Trifexis vs Advantage Multi for Dogs - What's the Difference? Oral and Topical Medications Going Head To Head By Lauren Leonardi on September 11 @ 12:00AM

In the quest to combat these parasites, the makers of Trifexis and Advantage Multi for Dogs have created treatments that address several common issues at once. Below, we compare these two medications to help you decide which may be best for your dog.

WHAT TYPES OF PESTS DO TRIFEXIS AND ADVANTAGE MULTI KILL?

• Trifexis is an oral medication that has been shown to effectively kill internal parasites such as roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and heartworm. The medication also kills adult fleas within 30 minutes of ingestion, which stops fleas from laying new eggs.
• Advantage Multi is a topical medication that kills heartworm and other intestinal worms such as hookworm, whipworm, and roundworm. The formula also eliminates mites and adult fleas.
• A great advantage of both of these medications is that they are broad spectrum anti-parasites, meaning that separate medications are not necessary to kill both internal and external pests.

HOW LONG DOES A DOSE LAST?

• Trifexis is a once a month oral medication. The tablet is beef flavored so your dog should readily accept it as a treat.
• Advantage Multi is applied to your dog’s skin once a month. The formula is waterproof so there is no need for reapplication after bathing your dog or taking your pet for a swim.

SHOULD MY PET BE ISOLATED AFTER APPLICATION OF THE PRODUCT?

• Trifexis is an oral medication, not topical, and there’s no need to keep your dog alone or indoors after administration.
• Because Advantage Multi is a topical medication, your dog should avoid contact with other animals or people for approximately 30 minutes while the formula is absorbed into their skin.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

• Trifexis may cause decreased activity, diarrhea, itching, inflammation or redness of the skin or ears, and decreased appetite.
• Advantage Multi has some possible side effects. If you witness any of the following in your dog, contact your vet right away: salivation, panting, dilated pupils, depression, or generalized muscles tremors. Less common side effects may include increased thirst, discomfort, behavioral changes, coughing, and gagging.
• Trifexis shouldn’t be used on puppies under 8 weeks of age or 5 pounds of body weight.
• Advantage Multi should not be used with puppies who are under 7 weeks of age or 3 pounds of body weight.

CAN I USE TRIFEXIS OR ADVANTAGE MULTI ON MY PREGNANT OR ELDERLY PET?

• Speak with your vet about giving either of these medications to pregnant dogs. Any pest control medication should be used with great care and caution when it comes to pregnant animals.
• Talk to your vet before giving Trifexis to breeding female dogs. Also, your vet should advise you before you give this medication to dogs with a history of epilepsy.
• It is advised not to give Advantage Multi to sick, underweight, or injured dogs.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• Advantage Multi is a topical medication applied directly to the skin once a month. The formulation is absorbed in the subcutaneous fat layer of your dog’s skin, making their bodies inhospitable to pests. The neurotoxins in the formulation cause insect paralysis, and then the pests die. Other ingredients target the internal infestations, killing any worms in their stomachs or intestines.
• Trifexis is an oral medication that works much in the same way. In short, the ingredients in the tablets make the ecosystem of their bodies an undesirable place for pests to take up residence.

Given the variations in how these two medications work, talk to your vet and see what he or she recommends. Regular use of either should keep your dog free of pests.

More on Fleas and Ticks

What Is Flea Dirt?
How To Check for Fleas
How To Use a Flea Comb

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.