The drug Stronghold is intended for the treatment of animals against fleas, ticks and helminths (worms). Drops are used externally, by applying one time to the withers of the animal. The manufacturer of the drug is Zoetis (USA). Recommended for the treatment of dogs and cats, kittens and puppies, the main thing is to follow the instructions for using the drug so as not to cause an overdose.
Composition and release form
The active substance is selamectin - a transparent and colorless substance that does not harm animals, but has a destructive effect on internal and external parasites. The principle of action is to destroy the nervous system of parasites, causing them to die. Stronghold kills both adults and helminth eggs.
Moreover, the effect of the product lasts for 3-4 weeks - during this time the pet is completely protected from re-infection.
The solution itself has a pale yellow tint, which is explained by the concentration. Manufacturers offer a product with 6% and 12% selamectin concentrations.
- 12% designed for dogs of small and large breeds;
- 6% – for the treatment of cats and puppies.
The product is poured into pipettes, which are packaged in a blister. There can be 1, 3 or 6 pipettes in a cardboard package. Pipettes with a 6% solution contain 0.25 ml and 0.75 ml of the drug, and 12% - 0.25 ml, 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 2.0 ml. For ease of use, the manufacturer makes caps in different colors.
Thus, caps of a 6% solution for cats are presented as follows:
- purple (pink) cap – 0.25 ml;
- blue – 0.75 ml.
pink pipette 0.25 ml
blue pipette 0.75 ml
The principle of action of the drug
The active substance - selamectin - is absorbed into the systemic bloodstream through the skin and, spreading throughout the body, binds to the receptors of the cells of the muscle and nervous tissue of the parasites, leading to the blockade of these cells and the rapid death of arthropods and roundworms. This substance is safe for animals because selamectin does not pass through the blood-brain barrier and, accordingly, cannot affect the central nervous system of a dog or cat.
1. To get rid of fleas , as a rule, a single use of Stronghold is sufficient; for further prevention, do not forget to treat your cat or dog once a month.
2. When treating otodectosis or sarcoptic mange in dogs, not one treatment may be required, but a whole course with a certain period of time. It is better to clarify this question with your veterinarian.
3. To prevent dirofilariasis, the drug must be used a month before the start of mosquito flight, do monthly treatments throughout all warm months, the last treatment is carried out a month after the end of mosquito flight.
Where to buy and price of Stronghold
You can purchase the product at a veterinary pharmacy or pet store if it has a license to sell medicines. The price of Stronghold depends on the concentration of the active substance, the volume of the drug in the pipette and their quantity in the package.
| Pipette volume, ml | Price of 6% solution, rub. | Cost of 12% solution, rub |
| 0,25 | 350 | 380 |
| 0,75 | 395 | 410 |
| 1 | 420 | 450 |
| 2 | – | 510 |
Average price for stronghold for cats
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//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> When the owner wants to carry out antiparasitic prevention or discovers a direct indication for treatment of his beloved cat, the study of prices for veterinary drugs begins. Stronghold's price may not seem small. In the calculations, it should be taken into account that the product is still complex and uniquely effective: instead of separately fighting fleas, ticks and helminths, buying three medications, you only need one.
The convenience of packaging allows you to spend money on a specific dosage of the drug.
The average price for one pipette is 250 rubles. Three tubes will cost more: from 850 to 1500 rubles.
Indications for use
Stronghold is intended to treat cats not only from “visual” parasites, but also “hidden” ones. Hidden infections include ear or subcutaneous mites, because they can only be seen under a microscope.
The list of diseases that can be treated using the presented remedy includes:
- Entomosis is a group of infectious diseases caused by parasites in the form of fleas, lice or lice . The animal is bothered by itching, which is why it begins to constantly itch and gnaw at itself in the affected area (bite). Appetite and sleep gradually disappear, allergies and exhaustion develop. These same parasites can become carriers of deadly pathologies - rabies or brucellosis.
- Dirofilariasis is a disease caused by nematodes . Worms affect the subcutaneous tissue and eyes, the heart area and the pulmonary artery. Nematodes enter the animal's body through mosquito bites. An infected pet becomes lethargic, refuses food, has shortness of breath, hair loss, and mucous membranes turn blue. If left untreated, death may occur due to poisoning by parasite waste products.
- Ear mite or otodectosis - the parasite spreads throughout the entire ear, affecting the eardrum. If left untreated, the tick affects the brain, causing the animal to die. It’s easy to notice an infection - the pet begins to scratch its ears with its paws or tries to do it on the carpet.
- Sarcoptic mange is an infection of a cat or dog with a tick mite , causing dry, inflamed areas to appear on the fur. Over time, they become crusty and very itchy. The pet begins to scratch them, forming bloody scratches, and baldness is gradually observed. Often the animal suffers from poor appetite, and if left untreated, it often dies from infection with sepsis.
- Hookworms are roundworms that infect the gastrointestinal tract of a sick animal. Owners notice a poor appetite in the pet, with frequent bowel movements of the intestines or stomach of liquid masses. Gradually, weight is lost, the skin becomes inflamed, and the condition of the coat deteriorates. Small breeds of dogs, cats, kittens or puppies subsequently suffer from anemia.
- Toxocariasis is an infection by parasites of worms belonging to the genus Toxocara. Infection of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, liver, and intestines occurs. Gradually, the animal either refuses to eat, or, conversely, begins to eat more than before. There is a change in tastes, which is why the pet begins to chew paper, citrus fruits and other foods that are inappropriate for it. If there are a lot of parasites in the body, the stomach swells. Dulling and brittleness of the coat is also noted.
The final death of parasites and their eggs usually occurs 2-3 days after treatment with drops. The drug is quickly absorbed into the blood and begins to act 30 minutes after application, so it is important to know the exact dosage and treatment regimen, confirmed by a veterinarian, so as not to provoke even bigger problems.
Method of application of the drug
The main rule for using Stronghold is that application can only be external (even in the case of treatment of helminthiasis). Using the medicine is quite simple:
- Remove the pipette from the blister.
- Press the cap (so that it pierces the foil covering the pipette tip), and then remove it.
- Squeeze the entire contents of the pipette onto dry skin (the drops should be applied to the skin in the area of the withers).
- There is no need to massage the skin, the product will be absorbed quickly.
- 30 minutes after application, the drops will be completely dry.
- After 2 hours, the cat can even be washed (if necessary), the product will not be washed off.
It is important that the cat cannot reach the drug with its tongue or paws (therefore it is applied to the withers). Despite the fact that Stronghold is considered a harmless drug for cats, it is still a toxin. Although veterinarians believe that with the correct dosage, the animal cannot be poisoned. Thus, owners can bring their pet to the veterinary clinic with suspicion of poisoning, and veterinarians assume a completely different diagnosis.
Perhaps the cat is not poisoned, but is developing a viral infection. If the animal is not vaccinated.
kamenskaya, forum user, veterinarian
https://www.zoovet.ru/forum/?tem=562885&tid=7
Video: how to apply drops
Course of treatment and step-by-step instructions
The drug Stronghold is intended for external use as prescribed by a veterinarian.
Step-by-step instructions for treating a cat:
- First, you need to read the instructions and contraindications of the product. Then take into account the fact that the pipette is used once - there is no point in storing it for later.
- Next, put on rubber gloves and open the pipette.
- The animal must be held so as not to cause the solution to get on the mucous membranes and places where the cat can reach and lick the drug. If the cat breaks out, then ask one of your family members or neighbors.
- It is necessary to spread the fur in the area between the shoulder blades , approximately 3-5 cm below the base of the neck, and drip the product onto the skin.
Attention! Do not rub the medicine into the skin - it must be absorbed on its own. This may take time, so the animal is not released for 1-2 minutes.
Applying Stronghold to the withers
Treatment depends on the disease, so the following features are highlighted here:
- If prevention (fleas, scabies mites, nematodes), the product is used monthly in accordance with the dosage of the drug.
- For the treatment of ear mites, the frequency of application is also 30 days. Before applying the product, clean the ears from the crust using a slightly damp cotton pad. The procedure is done only once.
- To treat subcutaneous mites, the solution is applied 2 times with a difference of 30 days.
- Elimination of internal parasites occurs in one procedure.
If re-application is necessary, take a break of 30 days and drip Stronghold again. It is important to monitor the condition of the pet. Be sure to visit a veterinary clinic if you experience ambiguous symptoms that appear after using the drug, for example: weakness, loss of appetite, scabies, diarrhea.
Video instruction
Visual treatment of a cat for fleas using drops:
Instructions for use of Stronghold drops
Instructions for use are the main guideline when using any drugs. Many people are accustomed to not reading the instructions until something wrong happens to the animal. We strongly recommend that you spend a few minutes and study at least the basic points:
- Expiration date: indicated on the packaging and each pipette. If the production date is marked on the pipette, the storage period and 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, the drops may change color, precipitate, or be otherwise transformed.
- Prescriptions and dosages - this paragraph indicates whether the drug can be used for a kitten and its spectrum of action.
- Indications and contraindications - most often, this point 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, just consult a veterinarian by phone. Remember, there are no absolutely safe antiparasitic drugs, so caution is the key to your pet’s health.
From what age can it be used?
At what age can Stronghold be used? Many owners trust the opinions of “colleagues” so much that they neglect the safety of their pet. There is an opinion that Stronghold can be used on pregnant cats and kittens from birth, but this is not true!
The instructions for the drug 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 treating 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 animal’s condition.
Dosage of the drug for cats
For cats, only a solution with a concentration of 6% is used, even if the pet is large. In this case, they are guided by the weight of the animal. The dosage is presented in the table.
| Animal weight, kg | Drug dosage, ml |
| Less than 2.5 kg | 0,25 |
| From 2.5 kg to 7.5 kg | 0,75 |
| More than 7.5 kg | pipette combination |
Memo from the manufacturer
Answers on questions
Write questions in the comments, the section is constantly updated with information.
How long does the drug last?
The effect of Stronghold lasts for a month.
What analogues are there?
Analogs are better than Stronghold*:
| A drug | Why is it better? | Price, rub |
| Inspector | Can be used from 3 weeks. Works against internal and external parasites, including ixodid ticks. Great option! | From 300 to 500 per pipette depending on weight. |
| Advantix | A wide range of protection against external parasites - in addition to fleas and ticks, ixodid ticks, mosquitoes and mosquitoes are added to this list. This is the best choice if you want to treat your animal only for ectoparasites. Does not work against helminths. | 350-550 |
| Advocate | It differs from stronghold only in more modern active ingredients. | 450-700 |
| Frontline Three Act | Protects against 18 types of external parasites, is safe when licked and overdoses more than 5 times. A good product if you want to focus on flea and tick treatment. Does not work on helminths. | 480-730 |
Required reading:
Review of 30 drugs for ear mites
Review of 17 deciduous for dogs
Analogues are worse*:
| A drug | Why is it worse? | Price, rub |
| Fiprist Spot it | Does not affect internal parasites; the spectrum of action on external parasites is very narrow. | 250-500 rubles per pipette depending on weight |
| Celandine Bio | It contains a composition of essential oils, which does not work against parasites in principle; the purpose of this drug is to calm the owner. | 80 |
| Dironet Spot it | Despite a fairly wide spectrum of action on internal and external parasites, we do not think it is a safe drug, since it contains outdated active ingredients. | 95 |
* subjective opinion based on personal work experience.
When can I wash it?
Stronghold acts through the systemic circulation and is not distributed throughout the lipid layer of the skin. Approximately 30 minutes after application, the drug is completely absorbed into the blood, so you can safely wash your dog or cat without losing the effect of the product after two hours.
Contraindications
Like any medicine, Stronghold has its contraindications, presented as follows:
- affected skin - the presence of serious wounds and cuts;
- infected or inflammatory processes;
- children's age - it is prohibited to use the product to treat puppies and kittens under 6 months.
Do not use the drug together with other drugs of similar action. For old and weakened pets, pregnant and lactating cats, the solution is applied only after consultation with a veterinarian.
Indications and contraindications
Stronghold is used for toxocariasis, hookworm, and dirofilariasis. Veterinarians recommend using the drug for:
- Removing fleas.
- Prevention of parasite infection.
- Relief of manifestations of allergic flea dermatitis.
- Restoring the cat's body after otodectosis and sarcoptic mange.
Drops should not be used if the kitten is not yet 2.5 months old. The medication is contraindicated in case of intolerance to the components or infectious pathologies.
Side effects
If the dosage is calculated incorrectly, or the animal has an individual intolerance to the substance, side effects may occur.
Side effects of Stronghold:
- increased salivation;
- vomit;
- tremor of the limbs.
Important! If you have any doubts that your cat might have licked the drug from its fur, be sure to take your pet to a veterinary clinic. The drug is not intended for internal use.
The cat’s poor health is usually associated not with the drug itself , but with the massive death of internal parasites. Their waste products and the beginning of the decomposition process of dead helminths lead to intoxication of the body. All symptoms of poisoning will disappear within a day.
If the cat’s condition worsens, use gloves and laundry soap to wash off the solution from the application site. Next, wash the animal with a special shampoo.
In case of severe poisoning, which manifests itself as loss of consciousness and shortness of breath, be sure to show the animal to a veterinarian.
Is it possible to give Stronghold to kittens?
Some owners write negative reviews about the drug Stronghold, associated with poisoning and death of kittens after its use. In fact, the problem turns out to be not in the medicine (provided the dosage is correctly selected), but in severe intoxication with the decay products of dead parasites.
By the age of one and a half months, when it is allowed to use Stronghold against helminths and external parasites, most kittens have a large number of worms. Under the influence of the drug, their mass death occurs, which is accompanied by the decomposition of the remains and the absorption of toxins into the blood. Since the kitten’s immune system is not formed, poisoning leads to vomiting, diarrhea, rapid dehydration, and death.
The solution may be to first increase the pet’s immunity, for example with Gamavit. Also, during deworming, you need to give the kitten and adult animal absorbents (Enterosgel), and make sure that there is enough water and free access.
Signs of overdose
An overdose of the drug causes symptoms similar to a side effect. But it could also be:
- nausea;
- abdominal pain, causing the pet to whine;
- loss of coordination;
- muscle weakness - some pets cannot stand on their paws;
- refusal of water and food.
If you notice these symptoms, you need to immediately bathe the animal and show it to the veterinarian. The doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment and administer IVs.
Often, an overdose does not manifest itself immediately, so the animal must be monitored throughout the duration of the drug’s effect. The first signs of an overdose will appear in the first 2-4 days.
There may also be late manifestations, which pet owners no longer pay attention to, citing general malaise. Since the effect of the product lasts 3-4 weeks , during this time any changes in the behavior or food preferences of the animal should be the reason for contacting a veterinarian.
This will help save the pet’s life, which especially applies to the treatment of kittens. Although treatment with Stronghold is prohibited for six-month-old kittens, veterinarians sometimes prescribe it based on dosage. An extra drop can lead to irreversible consequences.
Interaction with other drugs
Manufacturers of Stronghold, as well as veterinarians, note that this drug is compatible with any vaccines and veterinary drugs.
The developers of the formula and scientists from the company's research center carefully studied the issue of Stronghold's compatibility. The drug was administered to 1,800 dogs and more than 1,100 cats before vaccination. All cases of use on these animals were successful.
However, Stronghold should not be used simultaneously with other antiparasitic drugs. This may increase the toxicity of the drug.
No matter how much you want to help your pet, you should not combine Stronghold with another antiparasitic drug
Contraindications and side effects
Stronghold is not recommended for use on the following animals:
- with individual sensitivity to the drug;
- up to 1.5 months of age;
- who have had the disease;
- convalescent cats;
- with damp skin (for example, after swimming).
Important: do not drip the drug directly into the ear canal, or use the medicine orally or by injection.
No side effects have been identified with Stronghold. In rare cases, there may be alopecia (hair loss) on the withers of treated cats, but this resolves quickly without treatment. Veterinarians associate this phenomenon with sensitivity to the components of the drug or dosage violation.
Treated several times with stronghold. There were no side effects.
Novocats, forum user
https://www.mainecoon-forum.ru/showthread.php?page=4&t=4343
Don’t be afraid of hair loss in the area where the drops are applied - this bald spot will quickly become covered with hair.
Stronghold analogs
Stronghold has no analogues that contain the same active substance - selamectin. Among the most similar in terms of the spectrum of effects on parasites, the following can be distinguished:
- IN-AP complex for cats. Active ingredients: aversectin C1, fipronil, praziquantel. Price – 235 rub.
- Advocate – imidacloprid and moxidectin. Price – 1400 rub.
- Inspector – fipronil and moxidectin. Price – 320 rub.
- Broadline Spot-On – fipronil, (S) – methoprene, eprinomectin, praziquantel. Price – 712 rub.
- Frontline - fipronil. Price – 340 rub.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- easy to apply
- does not leave any oily residue and is quickly absorbed
- Suitable for all breeds of dogs, including pregnant and lactating bitches
- the animal can be bathed after 2 hours
- maximum effect after 12 hours
- protection for a month
- has a registration certificate
Flaws:
- does not affect flatworms
- does not affect ixodid ticks
- evaporates quickly from an open pipette
Customer reviews:
I found a lot of reviews about stronghold on forums. Basically they correspond to my working practice and the practice of my colleagues. The drug is worthy!
- We picked up a puppy from the street, he was constantly shaking his ears. We went to the doctor, he took a scraping from the ear and said that our dog had otodectosis, he prescribed Stronghold. We bought it, the drug is not cheap, we dripped it onto the withers, and not into the ears, as happens with cheaper products. Within a few days, the itching decreased significantly, and after two weeks, a second smear revealed that all the mites had died. A good product, the animal was cured in just one application! It also has a wide spectrum of action, not only against fleas and ticks, but also against roundworms.
- We adopted a puppy from a shelter, they told us that he was treated for helminths, but just in case, we treated him with Stronghold for puppies. After the first application, literally a whole lump of helminths fell out! The result is obvious, so to speak. It was disgusting, but the clinic told us that puppies can have a large number of parasites inside, so it is important to treat them once a month.
- My dog developed a receding hairline on his stomach that only grew larger over time. The pet store advised me to treat my dog for fleas with Stronghold. I didn’t do the treatment quite right, the dog ingested the drug and then ran around the house foaming at the mouth. But the remedy really worked - the tummy was completely overgrown in two weeks.
- We were treated at the clinic for dog scabies for a very long time. The dog was constantly given some kind of painful injections, but she still constantly scratched herself until she bled and became almost completely bald! It’s good that another clinic prescribed Stronghold. We did not hope, but the effect appeared within a few days - the endless itching disappeared. A month later, the fur began to grow back.
special instructions
Cat owners should read special instructions. They will help to avoid unwanted consequences and achieve maximum results from applying the medication:
- After applying the drops, do not allow the animal to be near a fire or operating stove. The wool must be completely dry.
- When treating leather, do not smoke, drink alcohol, or eat food - the substance is poisonous.
- After applying the drops, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- Within 2 hours after using the medicine, the animal should not come into contact with small children. Prohibit children from petting, washing or kissing the cat.
- If the product comes into contact with human skin, rinse the affected area thoroughly with clean water.
- After using the product, empty pipettes should not be used in everyday life. Containers should be thrown away.
