Topical preventives are essential to maintaining your animal’s comfort because fleas frequently infest pets and houses. While there are several flea prevention treatments on the market, many of them do not provide the same protection against other common insects.
It is regrettable that your dog lost his life after receiving Vectra 3D for dogs and I understand this is a very distressing period for you.
This page will go into great detail on Vectra 3D’s usefulness, side effects, and safety.
Vectra 3D Killed My Dog
Simply because your dog had a bad side effect after taking Vectra 3D does not mean it killed him. Some of the reasons that can lead to a dog’s death after taking Vectra 3D like overdosing, underlying health conditions, excessive ingestion of the medication, allergic response, or drug interaction.
It is always advisable to follow your vet’s prescription while administering Vectra 3D. Notify your vet if you notice any weird behavior with your dog after administering Vectra 3D.
In this article, we will discuss the safety, effectiveness, and side effects of Vectra 3D and how you can prevent such cases in the future.
What is Vectra 3D?
Vectra 3D is a veterinary medicine given to dogs to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations as well as repel off sand flies, mosquitoes, and stable flies. Its effects can last up to a month, and for two months it stops flea eggs from growing into adult fleas. Three active ingredients are present in Vectra 3D: Permethrin, pyriproxyfen, and dinotefuran.
How is Vectra 3D used?
Vectra 3D is a spot-on treatment for dogs of various weights that may be purchased over the counter in applicators with five different strengths. After dividing the dog’s fur, the contents of one full Vectra 3D applicator are applied directly to the skin, either in one or more locations on the dog’s back depending on its weight, or in a continuous line running down the middle of the back, between the shoulder blades.
It is used to eliminate the following insects;
Fleas: Treatment and control of flea infestations of Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis. Infestations with fleas are prevented for one month by the treatment.
Additionally, it inhibits egg hatching and the adult fleas’ ability to emerge from eggs left by other fleas for two months following administration.
Ticks: Vectra 3D is effective at repelling and killing ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor reticulatus) for up to three weeks after application. When Vectra 3D is used, ticks that are already present may not all be killed during the first 48 hours, but they may all be destroyed within a week. It is advised to use a suitable tick removal device to get rid of ticks.
Sand flies, mosquitoes, and stable flies are all effectively repelled (and prevented from reproducing) by Vectra 3D. For one month after application, it stops stable flies, mosquitoes, and sandflies from biting. Additionally, the therapy offers sustained fly and mosquito insecticidal action for one month.
How does Vectra 3D work?
The active ingredients in Vectra 3D function as “ectoparasiticides.” Thus, they eliminate parasites like fleas, ticks, or other flying insects while on an animal’s skin or fur.
Permethrin and dinotefuran are insecticides that kill insects by acting on their nervous systems in various ways. When combined, dinotefuran and permethrin interfere with sodium channels on neurons that are involved in signal transmission, and dinotefuran acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system.
Pyriproxyfen, an insect growth regulator, disrupts the flea life cycle by producing infertile eggs and preventing the maturation of flea larvae into adults.
What Are the Active Ingredients in Vectra 3DⓇ Flea and Tick Prevention?
The main component of Vectra 3D, a flea and tick prevention product is Permethrin, a synthetic version of a natural insect repellent.
Vectra 3DR is a triple-action formulation because it also contains Pyriproxyfen and Dinotefuran in addition to permethrin.
Together, the three components repel and eliminate fleas and ticks.
Permethrin
Permethrin is a synthetic version of an insecticidal compound produced by chrysanthemum flowers and when in contact with soil and water it biodegrades fast. Typically, less than 1% of the active chemical applied topically is absorbed by the body.
Dinotefuran
Dinotefuran interferes with an insect’s nervous system, causing it to stop feeding within a few hours of contact and to succumb soon after. It only affects insects and does not bind to the nervous system of mammals. It acts through skin contact and if mistakenly ingested, it is swiftly removed from the body (in urine).
Pyriproxyfen
Pyriproxyfen inhibits the growth of insects and eggs mostly by mimicking a hormone that they naturally produce. It is known for having low toxicity for mammals, including humans.
Efficacy
The efficacy of Vectra 3D against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and flies was examined in 24 laboratory tests and two field investigations.
In the first field research, 485 dogs with tick and/or flea infestations participated. It showed that dogs treated once with Vectra 3D had fleas decreased by 79% throughout the 4-week trial period as opposed to a reduction of 57% for dogs treated once with another spot-on product containing two more ingredients which manage fleas and ticks, fipronil and (s)-methoprene.
In comparison to the other product, Vectra 3D gave dogs treatment an average tick reduction of 94% during a 4-week period.
In the second field investigation, 278 flea-infested dogs underwent three monthly treatments with Vectra 3D or another spot-on medication containing fipronil and (s)-methoprene. The average flea count was reduced by 95% in dogs treated with Vectra 3D, compared to 97% in dogs treated with fipronil and (s)-methoprene.
How quickly does VECTRA 3D begin to work?
Clinical studies have demonstrated that when dogs are treated with the active ingredients in VECTRA 3D, flea feeding is reduced within five minutes and fleas are killed within the first six hours for untreated dogs with flea infestations and within the first two hours for previously treated dogs.
It takes 48 hours for VECTRA 3D to start working against ticks.
Additionally, the start of activity against flying insects is fairly quick. Sandflies, mosquitoes, and biting flies are all repelled by VECTRA 3D within 24 hours of treatment. Within 30 minutes of exposure to a treated dog, VECTRA 3D kills Stomoxys flies, and within 60 minutes, Aedes mosquitoes.
Vectra 3D Side Effects
In addition to causing chemical burns at the application site, the ointment may also make a dog feel anxious and restless. This might be a direct effect of the therapy or it could mean that the area where it was placed is irritated. Lethargy, panting, a racing heart, loose stools, vomiting, fever, and increased thirst are other side effects of Vectra 3dD. Additionally, you must watch out that the formulation doesn’t get into your pet’s mouth or eyes.
Due to the product’s strength, it should not be used on dogs that are pregnant, nursing, weak, or old. Additionally, Vectra 3D could not work with some drugs.
Similar to humans, dogs may not be able to tolerate topical preventatives of this potency if they have certain skin sensitivities like pruritus.
Precautions While Handling Vectra 3D For Dogs
To prevent adverse reactions from this medication do the following;
- Wash your hands properly and quickly after use.
- Refrain from skin contact.
- If you accidentally spill something on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
- Eyes that unintentionally come into contact with Vectra 3D should be properly cleansed with water.
- For at least four hours following the administration of the Vectra 3D medication, children must not handle treated pets. Therefore, it is advised to treat dogs in the evening or just before walking them.
- Dogs that have had treatment shouldn’t be allowed to spend the night with their owners, especially young children.
- Used applicators should be thrown away immediately and kept out of children’s sight or access.
- Consult a doctor immediately and provide the package leaflet or the label if Vectra 3D is accidentally consumed, your skin or eyes continue to itch, or you have any other side effects.
- Before letting the treated dog touch any fabrics or furnishings, wait for the application site to dry.
- To prevent negative impacts on aquatic life, treated dogs shouldn’t be permitted to access surface water for 48 hours following treatment.
How does VECTRA 3D control immature stages of fleas?
Flea larvae are concealed in the surroundings. They are generally found in the areas of the house where the pet sleeps. The animal sheds flea eggs, which hatch into larvae. Flea larvae stay away from light and eat flea dirt to survive.
They travel randomly, although they don’t go much more than 30 to 50 cm from where the eggs are deposited. Pyriproxyfen is a very effective insect growth regulator that becomes active at very low concentrations. It spreads from the treated dog (hair, skin debris, dust, etc.) and prevents the fleas’ immature stages from developing. By eliminating flea larvae, this stops the development of new adults. It also sterilizes adult female fleas exposed to treated dogs, which stops them from producing eggs.
Is it okay for my pet to bathe or swim after applying VECTRA 3D?
Yes. If your pet is submerged in water when swimming or taking a bath, VECTRA 3D continues to be effective in preventing flea and tick infestations for a full month. However, it is best to wait to bathe or submerge your dog in water until the treatment site is dry to ensure complete and long-lasting efficacy and to safeguard the environment. This can take anything from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the temperature and air exposure. In controlled experiments, the initial bathing took place 48 hours after treatment and was repeated every week without losing its effectiveness against fleas or ticks. A treated dog should not enter surface water sources (such as rivers, streams, or the sea) for 48 hours after treatment to safeguard aquatic life.
Use during pregnancy or lactation
The safety of Vectra 3D in pregnant and lactating dogs has not been proven. The responsible veterinarian should weigh the benefits and risks before using the Vectra 3D on breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs, or other animals.
There is no proof of any teratogenic, maternotoxic, or foetotoxic consequences from laboratory tests using dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen, or permethrin in rats or rabbits.
However, it has been proved that dinotefuran may pass through the blood-milk barrier and is excreted in milk.
Drug Interaction
None known.
Contraindications of VECTRA 3D
Vectra 3D should not be used on cats. They cannot metabolize permethrin because of their special physiology, so cats should not be exposed to Vectra 3D at all.
Vectra 3D may cause serious injury if administered to a cat or if swallowed by a cat that is actively grooming a dog who has recently had treatment. If this happens, talk to your veterinarian immediately.
Additionally, VECTRA 3D should not be administered to animals who have a history of hypersensitivity to any of the excipients or the active ingredients.
FAQs
Can I Brush My Dog After Applying VECTRA 3D?
Yes. Even after repeatedly combing dogs, VECTRA 3D is still effective. However, it is advised against brushing or combing your dog until the treatment site is dried to lessen your exposure to the active ingredients.
Can I Use Vectra 3D® More Than Once A Month?
No, you should only use Vectra 3D® once every 30 days. Vectra 3D® offers effective flea and tick prevention for a whole month, so more frequent treatments are not required.
Why Am I Still Seeing Fleas On My Dog After Applying Vectra 3D®?
Fleas and ticks are repelled by Vectra 3D®, rising to the surface of your dog’s fur coat where they are visible. Any parasites found on your dog after application are about to die because they are no longer a hazard to the dog.
What age and body weight does my dog need to be before I can apply VECTRA 3D?
Puppies as early as 7 weeks old or greater than 1.5kg BW can use VECTRA 3D.
Do I Need To Remove Ticks From My Dog Before Applying VECTRA 3D?
Yes. You should get rid of ticks as soon as you can to keep your pets from getting a disease but using the right tool. Remove the tick’s whole body, including the mouthparts. Ensure that the removed tick is destroyed.