Vectra 3D Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs Review

Vectra 3D Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs Review

Vectra 3D Flea and Tick treatment topical medication review pros cons

Vectra 3D Flea and Tick Treatment

Would I recommend it?

Vectra 3D is a great choice for healthy dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors but has too many side effects for dogs with health issues
This post may contain affiliate links. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and it keeps our lights on, our families fed, and our dogs spoiled. For all the juicy fine print, see our affiliate disclosure

I recently heard about Vectra 3D Flea and Tick Treatment and was intrigued when I heard that it protects dogs from a lot more than just fleas and ticks.

Because I spend a great deal of time camping and hiking with my dogs from spring to fall, dealing with bugs and parasites is a frequent concern.

Though we protect our dogs with vaccines, heartworm, and flea and tick preventatives, there are other pests out there that our current treatments don’t cover, like lice, flies, and mosquitos.

What piqued my interest in Vectra 3D was that it claims to protect against six major pests all in one medication.

Since I was not familiar with Vectra 3D, I thought it would be worth investigating and sharing my thoughts in a Vectra 3D review.

Related: See How Vectra 3D compares to Frontline Plus

What Is Vectra 3D Flea and Tick Treatment?

Vectra 3D is a topical broad-spectrum pesticide that works to kill and protect against the following pests:

  • Ticks
  • Fleas
  • Lice
  • Mosquitoes
  • Black Flies
  • Mites

Vectra 3D works for 30 days.

Who Makes It?

Ceva Animal Health is the parent company that manufactures Vectra 3D[1]. Ceva Animal Health was originally founded in Libourne, France, in 1999.

Today they have expanded beyond France and have a headquarters in the US in Lenexa, Kansas.

Ceva creates animal health products for poultry, swine, and companion animals.

In addition to producing Vectra 3D, Ceva is also the parent company to Adaptil, Feliway, Transmune, and more.

Vectra 3D Ingredients

What allows Vectra 3D to be so effective is that it contains three active ingredients:

  1. Dinotefuran
  2. Pyriproxyfen
  3. Permethrin

How Does Vectra 3D Flea and Tick Work?

Vectra 3D comes in an easy to use mess-free applicator.

It contains ingredients that help the product spread across your dog’s skin to form a protective layer against specific insects.

Is Vectra 3D Effective at Killing and Preventing Fleas and Ticks?

Vectra 3D effectively kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, mites, and lice.

Is Your Dog Driving You Nuts During the Day?

Indoor Activities for Dogs

Get Our List of 11 Awesome Indoor Activities to Keep Your Dog Busy and Out of Trouble!

Plus, it prevents the growth and development of immature fleas’ life stages.

And, Vectra 3D works to repel all six parasites.

Best of all, Vectra 3D works on contact before parasites bite your dog, which can otherwise happen within 5 minutes of the flea’s arrival[2].

Vectra 3D causes pests to have a “Hot Foot” reaction, meaning that when insects come in contact with your dog’s skin, they are repelled and forced to crawl to the top of your dog’s coat, where they die.

Also, 80% of mosquitoes are repelled by Vectra 3D and never land on your dog, and those that do end up dying.

Is Vectra 3D Plus Safe for Dogs?

Because Vectra contains three potent active chemicals, it has a greater potential to be more harmful.

ALso, Vectra 3D contains a larger amount of product than most competitors, which contributes to its side effects.

Is Vectra 3D Safe for Puppies?

Vectra 3D is safe to use in puppies eight weeks and older.

Vectra 3D Side Effects

The most common side effects include[3]:

  • Anxiety or manic behavior manifesting in jittery and relentless
  • Chemical burns
  • Itchiness

Less common side effects include:

  • Lethargy
  • Panting
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased body temperature – skin warm to touch
  • GI upset including diarrhea and vomiting
  • Increased thirst
  • Dehydration

It takes 3-4 hours for Vectra 3D to soak in thoroughly, so if your dog begins to show signs of side effects, you will want to bathe your dog immediately.

Additionally, it is best to contact your vet immediately to help minimize and manage adverse effects.

Vectra 3D Flea and Tick treatment topical medication review pros cons

Where to Buy Vectra 3D

Vectra 3D requires a prescription, so you can purchase it through your vet.

Also, Vectra 3D may be bought online at places such as:

Vectra 3D comes in four different sizes:

  • For dogs 5-10 pounds the average cost is over $13 per month
  • For dogs 11-20 pounds the average cost is under $15 per month
  • For dogs 21-55 pounds the average cost is under $12 per month
  • For dogs 56-55 pounds the average cost is over $19 per month

Most treatments are available in six month packs.

Alternatives

Though Vectra 3D is an effective product that helps prevent six different pests, the dangers of using it may deter some pet parents.

If you don’t think Vectra 3D is for you, there are several alternative options.

The products listed below are all topical products, but there are other choices such as collars and oral medications.

K9 Advantix

  • Active Ingredients – Imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen, and permethrin
  • Type – Topical
  • Duration – 30 Days
  • Average Price – Over $11 per month
  • Side Effects – Skin irritation, scratching, diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.

K9 Advantix is a topical flea and tick treatment that lasts the whole month, and of the many flea and tick treatments is the most similar to Vectra 3D.

In addition to fighting fleas and ticks, K9 Advantix helps to repel and kill mosquitos, biting lice, and biting flies, much like Vectra 3D.

K9 Advantix prevents flea reinfestation by killing all of the life cycles.

K9 Advantix both kills and prevents parasites. And just like Vectra 3D, K9 Advantix kills on contact.

Click here for our K9 Advantix review!

Frontline Plus

  • Active Ingredients – Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene
  • Type – Topical
  • Duration – 30 Days
  • Average Price – Between $7.33 – $10.21 per month
  • Side Effects – Skin irritation

Frontline Plus is one of the safest flea and tick treatments on the market. It is waterproof after 24 hours and fast-acting.

Unfortunately, unlike the Vectra 3D Frontline Plus only protects against fleas, ticks, and biting lice. Also, for Frontline to kill parasites, they need to bite your dog to be effective and it does not act as a preventative.

However, Frontline is effective against all flea life cycles and is an economical choice with few side effects.

Click here to check out our Frontline Plus review!

PetArmor Plus

  • Active Ingredients – Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene
  • Type – Topical
  • Duration – 30 Days
  • Average Price – $8.99 per month
  • Side Effects – Skin irritation, scratching, diarrhea, vomiting

PetArmor Plus‘ parent company is Perrigo Animal Health product.

In addition to their flea and tick products, Perrigo Animal Health produces various pet products, such as skincare, dewormers, ear care, and joint care products.

PetArmor Plus is generally a more economical option. However, the downside is that PetArmor Plus’ inactive ingredients are less expensive than what’s used in similar products.

The cheaper inactive ingredients allow for a friendlier price tag but also increases the risks of side effects.

Click here to read our PetArmor Plus review!

Recommendation

I like the idea of using a product that fights against so many parasites; however, I am a bit apprehensive about the side effects.

Most of my dogs have health issues, so adding a new medication to their regimen isn’t the best idea, especially since we have effective flea and tick medicine we use that have worked well and have proven safe for them.

That being said, it is a product that I think has a lot of potential as an excellent option, especially for those who have dogs that enjoy spending time outdoors.

Also, if you have a strong and healthy dog, Vectra 3D is a great option, especially since it works as a preventative.

Plus, if you have a dog with food allergies, using a topical treatment is better than oral medications that may include allergens.

FAQS

How Long Does Vectra 3D Last?

Vectra 3D lasts for 30 days.

Is Vectra 3D Effective Against More Than Just Fleas and Ticks?

Yes. Vectra 3D also protects against lice, biting flies, mites, and mosquitoes.

Do Fleas and Ticks Need to Bite the Dog for Vectra 3D Work?

No. Vectra 3D kills through contact.

How Do You Apply Vectra 3D?

Starting at the base of your dog’s tail spread their hair so you can apply Vectra 3D along their skin. Then apply it along the spine to the base of your dog’s neck.

Can You Get Vectra 3D Without a Vet Prescription?

No. Because of its potency, Vectra 3D requires a prescription.

Resources

  1. https://www.ceva.us/About-Us/Company-Overview
  2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00436-015-4470-7
  3. https://www.petcarerx.com/article/vectra-3d-for-dogs-flea-med-precautions-and-use/1366
Vectra 3D Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs Review Pinterest

Eliminate Bad Dog Breath Without Brushing

Fresh Breathies