Stronghold - Medium Dog - 120mg x 3 Pipettes

Description

Stronghold 120mg is a spot-on parasite treatment for dogs weighing 10.1–20kg. Each red-capped pipette contains 120mg selamectin in 1ml of solution, and this pack provides three single-use pipettes. Stronghold 120mg treats adult fleas and prevents new flea infestations for one month after application. It is also authorised for the treatment of ear mites, biting lice, sarcoptic mange and adult intestinal roundworms in dogs, with treatment schedules that vary according to the parasite. Monthly administration prevents heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis where dogs are at risk. The liquid is applied to the skin at the base of the neck, where it is absorbed and distributed through the body to act against susceptible parasites.

Fleas can cause repeated scratching, nibbling and skin irritation, and some dogs develop flea allergy dermatitis after exposure to flea saliva. Stronghold 120mg kills adult fleas and also has effects on flea eggs and larvae, helping interrupt the reproductive cycle. This is useful because most of a household flea infestation develops away from the animal. Eggs fall into bedding and carpets, larvae feed in sheltered areas, and adult fleas later emerge to seek a host. Stronghold 120mg reduces egg production by killing adult fleas, while material from treated animals contributes to larval control in their surroundings. Regular monthly use therefore helps control both the fleas feeding on the dog and the developing population that would otherwise maintain the infestation within the home.

Selamectin in Stronghold 120mg belongs to the avermectin group of antiparasitic medicines. It interferes with chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of susceptible parasites, causing paralysis and death. After application, the medicine is absorbed through the skin, so it can reach parasites with different locations and life cycles. Stronghold 120mg is effective against adult Toxocara canis roundworms in the intestine, as well as specified external parasites. Roundworms can affect dogs without being visible in the coat or stools, and puppies are particularly vulnerable to infection. Puppies can acquire roundworms early in life, and infected dogs may shed parasite eggs that contaminate the environment. Prompt removal of faeces from gardens and exercise areas helps reduce this contamination, alongside appropriate treatment. The canine product does not treat every intestinal worm: tapeworm and canine hookworm control are not included in its authorised indications. It also does not provide tick protection, despite its use against several other external parasites.

Ear mites, called Otodectes cynotis, live within the ear canal and can cause itching, head shaking and dark, crumbly discharge. Stronghold 120mg treats these mites through an application to the neck skin; the liquid is never placed into the ear canal. A single treatment is used initially, with reassessment after 30 days because some dogs need a second application. Sarcoptic mange is caused by burrowing mites and can produce intense itching, crusting and hair loss. Stronghold 120mg is applied at monthly intervals for two consecutive months for this indication. Biting lice are treated with a single application. These differing schedules reflect the parasite being treated, so a three-pipette pack does not always represent the same treatment duration for every condition.

For heartworm prevention, Stronghold 120mg is used monthly during periods of exposure to infected mosquitoes. Heartworm is particularly relevant to dogs travelling to or living in affected regions, where mosquitoes transmit the developing parasite between animals. The medicine acts against immature stages before they mature into adult worms in the heart and associated blood vessels. Stronghold 120mg does not kill established adult heartworms. Dogs aged six months or older in endemic regions should be assessed for existing infection before preventive treatment begins. The timing of prevention needs to cover the period of mosquito exposure and the month afterwards. Flea prevention also uses a monthly schedule, but heartworm risk depends on geography, travel and exposure rather than the presence of fleas on the dog.

Apply Stronghold 120mg to dry skin at the base of the neck in front of the shoulder blades. Part the hair, empty the pipette directly onto the visible skin and avoid massaging the liquid into the coat. Dogs can be bathed two hours after treatment without loss of efficacy. Stronghold 120mg is suitable for dogs from six weeks of age and may be used in breeding, pregnant and lactating animals. Temporary hair clumping or a small powdery deposit can occasionally appear where it was applied. Avoid touching the site until it is dry, and keep the dog away from flames or other ignition sources for at least 30 minutes or until the coat is dry. The dog should not enter watercourses for at least two hours after application.

Does Stronghold 120mg kill ticks?

No. Tick control is not an authorised indication for this canine Stronghold product. It treats fleas and several specified mites, lice and worms, but that does not make it effective against every parasite. Dogs exposed to ticks may need a different parasite-control approach that includes tick protection.

How long does Stronghold protect a dog against fleas?

One application treats fleas and prevents further flea infestations for one month. Monthly use also helps reduce the developing flea population in the environment through effects on eggs and larvae. A three-pipette pack provides three monthly applications when used for ongoing flea prevention in one suitable dog.

Which worms does Stronghold treat in dogs?

Stronghold treats adult Toxocara canis roundworms and prevents heartworm disease when used monthly during risk periods. It does not provide complete intestinal worm coverage: tapeworm and canine hookworm treatment are not included in its authorised indications. Worm control should account for the parasites relevant to the individual dog.

Can Stronghold be put directly into a dog’s ears?

No. Even when treating ear mites, Stronghold is applied to the skin at the base of the neck, in front of the shoulder blades. The selamectin is absorbed and reaches susceptible parasites through the body. The pipette must not be emptied into the ear canal.

Can I bathe my dog after Stronghold?

Bathing two hours after application does not reduce efficacy according to the product information. Apply Stronghold to dry skin initially, and do not use it on a wet coat. Avoid touching the application site until dry, and keep the dog out of watercourses for at least two hours.

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