Why are ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats only available through a veterinarian?
ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats are only available through practicing veterinarians involved in an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Fort Dodge established a veterinarian-only sales policy for ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats because it believes veterinarians should be pet owners' primary source of information to help ensure the health and well-being of their companion animals. In support of this position, Fort Dodge will not sell ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats through over-the-counter (OTC) channels, including Internet pharmacies.
ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats seem to offer excellent flea and/or flea/tick protection. How does ProMeris compare to other approved products?
ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats have been studied under both laboratory and field conditions to compare its activities to other approved products. These laboratory and field studies indicate the performance of ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats to be similar to the approved products tested.
I've heard metaflumizone is a new ingredient being used for flea control. How does it work?
ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats are the only products available to control fleas that contain the active ingredient metaflumizone, a new compound in the animal health industry. Its new mode of action attacks the flea's nervous system by blocking voltage-dependent sodium channels, which results in paralysis and death of the flea.
Amitraz is well known for its ability to protect dogs against ticks. How does it work?
Amitraz kills ticks by disrupting nerve function resulting in paralysis and death of the tick.
What species of ticks does ProMeris for dogs kill?
ProMeris for dogs is labeled to kill:
- Black-Legged or Deer ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease
- Brown dog ticks, which can transmit Ehrlichia canis
- American dog ticks, which can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Lone star ticks, which can transmit Ehrlichia chaffeensis
How often should I use ProMeris for dogs? How often should I use ProMeris for cats?
While monthly application is commonly recommended for effective control of fleas and ticks on dogs, and fleas on cats, always consult with your veterinarian about the health of your pet and use ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats as directed by your veterinarian.
I've been using another flea and/or flea and tick product. Do I need to read the instructions about how to use ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats?
Yes. Any time you use a new product, it is always important to clearly understand how and where it is to be used. This helps ensure it works as effectively and safely as possible. Product application instructions are as follows:
- Remove one applicator from the foil pouch. Hold the applicator upright for three seconds to avoid splash when opening. Use two hands to hold both ends of applicator with printed side facing the user and narrow end pointing upward and away from the user.
- To open, bend the tip of the applicator toward the user and break along the fracture line. Do not squeeze applicator when opening. Avoid touching applicator opening.
- Fold tip back against the printed side of applicator. Hold applicator in one hand using thumb to hold tip back against the printed side of the applicator.
- Push the open tip through the pet's hair coat onto pet's skin between the shoulder blades. Squeeze applicator to apply the entire contents to the pet's skin. Do not apply on the surface of pet's hair coat. Avoid contact with treated area until dry.
I've heard good things about the ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats applicator. Tell me about it.
Fort Dodge devoted considerable time to the design of the packaging for ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats to make it easy to use for pet owners. One of the advanced packaging features includes a novel nozzle design that helps minimize "splash back" and helps prevent the dose from spilling out, even when inverted, until the pet owner is ready to apply the product. Label information, such as species, size and weight range, is printed on every applicator for accurate dosing. The rounded applicator nozzle reduces the risk of skin abrasions during product application.
Should ProMeris for dogs be used on cats?
No. ProMeris for dogs should only be used on dogs or puppies 8 weeks of age and older. Make sure to use the appropriate size applicator for your pet.
Should ProMeris for cats be used on dogs?
No. ProMeris for cats should only be used on cats or kittens 8 weeks of age and older. Make sure to use the appropriate size applicator for your pet.
Is the product still effective if a dog jumps into a lake or swimming pool immediately after its application?
Yes. A study was conducted where dogs were treated with ProMeris for dogs then immersed in water at different time intervals. The study results showed ProMeris for dogs continued to work even after exposure to water.
I shampoo my dog regularly. How soon after application can a dog be bathed with shampoo without removing ProMeris for dogs?
In general, shampooing dogs that have been treated with topically applied flea and tick control products results in the removal of some active ingredient. Therefore, it is generally recommended to minimize bathing with shampoo when using these products. Because of variances in dogs and shampoos, please consult with your veterinarian if you have questions about the most appropriate time to shampoo your dog following administration of ProMeris for dogs.
My dog grooms itself a lot. What will happen if a dog licks ProMeris for dogs?
While the product is still wet, dogs are not likely to voluntarily lick this product from themselves or other animals. During our studies, the few dogs that licked the product from themselves responded with head shaking, licking, lethargy or salivation. All of these responses resolved without treatment. When used as directed, it should be difficult for dogs to lick the product given it is to be applied between the shoulder blades. Once the product has dried, there are no concerns about your dog's grooming activities.
I currently use a collar with Amitraz in it. Can ProMeris for dogs be used on dogs wearing Amitraz collars?
While we recommend the use of ProMeris for dogs without the Amitraz collar, we have conducted a safety study and found no adverse events were observed when these products were used simultaneously. Because Amitraz collars are commonly used to kill ticks on dogs and ProMeris for dogs also kills ticks, one would not expect the use of these collars to provide more tick control than the use of ProMeris for dogs by itself. Dogs wearing an Amitraz collar can be transitioned to ProMeris for dogs by removing the collar and then applying ProMeris for dogs.
Can cats live in the same household with dogs treated with ProMeris for dogs?
Yes, study results from field trials demonstrated cats can commingle with dogs treated with ProMeris for dogs. These trials studied a large number of cats living in the same households with dogs treated with ProMeris for dogs. The vast majority of the dogs were treated twice, providing a significant number of possible cat exposures to treated dogs. No adverse responses were observed in these cats.
Can very small dogs be treated with ProMeris for dogs?
Yes, ProMeris for dogs is gentle enough to be used in small dogs. A study was conducted in Chihuahua dogs older than 8 weeks of age weighing between 1.2 and 4.9 pounds to specifically address this question. To ensure very small dogs receive the appropriate dose of ProMeris for dogs, Fort Dodge offers an extra small (XS) size.
Should ProMeris for dogs or ProMeris for cats be used in geriatric dogs or cats?
ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats have been used in many older dogs and cats in field studies. In these cases, product performance was not influenced by age. Healthy older dogs and cats, therefore, can be treated. ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats have not been studied in geriatric dogs and geriatric cats with chronic diseases.
What is the risk to people exposed to dogs recently treated with ProMeris for dogs or ProMeris for cats?
ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats have been designed to disperse quickly at the skin's surface, which makes accidental exposure to people less likely. Pet owners should follow all label directions and refrain from direct contact with the product and the application site until the treatment site has dried. If a person is exposed to product liquid while treating or petting dogs, he/she should follow the first aid advice on the package (e.g., washing hands). If the product is accidentally consumed, that person is advised to follow all first aid directions on the package, including informing a poison control center and following all of its instructions.
Will ProMeris damage carpet, upholstery, flooring, etc.?
ProMeris has been tested to determine if it will harm common objects found around the home. These studies found a negligible to slight tendency to stain lighter colors of fabric, carpet or upholstery. The product may also reduce the gloss on acrylic finger nails. To minimize these possibilities, contact between the treated area and fabrics, upholstery or carpets should be avoided until the area has dried.
Does ProMeris for dogs have an odor?
Most users of the product say ProMeris for dogs smells like eucalyptus leaves. Most of them find this scent pleasant.
After I treat my pet with ProMeris for dogs or ProMeris for cats, what will the application site look like?
Hair at the site may look wet or unruly for a day or so, which is similar to that of other topical spot-on products.
I am a pet owner and have questions about ProMeris for dogs or ProMeris for cats. Whom should I call?
Always discuss any questions regarding your pet's health with your veterinarian first. If you need additional information about ProMeris, you may also call Fort Dodge's Professional Services department at 1-888-PROMERIS.
If you are a veterinarian and would like more technical information about ProMeris, please contact your local Fort Dodge Animal Health representative for a copy of the ProMeris technical manual. Thank you.
