Advantage
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Year-round parasite protection
Flea-free doesn't always mean worm-free
Fleas and worms are different parasites, and not every treatment covers both. Learn what may be missing from your pet's protection and how to help keep your pet, home and family covered throughout the year.
Why flea treatment matters all year round
The fleas you see on your pet are only a small part of the problem. Adult fleas make up around 5% of a flea population. The other 95% exists as eggs, larvae and pupae hidden in carpets, pet bedding, floorboards, furniture and outdoor resting areas.
Fleas are most active in warm, humid conditions, but they do not simply disappear in winter. Cooler temperatures can slow their life cycle, while heated homes provide the warmth they need to keep developing. Flea pupae can also remain protected in the environment and emerge when conditions improve.
Stopping treatment over winter gives the flea life cycle an opportunity to continue. Consistent, year-round treatment helps kill adult fleas before they lay eggs and prevents the household flea population from building up.
5%Adult fleas on your pet
95%Eggs, larvae and pupae hidden in the environment
Most fleas are hiding where you cannot see them. Treat your pet and their environment to help break the cycle.
Close the tapeworm gap
Most combined flea and worm treatments do not cover tapeworm. This means your pet may still need separate tapeworm protection, even when their regular flea and worm treatment is up to date.
For adult cats and dogs, give a full-spectrum worming treatment every three months that specifically includes tapeworm, unless their current parasite treatment already includes tapeworm cover. Puppies and kittens need more frequent worming.
Compare treatments
Compare what's covered
Here's what popular NZ treatments actually cover, based on their New Zealand label claims.
How to read this comparison
“Yes” means the label claims the product kills, treats or controls that parasite. Prevention-only claims are not counted. “No” means there is no treatment claim.
Choose your pet:
Flea, tick and combined products
| Product | Flea | Tick | Mites | Lice | Tapeworm | Roundworm | Hookworm | Whipworm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Advocate | Yes | No | Yes* | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bravecto Chew | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Bravecto Spot-On | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Bravecto 1-Month Triple | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Capstar | Yes† | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Frontline Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes* | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| NexGard Flea & Tick | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| NexGard Spectra | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Moxiclear | Yes | No | Yes* | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Revolution | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes§ | No | No |
| Seresto Collar | Yes | Yes | Yes* | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Simparica Flea, Tick & Mite | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Simparica Trio | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Dedicated wormers
| Product | Flea | Tick | Mites | Lice | Tapeworm | Roundworm | Hookworm | Whipworm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aristopet Allwormer | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Drontal Allwormer | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Endogard | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Milbemax | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Milpro | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Flea, tick and combined products
Green means the New Zealand label has a treatment claim for that parasite.
Advocate
FLEATICKMITE*LICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Bravecto Chew
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Bravecto Spot-On
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Bravecto 1-Month Triple
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Capstar
FLEA†TICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Frontline Plus
FLEATICKMITE*LICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
NexGard Flea & Tick
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
NexGard Spectra
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Moxiclear
FLEATICKMITE*LICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Revolution
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUND§HOOKWHIP
Seresto Collar
FLEATICKMITE*LICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Simparica Flea, Tick & Mite
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Simparica Trio
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Dedicated wormers
Green means the New Zealand label has a treatment claim for that parasite.
Aristopet Allwormer
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Drontal Allwormer
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Endogard
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Milbemax
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Milpro
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKWHIP
Key takeaway
No flea, tick or combined product in this table treats tapeworm in dogs. If your dog is on one of these, they may also need a dedicated wormer or a tapeworm treatment.
Coverage notes
- * Some mite species carry an aid-in-control claim rather than full treatment across all mite types.
- † Capstar kills adult fleas only and has no residual protection beyond about 24 hours.
- § Revolution's New Zealand dog roundworm claim requires two applications one month apart.
Flea, tick and combined products
| Product | Fleas | Ticks | Mites | Lice | Tapeworm | Roundworm | Hookworm | Lungworm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Advocate | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bravecto Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bravecto Spot-On | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Capstar | Yes* | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Frontline Plus | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| NexGard Spectra | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Moxiclear | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Revolution Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Revolution Spot-On | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Seresto Collar | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Dedicated wormers
| Product | Fleas | Ticks | Mites | Lice | Tapeworm | Roundworm | Hookworm | Lungworm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aristopet Allwormer | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Drontal Allwormer | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Endogard | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No† | No |
| Milbemax | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes‡ |
| Milpro | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Profender | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes§ |
Flea, tick and combined products
Green means the New Zealand label has a treatment claim for that parasite.
Advantage
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Advocate
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Bravecto Plus
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Bravecto Spot-On
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Capstar
FLEA*TICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Frontline Plus
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
NexGard Spectra
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Moxiclear
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Revolution Plus
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Revolution Spot-On
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Seresto Collar
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Dedicated wormers
Green means the New Zealand label has a treatment claim for that parasite.
Aristopet Allwormer
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Drontal Allwormer
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Endogard
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Milbemax
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG‡
Milpro
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG
Profender
FLEATICKMITELICETAPEROUNDHOOKLUNG§
Key takeaway
NexGard Spectra is the only combined product in this table with a tapeworm claim for cats. On any other flea product, your cat may also need a dedicated wormer for tapeworm.
Coverage notes
- * Capstar kills adult fleas only and has no residual protection beyond about 24 hours.
- † Endogard's New Zealand cat claim covers roundworm and tapeworm. The dog formulation has broader gastrointestinal worm coverage.
- ‡ Milbemax's feline lungworm claim is for reducing infection levels under a specific treatment protocol.
- § Profender's feline lungworm claim requires two doses, two weeks apart.
- Hookworm is not considered clinically significant in cats in New Zealand, but “Yes” is shown where it appears on the local label.
Protect your pet. Help protect your family.
Parasite control matters for people too. Roundworm eggs passed in pet poo can contaminate soil, and people can accidentally swallow microscopic eggs after contact with contaminated ground. Young children are particularly vulnerable because they often play close to the ground and put their hands near their mouths.
Regular treatment, prompt poo collection and good hand hygiene help protect your pet, your home and your family.
How often should you worm your pet?
Your pet's treatment schedule will depend on their age, lifestyle and level of risk. The following is a common guide.
Puppies and kittens
2 to 12 weeks
Every two weeks from 2 to 12 weeks of age: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks
12 weeks to 6 months
Monthly from 12 weeks to 6 months
After 6 months
Every three months after 6 months for a typical-risk adult
Adult cats and dogs
- Every three months for many typical-risk pets
- More frequent treatment may be needed for pets that hunt, scavenge, eat raw meat, live on farms or live with young children or immunocompromised people
- Continue flea treatment at the interval stated on the product label throughout the year
How often should you treat your pet for fleas?
The short answer: as often as your product's label says, all year round. Re-treatment intervals vary widely between products, so the pack is always your guide.
Monthly treatments
Many spot-ons, chews and tablets are designed to be given every month. Set a repeating reminder, or use Autodeliver so the next dose arrives when it's due.
Longer-lasting treatments
Some chews and spot-ons protect for up to three months from a single dose. Fewer doses to remember, but the re-treatment date still matters just as much.
Flea collars
Collars can protect for several months at a time. Check the label for the replacement date and note it somewhere you'll actually see it.
Why consistent flea treatment matters
We get that it's easy to skip a dose when you can't see a single flea. But adult fleas on your pet are only a small part of the picture. Most of the flea lifecycle is happening as eggs, larvae and pupae in your carpet, bedding and furniture.
- Treating on schedule kills new fleas as they hatch and jump on, which is how you break the lifecycle in your home
- A gap between doses gives fleas a window to feed, breed and restart the cycle, and it can take weeks to get back on top of it
- New Zealand's mild climate and warm indoor living mean fleas stay active through winter, so treatment should continue year round rather than just in summer
- Always follow the interval on the current pack label for your specific product and never double up doses to catch up after a gap
If fleas are already present
Treat every cat and dog in the household with an appropriate product and continue treatment at the label interval. Missing one pet can allow the flea life cycle to continue.
Wash pet bedding regularly, vacuum carpets and furniture, and clean the places where pets sleep and rest. Dispose of vacuum contents promptly.
Be consistent. Because immature flea stages can remain protected in the environment, it may take several months of consistent treatment and cleaning to fully break an established flea life cycle.
Your parasite protection checklist
- Check exactly which parasites your current product treats
- Look for a specific tapeworm claim on the label
- Use the correct product for your pet's species, age and current weight
- Treat every pet in the household according to their individual plan
- Give every dose at the correct interval throughout the year
- Add the next treatment date to your phone calendar
- Wash pet bedding and vacuum the places where pets rest
- Pick up pet poo promptly and wash hands after gardening or playing in soil
- Never share or split doses between pets
- Never use a dog-only flea treatment on a cat
Is there a gap in your pet's protection?
Check what your current treatment covers and make sure your pet is protected for their age, lifestyle and risk level. If one product does not provide all the cover they need, an additional worm treatment may be required.
Find the right protection for your pet
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Frequently asked questions
Does flea treatment also treat worms?
Not always. Some products treat fleas only, while others cover fleas and selected worm species. Always check the label for the individual parasites included.
Does combined flea-and-worm treatment cover tapeworm?
Not necessarily. Tapeworm is a common gap, so look for a specific tapeworm claim rather than assuming it is included.
Do fleas die off during winter?
Flea development may slow in cooler conditions, but the life cycle can continue throughout winter, particularly inside heated homes. Year-round treatment helps prevent the population from rebuilding.
Why am I still seeing fleas after treating my pet?
New adult fleas may continue emerging from eggs, larvae and pupae already in the environment. Keep every pet treated at the correct interval and continue cleaning their bedding and resting areas. It can take several months to break an established life cycle.
How often should an adult cat or dog be wormed?
Every three months is a common guide for typical-risk adult pets. Pets that hunt, scavenge, eat raw meat or have other higher-risk lifestyles may need more frequent treatment. Ask your veterinarian for an individual recommendation.
Can I use the same treatment for my cat and dog?
No. Use only a product labelled for your pet's species, age and weight. Some dog flea treatments can be highly toxic to cats.
Important: Always read and follow the product label. Use only for the species, age and weight stated. Parasite needs vary according to lifestyle and health. Ask your veterinarian for advice about the most appropriate treatment and frequency for your pet.