What is Simparica and How does Simparica work?

Simparica is a fast-acting liver-flavored chewable tablet designed for effective flea and ticks prevention in dogs. It can be administered by hand, mixed with food, or given like other medications. 

Simparica is a popular brand that many veterinarians recommend for preventing fleas and ticks in pets. By understanding how this advanced medication operates, pet owners can guarantee proper usage and optimize effectiveness to prevent these parasites from their furry friends. 

How does Simparica work
How does Simparica work

Overview of flea and tick problems in dogs

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals, including dogs. Fleas reside on the body of an animal host and, despite lacking wings, they are capable of jumping distances of 100 – 200 to move from one host to another. Flea infestations can cause a variety of health problems for dogs, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the transmission of diseases. Common signs of fleas in dogs include excessive scratching, biting, and licking of the skin, as well as the presence of tiny black specks (flea dirt) in the dog’s fur.

A flea infested a dog
A flea infested a dog

Ticks are blood-sucking arachnids commonly found in outdoor settings. They can attach to your dog while playing in tall grass or wooded areas, often seen around the ears, neck, or between the toes. Tick infestations can pose serious health risks for dogs, as ticks can transmit many diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. 

A tick latching on to a dog
A tick latching on to a dog

What is Simparica?

Simparica
Simparica

Simparica is a chewable monthly preventative that provides continuous protection against some dog parasites. 

The active substance in Simparica, Sarolaner, acts as an ‘ectoparasiticide’. By targeting the nervous system of parasites that feed on your dog’s blood, sarolaner disrupts their nerve cell function, leading to their paralysis and elimination. 

Simparica is recommended in treating infestations of a variety of pests including ticks, fleas, demodectic and sarcoptic mange (skin infestations caused by two different types of mites), and ear mite infestations in dogs.

How does Simparica work? 

How does Simparica work?
How does Simparica work?

Simparica contains sarolaner, which acts as a neurotoxin for parasites. This active ingredient can eliminate parasites that have fed on the dog’s blood by affecting their nervous system. It disrupts nerve transmissions by altering some important neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate receptors. GABA-gated channels help dampen nerve transmissions which Sarolaner disrupts to create an influx of transmission in flea and tick. At the same time, the compound activates glutamate-gated channels, promoting the flow of nerve signals. Eventually, it leads to seizures, paralysis, and death of the parasites. Sarolaner also prevents flea egg-laying, reducing environmental contamination for the dog.

How does Simparica differ from other flea and tick medications?

How does Simparica differ from other flea and tick medications?
How does Simparica differ from other flea and tick medications?

The active substance of SIMPARICA, sarolaner, is an acaricide and insecticide belonging to the isoxazoline group. In this controlled laboratory study, sarolaner demonstrated a notably swifter flea elimination compared to afoxolaner (NexGard), particularly toward the end of the treatment duration. The consistent and rapid elimination of fleas within 8 to 12 hours after a single oral dose of sarolaner over 35 days suggests that this treatment will offer highly efficient management of flea infestations, alleviate symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis in dogs, and potentially decrease the likelihood of flea-borne disease transmission. 

Administration and dosage 

Administration and dosage 
Administration and dosage

Simparica is an oral medication used for the prevention and treatment of fleas and ticks in dogs. Here are some guidelines on how to administer Simparica to dogs:

Dosage

Simparica is available as chewable tablets (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120 mg). The appropriate strength tablet(s) should be used according to the dog’s weight.

Body weight  Sarolaner per tablet (mg) Number of tablets administered 
2.8 to 5.5 Ibs 5 One
5.6 – 11.0 Ibs 10 One
11.1 – 22.0 Ibs 20 One
22.1 – 44.0 Ibs 40 One
44.1 – 88.0 Ibs 80 One
88.1 – 132.0 Ibs 120 One
> 132.0 Ibs Administer the appropriate combination of tablets

Following veterinary advice for dosing based on your dog’s weight and health status is essential for their well-being. Incorrect dosing can lead to inadequate protection against parasites or, worse, toxicity. Vets calculate doses carefully, considering factors like metabolism and health conditions, to ensure effectiveness and safety for your furry friend.

Frequency

Simparica is usually administered once a month for the prevention of fleas and ticks and reaches optimal protection in dogs. 

For the treatment of sarcoptic mange, it may be administered once a week for two consecutive weeks.

For treatment of demodectic mange, Simparica should be given once a month for at least three months. Treatment should be continued until skin scrapings are negative on at least two consecutive occasions one month apart. 

For the treatment of ear mite infestations, a single dose is recommended.

Administration

Simparica is an oral medication and is typically given with food. You can mix the tablet with your dog’s food or administer it directly into their mouth. Make sure your dog swallows the tablet completely.

Where to buy Simparica?

Anipetshop
Buy Simparica at Anipet Shop

At Anipet Shop, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of our products. Sourced from reputable locations worldwide, our items are identical to US-labeled counterparts, ensuring consistency and effectiveness. You’ll receive the exact brand, with the same ingredients and dosage as from your veterinarian. Shop with confidence, knowing you’re getting genuine products that meet your expectations.

Conclusion

Simparica is a veterinary medication designed to combat infestations in dogs by interrupting parasite nerve transmission with its active ingredient, Sarolaner. This chewable tablet has been demonstrated to be safe for pets and can be purchased online without a prescription.

lily waston img

Lily Watson is an author specializing in veterinary care in Australia. With a profound passion for animal welfare and a solid foundation in veterinary science, Lily has dedicated herself to disseminating valuable knowledge and information for both pet owners and professionals in this field.