No one wants to see their beloved furry friend scratching non-stop or dealing with nasty parasites. Whether you have a playful pup or a purring kitty, keeping them protected from common pests is a must. That’s where Advocate steps in—a vet-recommended, all-in-one parasite treatment that covers a wide spectrum of threats. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Advocate safely and effectively.

What is Advocate for Dogs and Cats?

Advocate is a topical spot-on treatment made by Elanco, designed to protect both cats and dogs from multiple internal and external parasites. It’s known for its easy application and broad-spectrum action.

There are specific formulas tailored for dogs and others for cats, so it’s important to get the right one based on your pet’s species and weight.

What Does Advocate Protect Against?

One of the standout features of Advocate is how many parasites it targets in a single dose:

Fleas – Kills adult fleas and larvae
Heartworms – Prevents deadly heartworm disease
Intestinal Worms – Targets roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms
Ear Mites – Effective against common ear mite infestations
Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) – Helps relieve intense itching and skin irritation
Lungworms (in dogs) – Especially helpful if your pup loves exploring the great outdoors

How Advocate Works

Advocate contains two main active ingredients:

Imidacloprid – Kills fleas by disrupting their nervous system
Moxidectin – A broad-spectrum antiparasitic that prevents and kills worms and mites

Once applied, these ingredients are absorbed through the skin and distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, offering full protection both inside and out.

Advocate vs Other Treatments

Let’s face it—there are a lot of options out there. Here’s how Advocate stacks up against some common choices:

Advocate vs Frontline: Frontline focuses mainly on fleas and ticks, while Advocate covers a wider range of parasites.
Advocate vs Revolution: Similar spectrum, but some vets report faster action with Advocate.
Advocate vs NexGard: NexGard is oral and targets fleas and ticks; Advocate is topical and includes internal protection like heartworms.

So if you’re after an all-rounder, Advocate often takes the lead.

Is Advocate Safe for Dogs and Cats?

Yes, when used correctly, Advocate is safe and well-tolerated. It’s suitable for:

Dogs over 7 weeks old and weighing at least 1 kg
Cats over 9 weeks old and weighing at least 1 kg

Always use the correct formulation. Using dog treatment on cats (or vice versa) can be dangerous. If your pet is pregnant, lactating, or has existing health issues, consult your vet first.

How to Apply Advocate – Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing to Apply

Before applying, make sure you:

Read the packaging instructions
Choose the correct size and formula
Wash your hands and wear gloves if preferred
Check your pet’s skin for irritation or wounds

Applying Advocate to Dogs

Hold the pipette upright and twist off the cap.
Part the fur at the base of your dog’s neck (between the shoulder blades).
Place the tip directly on the skin and squeeze out the full contents.
Avoid bathing or allowing swimming for 48 hours after application.

💡 Pro Tip: For large dogs, you may need to apply the dose in 3–4 spots along the back.

Applying Advocate to Cats

Hold the pipette upright and snap the cap off.
Part the fur at the base of the skull (to prevent licking).
Apply the solution directly onto the skin.
Do not rub in—let it absorb naturally.

Cats can be a bit squirmy, so having a second pair of hands helps!

Post-Application Care

Don’t touch the application site until dry.
Prevent licking by keeping pets apart until the product has dried.
Wait 48 hours before bathing your pet or letting them swim.

It’s normal for your pet to scratch a little after application, but if it persists, talk to your vet.

How Often Should You Use Advocate?

Advocate is designed for monthly use. Mark your calendar or set a reminder on your phone—it’s easy to forget when life gets busy!

Common Side Effects of Advocate

Most pets tolerate Advocate really well. But in some rare cases, you might notice:

Temporary skin irritation or redness
Mild vomiting or drooling (usually from licking the area)
Lethargy for a few hours

If side effects seem serious or don’t go away, contact your vet.

Storage and Disposal of Advocate

Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
Keep out of reach of children and pets
Never dispose of in household waste—check local disposal guidelines

Can Advocate Be Used with Other Medications?

Yes, but always check with your vet first. Advocate can be safely combined with vaccines and some flea/tick collars, but mixing it with other parasite treatments can lead to overdose or reduced effectiveness.

Real Pet Parent Experiences

Many pet parents love Advocate for how easy it is to use and how well it works. Here’s what a few have said:

“My dog hasn’t had a single worm or flea since we started using Advocate!”

“I love that I don’t need to buy multiple products—it’s an all-in-one solution.”

“So easy to apply even with my wiggly cat!”

Vet Opinions on Advocate

Veterinarians often recommend Advocate for its broad protection, especially for homes with multiple pets or where parasite exposure is high.

Many vets consider it a go-to product for pets that spend time outdoors, are social with other animals, or travel frequently.

Cost and Where to Buy

Advocate is a prescription medication in many countries, so you’ll likely need a vet’s approval. You can find it at:

Vet clinics
Pet pharmacies
Online pet supply stores (with prescription upload)

Prices vary by pet size and pack quantity but expect to pay $20–30 per dose depending on your region.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or a seasoned pro, protecting your pets from parasites is non-negotiable. Advocate makes it simple by covering a wide range of threats in one easy monthly application. Just make sure you’re using it correctly, following the steps above, and working with your vet for the best results.

FAQs

1. Can I use Advocate on pregnant or lactating pets?
Only under veterinary supervision. It’s not recommended without approval.

2. What if my pet licks the application area?
They might experience drooling or a funny taste. Prevent licking by applying in a hard-to-reach spot.

3. How long does it take for Advocate to work?
Fleas start dying within 12 hours. Worm protection begins within 24–48 hours.

4. Can I bathe my pet after applying Advocate?
Wait at least 48 hours before bathing or swimming.

5. Is Advocate safe for multi-pet households?
Yes, but keep pets apart until the product is fully dry to avoid licking.

How to Use Advocate for Dogs and Cats?

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