external environment. Fortunately, the drug does an excellent job of protecting the younger generation.

You can use it starting from the age of six weeks of the pet. However, many veterinarians and breeders believe that, in extreme cases, it is permissible to use the medicine if the kitten is at least a month old. If the pet is younger, you should not do this. Side effects are possible. It is not known how the components of the drug can affect the health of the kitten's nervous system.

Possible side effects

We emphasize again that under normal conditions, side effects are extremely rare. It is only about individual intolerance to the components of the drug, which happens in exceptional cases.

But with a serious overdose, the following phenomena may occur:

• Copious discharge of white and flocculent foam from the kitten's mouth.
• Strange behavior and seizures.

If these signs are found, it is necessary to urgently call a veterinarian.

The animal should be given as much water as possible. An injured kitten is given one tablet of activated charcoal for every half a kilogram of live weight.

Reviews of owners and veterinarians

Reviews of veterinarians and cat owners about Stronghold drops are positive. Experts note the versatility and effectiveness of the product, and the owners - the ease of use.

Previously, I recommended a set of remedies for getting rid of fleas and intestinal parasites. When I got acquainted with Stronghold drops, I appreciated their advantages: long-term therapeutic effect, safety, a wide list of indications for use. I recommend it to all cat owners.

Alexey, veterinarian

The drug deserves the highest mark. It not only eliminates parasites, but is also easy to use, does not cause any inconvenience to the animal, is quickly absorbed and easily dispensed.

Svetlana, veterinarian

Previously, different shampoos and sprays were used for fleas, which brought temporary relief. With pills for worms, it was a little easier, since they got rid of parasites for a while. The doctor recommended the modern drug Stronghold, which greatly facilitated the care of animals. With the help of drops, it was possible to quickly get rid of fleas. The disadvantage is too high a price.
Evgeniya

Cons and pros of the drug

Cat owners who have purchased and used flea drops for Sronghold cats point to its merits. The list of positive qualities of the drug are:

• high efficiency - a single application of the solution is enough to noticeably reduce the number of parasites, a stable result is achieved when the product is reapplied after a month;
• fast action, high-quality destruction of parasites, their larvae;
• no effect on the performance of the internal organs of pets, the withdrawal of the active substance selamectin from the pet's body is carried out within three days;
• the drug Sronghold for fleas does not affect the performance of the nervous system of a person, cat or dog;
• the formulation of drops does not include allergen components;
• there is no smell that can be perceived by the animal as irritating;
• easy to use drops.

It is important for cat owners that fleas do not reappear during the entire period of Stronghold.

Sometimes there is a lack of a veterinary remedy for parasites - its cost. The price of drops in a veterinary pharmacy is slightly higher than that of a number of drugs with a similar effect.

Stronghold for cats from what is prescribed?

This drug is used in the treatment or as a prophylaxis for the following diseases.

1. Entomosis is known to all of us fleas, quite common parasites. Lice can be seen with the naked eye, the pet is constantly gnawing and itching.
2. Dirofilariasis such a virus is capable of carrying mosquitoes. After their bite, the cat forms larvae in the lungs. Signs of this disease are lack of sleep and weight loss.
3. Otodectosis is a disease associated with tick bites, an insect sneaks into the membranes of the ears and drinks blood. The course of such a disease is characterized by high fever and discharge from the ear cavity.
4. Sarcoptic mange is a mite that affects the body from the inside. The symptoms are the same as with normal mites, the only difference is that the skin becomes dry.
5. Ankylostomiasis is the most common worms.
6. Toxocariasis this disease is also associated with worms, but the situation is slightly worse than in the previous case. These worms affect not only the intestines, but also the liver.

Stronghold will allow you not only to cure your pet from such terrible diseases, but also to warn your pets against their occurrence. In order to avoid such situations, it is recommended to regularly carry out prophylaxis against parasites in order to ensure the healthy state of the four pawed friend.