Stronghold For Dogs 5.1-10 lbs (2.6-5 kg)

Description

Stronghold for Dogs 5.1–10 lbs (2.6–5 kg) is a selamectin-based spot-on solution from Zoetis, delivering 30 mg selamectin per 0.25 ml tube. Selamectin is a macrocyclic lactone that disrupts chloride channel conductance in invertebrate parasites, producing paralysis and death across a broad range of parasite types through systemic distribution following topical application. This variant is formulated for dogs from 6 weeks of age weighing between 2.6 and 5.0 kg, providing monthly flea and heartworm prevention alongside single-dose treatment for ear mites, roundworms, sarcoptic mange, and biting lice.

Recommended for:

Dogs weighing 5.1–10 lbs (2.6–5.0 kg) from 6 weeks of age.

Indication/Coverage

For dogs suffering from, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infections, Stronghold 30 mg addresses the following conditions:

• Flea treatment and prevention (Ctenocephalides spp.): Selamectin kills adult fleas on the dog, prevents viable egg production, and eliminates larvae in the environment; ovicidal activity persists for 3 weeks post-application, breaking the flea reproductive cycle at every stage.
• Heartworm prevention (Dirofilaria immitis, L3/L4 larvae): Monthly application eliminates susceptible larval stages acquired up to one month before dosing; this product does not act against established adult heartworms.
• Ear mite treatment (Otodectes cynotis, adults): A single dose treats ear mite infestations; loose debris should be gently removed from the external ear canal at the time of treatment, and a veterinary examination 30 days later is recommended as some dogs may require a second dose.
• Roundworm treatment (Toxocara canis, adults): A single dose clears adult roundworm burden from the intestinal tract.
• Sarcoptic mange treatment (Sarcoptes scabiei): Complete elimination of the mites requires a single dose administered on two consecutive months.
• Biting lice treatment (Trichodectes canis): A single topical dose eliminates biting lice infestations in dogs.

Key Benefits

The following characteristics reflect label-confirmed properties of Stronghold 30 mg for dogs in the 2.6–5.0 kg weight range.

• Small dog calibration: The 30 mg selamectin dose is calibrated to deliver a minimum of 6 mg/kg across the 2.6–5.0 kg range, ensuring the per-kilogram dose remains within the labeled therapeutic window throughout this weight band.
• Six-indication coverage: One monthly application addresses fleas, heartworm larvae, ear mites, roundworms, sarcoptic mange, and biting lice, covering both external and internal parasites from a single topical dose.
• Full flea life cycle disruption: Selamectin kills adult fleas on the animal, renders eggs non-viable, and eliminates environmental larvae via debris shed from the treated dog, reaching reproductive stages that adulticidal-only products do not address.
• Systemic absorption from topical application: Following skin application, selamectin is absorbed transdermally and reaches maximum plasma concentration within approximately 3 days in dogs, delivering internal parasite coverage without requiring oral administration.
• 30-day protection interval: The terminal elimination half-life of selamectin in dogs is approximately 11 days, sustaining detectable plasma concentrations across the full monthly dosing interval for flea and heartworm larval protection.
• Bathing tolerance: Efficacy is maintained when the dog is bathed or exposed to water 2 or more hours after application, per the Stronghold label.
• Breeding and lactating safety: Zoetis administered Stronghold at 3 times the recommended dose to pregnant and lactating females without adverse effects, making it appropriate for breeding dogs within this weight category.
• Established safety margin: 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 throughout handling. Do not smoke, eat, or drink during application. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after use. Flush any skin or eye contact with water at once and seek medical attention if eye exposure occurs. Keep children away from treated dogs for at least 30 minutes or until the coat is dry.

Hazards to Domestic Animals

Stronghold 30 mg is for external use in dogs only; do not administer orally or by injection. This variant is not for use in animals under 6 weeks of age, and the labeled dose covers dogs up to 5.0 kg only. Do not apply when the coat is wet. Dogs that are debilitated or underweight for age 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; consult a veterinarian before use in dogs with a history of neurological sensitivity. No interactions with routinely used veterinary medications or surgical procedures were identified in extensive field trials.

Possible Side Effects

Monitor your dog after each application, particularly following the first dose.

Dermal reactions at the application site are uncommon but may include transient hair clumping or a small amount of white powder; these are documented product characteristics that typically resolve within 24 hours without intervention and do not affect efficacy or safety.

Systemic signs are exceptional. As a macrocyclic lactone, selamectin carries a very low but documented risk of reversible neurological signs including seizures. Field testing across over 100 pure and mixed dog breeds, including ivermectin-sensitive collies at 5 times the recommended dose, produced no adverse neurological findings; however, individual sensitivity cannot be excluded in all animals.

If any neurological changes, persistent behavioral abnormalities, or unexpected systemic signs appear after dosing, discontinue use and consult a veterinarian promptly.