Stronghold For Dogs 10.1-20 lbs (5.1-10 kg)

Description

Stronghold for Dogs 10.1–20 lbs (5.1–10.0 kg) delivers 60 mg selamectin per 0.5 ml tube, formulated by Zoetis as a topical spot-on solution for dogs in this mid-small weight category. Selamectin is a macrocyclic lactone avermectin that paralyses and kills invertebrate parasites by interfering with chloride channel conductance in nerve and muscle cells, providing both external and internal parasite coverage from a single skin application. This variant is approved for dogs from 6 weeks of age weighing between 5.1 and 10.0 kg, with monthly dosing indicated for flea prevention and heartworm larval prevention, and single-dose treatment for ear mites, roundworms, sarcoptic mange, and biting lice.

Recommended for

Dogs weighing 10.1–20 lbs (5.1–10.0 kg) from 6 weeks of age.

Indication/Coverage

For dogs suffering from, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infections, Stronghold 60 mg addresses the following conditions:

• Flea treatment and prevention (Ctenocephalides spp.): Selamectin kills adult fleas on the dog, halts viable egg production, and destroys environmental larvae; ovicidal activity extends for 3 weeks post-application, severing the flea reproductive cycle across all life stages present on the animal and in its surroundings.
• Heartworm prevention (Dirofilaria immitis, L3/L4 larvae): Each monthly dose eliminates susceptible larval stages acquired during the preceding interval; the product has no activity against established adult heartworms already present in the pulmonary vasculature.
• Ear mite treatment (Otodectes cynotis, adults): A single dose constitutes the full labeled treatment course; loose debris from the external ear canal should be gently removed at the time of treatment, and a follow-up veterinary examination at 30 days is recommended as some dogs require a second application.
• Roundworm treatment (Toxocara canis, adults): A single dose clears adult intestinal roundworm burden from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Sarcoptic mange treatment (Sarcoptes scabiei): Complete mite elimination requires one dose administered on each of two consecutive months; a single dose is insufficient for this indication.
• Biting lice treatment (Trichodectes canis): A single topical application eliminates biting lice infestations in dogs within this weight range.

Key Benefits

The following properties are confirmed by the Stronghold label for the 60 mg dose covering dogs in the 5.1–10.0 kg range.

• Weight-calibrated dosing: The 60 mg selamectin dose maintains a minimum of 6 mg/kg across the full 5.1–10.0 kg range, sustaining the per-kilogram concentration within the labeled therapeutic window at both the lower and upper boundaries.
• Six-indication coverage: Fleas, heartworm larvae, ear mites, roundworms, sarcoptic mange, and biting lice are all addressed by a single monthly tube, reducing the number of separate parasiticide products the dog requires.
• Environmental flea control: Debris shed by a selamectin-treated dog kills flea eggs and larvae not previously exposed to the compound, extending flea population suppression beyond the animal itself to accessible surrounding areas.
• Transdermal systemic delivery: Following neck application, selamectin is absorbed through the skin and reaches maximum plasma concentration within approximately 3 days in dogs, providing internal coverage against heartworm larvae and intestinal roundworms without oral administration.
• Sustained plasma presence: The terminal elimination half-life of selamectin in dogs is approximately 11 days, maintaining detectable plasma concentrations across the full 30-day dosing interval and supporting consistent monthly protection.
• Water exposure tolerance: Bathing or immersion 2 or more hours after application does not reduce product efficacy per the Stronghold label, making this variant practical for dogs that are regularly groomed or swim.
• Pregnancy and lactation clearance: Zoetis administered Stronghold at 3 times the recommended dose to pregnant and lactating females without adverse effects, supporting its use in breeding dogs within this weight range.
• Broad breed safety: Zoetis safety data confirm no adverse effects at 10 times the recommended dose; field testing covered over 100 pure and mixed dog breeds, with ivermectin-sensitive collies tested separately at 5 times the recommended dose with no adverse effects observed.

Caution

Hazards to Humans

This product is highly flammable; keep it away from heat, open flame, and sparks at all times during handling. Do not smoke, eat, or drink while applying. Wash hands with soap and water immediately after use. Flush skin or eye contact with water at once and seek medical attention for eye exposure. Keep children away from treated dogs for at least 30 minutes or until the coat is fully dry.

Hazards to Domestic Animals

Stronghold 60 mg is for external use in dogs only; do not administer orally or parenterally. This variant is not for use in dogs under 6 weeks of age, and the labeled dose covers animals up to 10.0 kg only. Do not apply to a wet coat. Dogs that are debilitated or in poor body condition should not receive this product without prior veterinary assessment. Reversible neurological signs including seizures have been reported on rare occasions with macrocyclic lactone-class products; obtain veterinary clearance before use in dogs with a known history of neurological sensitivity. Extensive field trials identified no interactions with routinely used veterinary medications or surgical procedures.

Possible Side Effects:

Monitor your dog after each application, with particular attention following the initial dose.

Dermal reactions at the application site are uncommon. Temporary hair clumping or a small quantity of white powder may appear at the treated area within the first 24 hours; this is a documented characteristic of the drying solution, resolves without intervention, and carries no consequence for efficacy or safety.

Systemic reactions are exceptional but documented. As a macrocyclic lactone, selamectin carries a low risk of reversible neurological signs including seizures; this has been observed only in rare cases across extensive field and safety testing. Ivermectin-sensitive collie breeds were tested at 5 times the recommended dose without adverse neurological findings, though individual sensitivity cannot be entirely excluded in all animals.

If persistent dermal changes, behavioral abnormalities, or any unexpected systemic signs develop after dosing, discontinue use and consult a veterinarian without delay.