No pet is protected from parasites. To be able to cure your cat, you need to be able to recognize pathologies in the early stages. Stronghold is considered an effective drug against lice and fleas. Next we will tell you in detail how to use it. The drug fights ear mites and parasites and, of course, helps get rid of insects that have penetrated the skin, and also promotes recovery from dirofilariasis. Stronghold for cats is known for its ideal results. After use, you need to wait about an hour and a half, and the effect will be noticeable.
One of the most advantageous advantages is that the parasites will not be able to lay eggs and continue the life of similar pests.
For treating cats 2.6-7.5 kg
How to apply the drug instructions
Before purchasing the drug, you should consult your doctor, as only he will be able to prescribe the required form of the medication. On the box, manufacturers usually write the exact content of selamectin (the active ingredient) - 6 or 12%. If your pet weighs up to 2 kilograms, then you should purchase a stronghold with a purple cap. A tube with a blue cap is prescribed to cats weighing from 2.5 to 7.5 kilograms, since the concentration of the active substance is higher. If the pet’s weight exceeds 7.5 kg, then tubes should be combined.
Procedure:
- Wear rubber gloves, as droplets may be harmful to the skin of your hands.
- Remove the tube of stronghold from the packaging and unscrew the cap.
- Use the back of the cap to pierce the foil protective membrane.
- Spread the fur between the cat's shoulder blades; there should be no allergic reactions or open wounds on the skin. The medicine should be applied only in the area of the withers, because in this place the cat will not be able to lick the fur. You need to scatter the drops at a distance of 2-3 centimeters from each other.
- Massage the fur of the fluffy a little, in this case the product will be well distributed over the skin.
- After the procedure, throw the gloves in the trash along with the used tube.
Rules of application
- on dry skin, affected areas exclusively in the interscapular area;
- Often the drug is applied once and does not require repeated use;
- before administering the medicine, the pipette must be removed from the blister and be in a vertical position;
- then, once the cap is removed, you can proceed to insertion.
How to use stronghold video instruction
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Application of Stronghold
Drops are used only externally and only on dry skin of the animal. The protective membrane on the pipette is pierced, then the cap is pressed and removed. To carry out the procedure, part the fur in those areas where the product needs to be applied. Typically, the drug is applied to the neck area (at its base) and between the shoulder blades directly from a pipette.
“Stronghold” for cats instructions for use recommends applying it very carefully. When applying the drug to dogs, you also need to make sure that your hands and other exposed areas are not smeared with the product. There is no need to touch those places that are covered with the drug. There is no need to massage areas where the drug is present. “Stronghold” is applied only once, regardless of whether the animal is infected with one or more types of parasites.
The required dose is selected taking into account the weight of the pet. Typically, 6 mg of the drug is taken for each kilogram. When treating and implementing preventive measures with Stronghold, the instructions for use for puppies (weight less than 2.5 kg) recommend using a dose of the active ingredient of 15 mg. For the same purposes, the following doses are recommended for dogs of different weights:
- “Stronghold 6” for kittens, the instructions for use do not allow application to animals less than 1.5 months old; for other pets weighing no more than 2.5 kg, use 15 mg of the product if the cat’s weight is approximately 2.6 kg, but does not exceed 7.5 kg – 45 mg. If an animal is diagnosed with otodectosis, the ears are first cleaned, exudate and scabs are removed from the ears and ear canal; under no circumstances should the product be instilled into the ear canals. In cases where complications arise, such as otitis media or other diseases that affect the ears, additional therapy is performed with appropriate medications that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. If necessary, treatment is repeated, but not earlier than thirty days;
- the use of the drug for dogs and treatment with the antiparasitic drug “Stronghold” for cats, instructions for use in all cases, except for the treatment of sarcoptic mange, recommend one-time use;
- with sarcoptic mange, this action is performed twice with an interval of one month. For preventive purposes, treatment can be performed every month;
- the medicine should be used before the season of parasitic activity - one and a half months before it begins. Its regular application will stop the development of parasites and destroy their larvae and eggs that the parasites left in the home.
What is Stronghold for cats prescribed for?
- Entomosis is a familiar flea to all of us; it is a fairly common parasite. Lice can be seen with the naked eye; the pet constantly gnaws and itches.
- Dirofilariasis is a virus that can be transmitted by mosquitoes. After their bite, the cat develops larvae in the lungs. Signs of this disease include lack of sleep and weight loss.
- Otodectosis is a disease associated with tick bites; the insect sneaks into the eardrums and drinks blood. The course of this disease is characterized by high fever and discharge from the ear cavity.
- Sarcoptic mange is a mite that attacks the body from the inside. The symptoms are the same as with regular mites, the only difference is that the skin becomes dry.
- Hookworms are the most common worms.
- 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.
In order to avoid such situations, it is recommended to regularly carry out prevention against parasites.
General information
Selamectin binds cellular receptors in the nervous and muscle tissues of organisms and releases chlorine ions into membranes. This blocks the electrical activity of nerve and muscle cells, followed by paralysis and death of arthropods and nematodes. In recommended doses, Stronghold does not harm animals: their receptors are isolated by the blood-brain barrier. The drug is low toxic, well tolerated by both kittens and puppies, and has high absorption in the applied area. The effect of the product lasts up to 1 month, protecting pets from reinfestation.
The drug is for external use only, the good thing is that just one dose is enough. A few hours after use, animals can already be petted and bathed. Instructions for use contain recommended dosages, depending on the parameters: type, weight and age of pets. Each specific case involves using it only once, that is, completely squeezing out the contents of the pipette, which allows you to get rid of several types of parasites at the same time. Per kilogram of weight, 6 mg of active substance is prescribed. The drug, sold without a prescription, has a strong effect; it is advisable to first hear the opinion of specialists on its use.
Dosage by pet's weight
Stronghold is available in different packages, respectively, and their dosage is different, since the drug is suitable not only for cats, but also for dogs. In other words, depending on the weight category, each pet has its own dosage. Each dose has its own color for the convenience of the owner:
- from 2.5 15/20 mg, pink color;
- from 7.5 45/50 mg, color blue;
- from 8 or more combination of pipettes, has no color.
You should not rely on experience with other similar medications. Before applying the medicine, make sure your cat is of a certain weight category.
Dosage table
Reviews
Reviews of stronghold are varied; during application, advantages such as:
- - single dose;
- -contact with the pet almost immediately (2 hours);
- — there is no smell of chemicals, only weak and specific, but not unpleasant;
- — cleanliness — no stains on surfaces;
- -does not contain oils, dries quickly without leaving a trace;
- - a strong and effective remedy, the parasites leave the “host” within 24 hours;
- -convenience of dosage, no need to weigh and measure;
- — Suitable for therapy of nursing and pregnant cats.
The disadvantages of stronghold are the high price compared to similar drugs and the lack of required dosages.
Some cat breeders are upset when the pet's fur comes off after using the product (one of the side effects). Many people find the liquid form inconvenient - if the medicine spreads and the fur gets wet, the cat will be able to lick it off with its tongue.
How should it be stored?
There are no instructions in the middle of the drug itself, so all important information can be found on the packaging. How to store this medicine:
- storage in a dark, non-humid place;
- without removing from the box;
- a very important point is to store away from food;
- temperature regime - from 3 to 30 degrees;
- out of the reach of children.
Shelf life is about 3 years.
Stronghold
Conditions and periods of storage of the drug
Stronghold for cats. The drug should be stored in the manufacturer's packaging separately from food and feed, in a dark place, away from heating devices and open flames, at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Shelf life: 3 years.
The drug should be stored out of the reach of children. Manufacturer: Pfizer Animal Health, USA.
When is it prohibited to use?
It is strictly prohibited to use the following animals:
- with allergies to similar drugs;
- less than 2 months old;
- who have just suffered from any illness;
- in the process of recovery;
- after bath procedures.
It is important to remember that dripping into the ear canals is prohibited; it must be administered by injection.
Itchy cat
What can be replaced? Stronghold analogs
If you have difficulties purchasing Stronghold, you can always replace it with analogues and not worry about the health of your sick cat. Such medications are Bars Spot or In-Up. In-Up is a transparent substance that is applied externally to dry skin and helps remove fleas and ticks. Leopard Spot has the ability to eliminate parasites from the inside. Also analogues are: Dironet, Frontline Spot-on, Inspector Total, Advantage.
Table comparing the cost of Stronghold with analogues
Name | Type | Manufacturer | Packing | Mode of application | Price |
Stronghold | Drops | USA | 0.75 ml | Apply to the withers | 342 rub. |
Dironet Spot-On | Drops | Russia | 3 pcs 1 ml | Apply to the withers | 283 rub. |
In-Up complex | Drops | Russia | 1 ml | Apply to the withers | 193 rub. |
Frontline Spot-On | Drops | France | 0.5 ml | Apply to the withers | 425 rub. |
Inspector total | Drops | Germany | 0.4 ml | Apply to the withers | 280 rub. |
Advantage | Drops | Germany | 0.4 ml | Apply to the withers | 200 rub. |
Bars (AVZ) | Drops | Russia | 3pcs 1 ml | Apply to the withers | 178 rub. |
Dosage and method of administration of the drug
Stronghold for cats is used externally only. Before applying the drug, the pipette is removed from the blister and, holding it vertically, presses on the cap in order to pierce the foil covering the pipette, then the cap is removed.
The drug is applied directly to the dry skin of the animal. To do this, spread the fur between the shoulder blades at the base of the neck and completely squeeze out the contents of the pipette, avoiding getting it on your hands. Do not massage the area where the drug is applied.
Stronghold is prescribed once, the dose is chosen taking into account the type and weight of the animal. In each specific case, the solution is applied from one pipette with a cap of the appropriate color, and the dose per active substance is 6 mg of selamectin per 1 kg of animal weight. In case of simultaneous infection of an animal with several types of parasites, a single application of stronghold in the above dose is recommended:
- to kill fleas and prevent re-infection: stronghold is used once a month during the flea active season. The drug destroys adult fleas that are on dogs and cats 24-26 hours after application and protects against re-infestation for 30 days. By destroying flea eggs, Stronghold interrupts the development cycle of the parasite and prevents the next generation of fleas from appearing. Monthly use of the drug not only directly protects animals from infection, but also destroys the residual population of fleas (eggs and larvae) in the house or apartment. In this case, the use of the drug must be started a month before the onset of the flea activity season;
- treatment of ear scabies in dogs and cats: stronghold is used once. During the treatment process, it is recommended to clean the ear canal from exudate and scabs, and in cases of complications of otodectosis with otitis media, prescribe appropriate treatment with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs. If necessary, the course of treatment is repeated after 1 month;
- treatment of sarcoptic mange in dogs: stronghold is used twice with an interval of 1 month. In order to prevent possible invasion, it is recommended to use the drug once a month;
- treatment of tocoscariasis and hookworm in dogs and cats: stronghold is used for therapeutic purposes once, and for preventive purposes - monthly;
- prevention of dirofilariasis: stronghold is used once a month during the flight season of mosquito vectors.
The drug completely prevents infection of dogs and cats, killing microfilariae and preventing their transformation into adult nematodes. Since Stronghold has no effect on adult heartworms, its use is absolutely safe in infested animals. In order to protect animals that are imported into regions where dirofilariasis is common, it is recommended that they be given stronghold a month before the expected date of import. The last treatment of the animal with stronghold must be carried out within one month after the end of the mosquito vector flight season. If the monthly interval between applications of Stronghold has been exceeded, it is necessary to apply the drug as soon as such an opportunity arises. When replacing chemotherapeutic agents in the dirofilariasis prevention program, the interval between the administration of Stronghold and the previously used drug should be at least one month.
Reviews from breeders
Very effective, helps the first time. We got rid of fleas, and he came to the rescue with a problem with worms, I recommend him to everyone.
About 3 months ago we noticed a cat on the street who began to often walk near the supermarket. My family and I talked and decided that we would still take him home. He was wearing a collar, so it became clear that some heartless people had thrown him into the street. During all this time, the cat (we named him Vasya) managed to pick up many parasites. Therefore, it was decided to treat Vasya without delay. The pharmacy recommended the drug Stronghold. Although the product is expensive, we bought it for 430 rubles, but the fluffy had to be treated. A month later, the fur was completely restored, and our mustache began to gain weight. The fleas noticeably died out already on the 10th day after using the product, and Vasya stopped scratching his ear. I can recommend the medicine because we used it and no side effects were found.
Our cat Jim was prescribed Stronghold drops at the veterinary clinic because he was diagnosed with ear mites. The tube has a cap that closes tightly, so the product can be used repeatedly. The pet's face was badly damaged by ear mites, and even the hair in the eye area came off. We used the drug for 3 weeks, and were still able to cure Jim. The cat's salivation increased slightly for the first 3-4 days, but the doctor said that this was normal. I bought Stronghold drops for 290 rubles.
Our cat Michael has not had fleas or other parasites for a whole year, although all this was possible, because he often walks outside with us. And 3 months ago he finally caught fleas from Vasya (our neighbors’ cat). After 3 days, I finally decided to go to the clinic, since it was clear that the fleas would not escape anywhere on their own. The specialist prescribed Stronghold 6% drops for Michael, and that same day in the evening I decided to instill them. If you use this product, be sure to wash and dry your cat. In this case, the product will be much more effective. To my great surprise, after applying the product, Michael did not even lick himself. The design of the tube is well thought out, since not a single extra drop leaked out. The cat should not be washed for 2-3 days, as you will wash off the medicine and not get the result.
Stronghold (Europe)
At the end of the last millennium, the American revolution made two revolutions. First came Viagra, which revolutionized the treatment of one well-known disease. A year later, the veterinary drug Revolution began to be sold in the United States. Russians are just beginning to learn about this second revolution in the treatment of cats and dogs: last fall the drug arrived in our country for the first time.
But don’t try to find “Revolution” here: in Russia and Europe the drug was registered under the name “Stronghold”. But its revolutionary essence did not change. The medicine made a revolution in ridding cats and dogs of fleas and some other parasites. In the pre-revolutionary era, in order to destroy fleas, the pet was first washed with a special shampoo, then a collar was put on it to repel new fleas, and the apartment was meticulously treated with a spray in order to destroy the larvae even in the most secluded corners.
Now one drop of Stronghold applied to the animal’s skin in the withers area is enough. After just 30 minutes you can play with your pet, and after 2 hours, if necessary, the animal can be bathed. Already on the first day, the animal gets rid of fleas and is protected from re-infestation for a whole month. Selamectin (this is the active substance of Stronghold) destroys mature fleas and eggs, preventing the emergence of a new generation of parasites.
But that’s not all: it kills flea larvae and eggs hidden in cracks, under baseboards, carpets and other secluded places in your home. This is the flea reserve that constantly causes repeated infections in your pets. And he is very big. No more than 5% of the entire flea population lives on the animal. The remaining 95% are pupae, larvae and eggs distributed throughout the home.
To make sure that one drop of “Stronghold” replaces an entire anti-flea army made up of different agents, let’s follow its fate. The drug applied in the withers area is quickly absorbed and begins a journey throughout the animal’s body, which will last a whole month - all this time the therapeutic concentration of selamectin will remain in the blood. The substance will constantly enter the sebaceous glands, and from them “come out” to the surface of the skin and hair. This is enough to kill all parasites and stop the development of fleas from eggs.
Stronghold for cats. Part of the selamectin leaves the animal and, by chance, encounters larvae and eggs that abundantly litter the home. For them, this meeting turns out to be the last. To destroy a home population of parasites, one dropper of Stronghold is usually enough. The medicine is applied to the withers of a cat or dog at intervals of one month. On the 60th day after the start of treatment, more than 97% of fleas die indoors, on the 90th day - more than 98.4%.
Stronghold is also lethal to mites that cause ear scabies in cats (otodentosis) and scabies in dogs (sarcoptic mange). These diseases are not uncommon, and to cope with them, cats and dogs only need the drug from one pipette. In this case, “Stronghold” is prescribed in the same way as for fighting fleas - one drop per month is applied to the skin in the withers area. If at the same time your pet also has internal parasites - Toxocara, hookworms, then they will also come to an end.
Why is Stronghold fatal to such different parasites and safe for humans, cats and dogs? Nature has decreed that the receptor that blocks selamectin is present in all of these parasites, but is absent in mammals. "Stronghold" acts like curare - it causes paralysis and death of the parasite. Humans and animals do not have this receptor - and selamectin has nothing to cling to; it travels throughout the body as if incognito, without causing side effects.