Simparica for dogs and puppies - instructions for use of chewable tablets for fleas and ticks

A popular drug for dogs is Simparica. Composition and active substances. Mechanism of action on the parasite. Are tablets dangerous for animals? Side effects, overdose. How to give medicine to dogs correctly. Customer reviews. Recommendations for use.

Our faithful friends need protection from all kinds of parasites, which not only bring discomfort to dogs, but are also carriers of various diseases. Manufacturers now offer a huge range of drugs that can provide protection against parasites.

All of them have features, advantages and disadvantages, as well as contraindications, so before purchasing you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the product in detail. One of the remedies that is now quite popular among pet owners is Simparica.

Appearance and price

Simparica was developed by employees of the American company Zoetis in 2017. The drug is available in the form of square tablets for oral administration. The line includes 6 types with different concentrations of the active substance for dogs and puppies weighing from 1.3 to 60 kg. Tablets are packaged in blisters and boxes of 1, 3, 6 pieces. Each is labeled with the dose of the active substance. The size is adapted to the size of the dog from dwarf to giant breeds.

The drug is sold without a prescription in veterinary pharmacies and on websites. The price of Simparica depends on the volume of the active ingredient. A package with one tablet costs on average from 380 rubles for small breeds to 450 for large animals. The drug is stored for 24 months away from direct sunlight at a temperature of 2 - 30 degrees.

Price

The price of a package of 3 tablets of Simparika depends on the content of the active substance:

• 5 mg – 950-1000 rubles;
• 10 mg – 1050-1150 rubles;
• 20 mg – 1100-1200 rubles;
• 40 mg – 1150-1250 rubles;
• 80 mg – 1250-1350 rubles;
• 120 mg – 1500-1600 rub.

You can buy the medicine at any veterinary pharmacy or online store. A doctor's prescription is not needed for this.

You can now view the current price of the drug and buy it right here from Yandex Market with fast delivery:

Composition and principle of action on parasites

Simparica contains 1 active ingredient - sarolaner, which was developed by Zoetis. It belongs to the isoxazoline group. These chemical compounds are toxic to arthropods, but in small doses are harmless to mammals. After swallowing, sarolaner is absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. Then it enters the blood and is evenly distributed in organs and tissues.

The drug does not repel parasites, but begins to act after the bite. It disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system of arthropods, causing paralysis and death.

Simparica destroys 5 groups of parasites:

• 2 types of fleas;
• 9 ixodid ticks;
• subcutaneous mites Demodex canis;
• scabies Sarcoptes scabiei;
• ear Otodectes cynotis.

Fleas gradually die 3 to 8 hours after ingestion. Sarolaner disrupts the life cycle of insects, and they do not have time to lay eggs. Ticks die after 8 – 12 hours.

10–12 days after administration, the concentration of sarolaner is halved. The protective effect does not decrease and lasts for 35 days. Simparica is included in the group of low toxicity substances of hazard class 4.

The official instructions for use of Simparica for dogs do not limit the use of other medications. The animal can be given deworming medications and treated, but it is better to first consult a veterinarian.

How it works

Simparika is a systemic drug. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, sarolaner is quickly absorbed and, along with the bloodstream, spreads throughout the body. The effectiveness of the drug is achieved due to the fact that the active substance is present in almost all tissues and organs. The drug affects ixodid, sarcoptoid, demodectic mites, fleas and other external parasites. The active component blocks the functioning of receptors and causes disruption of the nervous system, which inevitably leads to the death of ectoparasites.

The drug has a rapid action. Fleas die in just three hours after ingestion, and ticks die after 8 hours. Simparica is an effective protection for domestic animals from ectoparasites, since fleas die on contact before laying eggs, which means that the risk of their reproduction is eliminated. The antiparasitic agent has a weak ability to accumulate in the body, so its effect lasts for a long time - up to 35 days.

According to the GOST classification, Simparica is classified as a low-hazard substance. If you follow the dosage and do not violate the recommended regimen of use, then the drug is safe for pets. It has no toxic effects and does not have mutagenic activity.

What is it used for?

Simparica is used to treat and prevent diseases caused by parasites:

• The drug protects against vector-borne diseases that are spread by ixodid ticks: piroplasmosis, borreliosis, anaplasmosis. The arthropods die before the pathogens enter the dog’s bloodstream.
• Prevents the development and accelerates the treatment of flea allergic dermatitis.
• Simparica is used in severe cases of sarcoptic mange, demodicosis, and otodectosis.

The drug is contraindicated in other animals, including cats.

How to calculate the dosage and use the drug

You cannot calculate the dosage of Simparic yourself. It is necessary to give the animal a tablet in strict accordance with the above standards. Can be used directly or added to food. There is no need to crush it. The size of the product is similar to a standard pad of dog food. Thanks to the aromatic component, the animal will eat it with great eagerness.

Can I give it to cats?

Simparica is not certified for cats and should not be given to them. For them, there are other drugs designed for their body characteristics.

Can it be used on pregnant and lactating animals?

The manufacturer does not provide any research. But given some adverse reactions from using the drug for some animals, veterinarians do not recommend giving Simparika tablets to pregnant or lactating bitches.

Dosage

The drug is selected according to the weight of the animal:

Animals over 60 kg are given 2 tablets. The average amount of sarolaner is 2 – 4 mg per 1 kg of body weight. For example, if you weigh 63 kg, you will need 1 tablet containing 120 mg and one tablet containing 10 mg. Dosage for puppies over 8 weeks old is the same as for adult animals.

Features of using anti-tick tablets for dogs

When using, the following features should be taken into account:

1. Anti-tick tablets for dogs are used monthly, the first dose is 30 days before the initial period of insect spread.
2. The duration of use (frequency of administration) of the tablets depends on the region of residence and the number of parasites.
3. The dosage is prescribed by the veterinarian based on the weight of the animal. You cannot change (increase or decrease) the dosage on your own, otherwise the protection will not be effective, or an overdose is possible. It is not allowed to break tablets.
4. When taking it, take into account the age of the dog, as well as developmental characteristics - for puppies, pregnant, lactating or weakened animals, special standards for the use of tablets are established.
5. The ban on taking tablets is established for dogs less than 2 kg and less than 2 months old; these indicators are individual for each drug.
6. For dogs with diseases of the urinary and excretory systems, or with hypersensitivity to the active ingredients, the regimen of use is established only by a veterinarian.
7. The tablet begins to act against ticks 24-48 hours after consumption, against fleas - after 3-5 hours, against internal parasites - 1-2 hours.
8. The tablets contain a flavor (the taste of liver, chicken, etc.), which prevents your pet from refusing to consume it. However, the dog owner should make sure that the tablet is eaten.

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Scheme and method of administration

First, the dog is weighed. Then the drug is selected according to body weight. The components in the tablet are distributed non-uniformly, so it is not broken to select the dose.

For one dose, give 1 tablet by hand, regardless of feeding. The composition contains flavoring additives and aromas, so 90% of dogs swallow themselves without the owner’s tricks. For capricious pets, hide the drug in a piece of treat and make sure that the dog swallows it completely. If the animal only eats part of the tablet, it will not work.

Simparika can be used all year round. But to protect against ixodid ticks, it is enough to feed when the outside temperature rises above 5 degrees Celsius. Take a break during the cold season.

The first tablet is given in March or April, depending on the region. Then repeat the dose every month with an interval of 5 weeks.

For convenience, it is allowed to take on the same dates with a break of 30 days. Manufacturers assure that this will not harm the animal. If you accidentally miss the next dose, the dose is not increased. The last tablet is fed in September or October.

For the treatment of demodicosis, sarcoptic mange, and otodectosis, take 2 tablets of Simparika with a break of 1 month. Before each appointment, the animal must be weighed. Body weight may change over 5 weeks, especially in puppies. With a low dosage, the protective effect decreases.

Reviews from veterinarians

Veterinarians note that Simparica, unlike similar drugs, causes virtually no side effects and is easy to use (due to the pleasant taste, dogs eat the tablet themselves). However, the drug does not give 100% results.

Regardless of what form of antiparasitic drug you choose for your pet, be it Simparic tablets, or a collar and shampoo, you must consult a veterinarian before use. Only a specialist will be able to give a recommendation that will take into account the characteristics of the breed and the individual characteristics of your pet.

Contraindications

Simparika is prohibited for the following groups:

• Puppies under 8 weeks.
• Miniature dogs weighing less than 1.3 kg.
• Animals with high sensitivity to sarolaner.
• Patients with bacterial, fungal, viral infections.
• Dogs with kidney and liver disorders.
• Weakened animals during the recovery period after illness.

The developers did not conduct clinical studies on dogs during pregnancy and nursing puppies. The instructions for using Simparic tablets for dogs allow the use of the drug when a veterinarian examines the animal and evaluates the benefits and possible harm.

Correct Application

Before each dose of medication, it is necessary to weigh the animal; only based on body weight data is the correct dosage selected. You cannot change the dosage, or purchase tablets for larger dogs and give part, for example, half. The fact is that the active substance in the tablet is distributed unevenly. Thus, you can not give a sufficient dose and then the protective effect will be reduced, or, on the contrary, you can give more than required and then harm the dog.

Before using the medicine, you must study the instructions for use. According to the instructions, the dog is given one tablet in its entirety. In this case, feeding does not play a role. Since it contains special flavoring additives, in most cases the pet eats it without any problems. But there are also some rather capricious little friends of ours who do not like such a treat at all. In such cases, you need to hide the tablet in your favorite treat and give it to the dog. But here it is very important to make sure that the pet eats it completely, since there are also those who eat the treat and spit out the tablet. The entire tablet must be eaten otherwise it may not have the desired effect.

The medication regimen may vary. If the medicine is used as a preventative against ticks, then it is enough to give it only during the period of parasite activity. During the cold season, take a break. Tick ​​activity begins in early spring, when the air temperature reaches +5°. During this period, the parasites are very hungry and aggressive. The first appointment can be at different times, it all depends on the weather and temperature.

Since the drug works after taking it for 5 weeks, the next tablet is given accordingly after this time. If it happens that a dose is missed, then in no case should the dose be increased.

When a medicine is taken to treat a disease, it most often requires 2 doses, which are given at intervals of 1 month. But treatment is always prescribed by a veterinarian, and he makes recommendations regarding the dosage regimen, based on the diagnosis, the condition of the animal and other individual parameters.

Be sure to weigh the animal before each medication, even if you are sure that the weight has not changed.

Side effects and symptoms of overdose

Dogs tolerate Simparica normally. No negative changes were detected in sensitive breeds with the MDR1 gene mutation: collies, Australian shepherds, kelpies, shelties and others. The drug does not contain components that irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa. There is no nausea or vomiting after taking it. If signs of an allergy appear, the pet is given an antihistamine. Simparica is excluded.

With an overdose, alarming symptoms sometimes occur:

• the animal looks depressed;
• salivation increases;
• coordination of movements and gait are impaired;
• tremor begins - trembling of the limbs, head, torso.

When these signs appear, the pet is given first aid. If no more than half an hour has passed after administration, apply pressure to the root of the tongue and induce vomiting. Then the sorbent is given. For example, veterinary paste EnteroZOO or Enterosgel, activated carbon from a regular pharmacy. Then it’s a good idea to show your pet to the veterinarian.

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Side effects

Dogs usually tolerate Simparika anti-tick tablets well. If the animal is intolerant to the components, an allergy may develop. In such cases, the drug is not used to combat ectoparasites in the future. To eliminate allergy symptoms, the pet is given an antihistamine. Symptomatic therapy can also be used.

The following symptoms may indicate an overdose:

• increased salivation;
• tremor;
• unsteadiness of gait;
• apathy and depression.

In this case, measures are taken to remove the components of the drug from the body and symptomatic treatment, which should be prescribed by a doctor.

Analogs

All chewable flea and tick tablets contain active components of the isoxazoline group, so they have a common mechanism of action against parasites.

The following medications can be used for puppies at least 2 months old and dogs weighing at least 2 kg:

• Nexguard Spectra. The tablets contain 2 active substances: afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime. The first kills external parasites, the second kills Toxocara roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, heartworm larvae. The protective properties last for a month.
• Frontline Nexgard. The drug was developed by the Merial company based on afoxolaner. It destroys 8 types of ticks and fleas 2 days after administration. Valid for 30 days.
• Bravecto. The drug is produced by the Dutch company Intervet. It completely destroys ticks in 12 hours and protects the animal for 12 weeks. Bravecto contains the highest dose of the active ingredient fluralaner. The drug protects more reliably from parasites, but side effects often develop after it.
• Credelio. This is an American drug based on lotilaner. It destroys 4 types of ixodid ticks and fleas and is effective for 1 month. Credelio can be given to animals with a body weight of 1.3 kg.

It is impossible to clearly name the best anti-tick tablets. Any new products can cause allergies. At the first appointment, they first look at the dog’s reaction, then evaluate the protective effect.

general description

Simparica is a drug for internal use in the form of chewable tablets with a flavoring additive. Manufacturer: USA.

According to the manufacturer's instructions (https://simparica.ru/), Simparica's action is directed against 9 types of ticks and against fleas. The death of ticks occurs within 8 hours, and of fleas within 3 hours from the moment of consumption. Simparika's action is also aimed at reducing the risk of contracting diseases carried by parasites.

Compound

Active ingredient: sarolaner (dosage 120, 80, 40, 20, 10 or 5 mg).

Excipients:

• lactose monohydrate;
• sodium carboxymethyl starch;
• magnesium stearate;
• colloidal silicon dioxide;
• flavored granular base.

Active substance

Sarolaner is a compound of the isoxazoline group (similar to pesticides) that has an active effect on ticks and fleas that parasitize dogs.

As the manufacturer indicates, this compound is not dangerous for animals, since the dog receives it in very small doses. However, more and more often, there are discussions about this drug and its analogues about the possibility of harming the pet with systematic use of the drug.

Process of action of the drug

After the dog eats the tablet, the active substance is absorbed into the blood. The maximum concentration is reached after 3 hours. After this period, sarolaner penetrates most tissues and organs. Parasites, feeding on the blood of an animal, receive a “dose” of sarolaner, which affects their neuromuscular synapses. Next comes paralysis and death.

The half-life of the substance from the body occurs within 10–12 days along with bile and feces.

Spectrum of action of Simparica

The product is effective against many external parasites (demodectic, sarcoptoid, psoroptoid, ixodid ticks, fleas). The drug is not able to fight internal parasites (for example, helmites).

Tolerability of the drug by animals

According to laboratory and field studies presented on the manufacturer's website, when used in recommended doses, the tablet is well tolerated by dogs. However, there is often criticism of the quality and time of testing of the drug (research is biased), and there are also complaints about the drug from owners of even large breeds of dogs.

Can it be given to cats?

Based on the instructions, Simparika is prescribed only to dogs older than two months. The product is not certified for cats.