Provecta Products for Fleas and Ticks in Dogs and Cats

Medically Reviewed by Joshua Conrad, PharmD on October 22, 2024
Written by Kathleen Claussen, DVM
7 min read

The Provecta line of products (manufactured for and distributed by CAP IM Supply Inc.) includes topical products (products that are applied to the skin) and a collar (worn around the neck) that are effective against adult fleas, flea eggs, ticks, mosquitos, chewing lice, and biting lice.  Provecta products are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the treatment and control of external parasites in dogs and cats depending on which product is being used.  

The Provecta line for fleas and ticks in dogs and cats includes:

  • Provecta II for Cats (topical liquid containing imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen)
  • Provecta Advanced for Dogs (topical liquid containing imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen)
  • Provecta Pro (dog collar containing deltamethrin and methoprene)

Imidacloprid is classified as a neonicotinoid insecticide that controls fleas and lice.  Pyriproxyfen is classified as an insect growth regulator that helps to control and prevent flea reinfestation.  Permethrin is classified as a synthetic neurotoxic pyrethroid that has activity against fleas, ticks, lice, and some mites.  It also repels flies, gnats, and mosquitoes.  Deltamethrin is classified as a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide.  Methoprene is classified as an insect growth regulator that prevents the maturation of flea and mosquito eggs and larvae.   

Provecta II for Cats is a monthly (every 30 days) topical liquid labeled for the treatment and prevention of adult fleas, and flea eggs, as well as the prevention of flea infestations in cats and kittens.  Cats and kittens need to be at least 7 weeks old and weigh at least 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms) to use Provecta II for Cats.  

Provecta Advanced for Dogs is a monthly (every 30 days) topical liquid labeled to repel and kill all stages of fleas, repel and kill ticks, repel and kill mosquitoes, kill chewing lice, and repel biting lice in dogs and puppies.  Provecta Advanced for Dogs can be used by dogs and puppies at least 7 weeks old and that weigh at least 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms).  Permethrin is toxic to cats, so never use Provecta Advanced for Dogs on them.

Provecta Pro is a collar that kills adult fleas, kills flea eggs, kills ticks, and repels mosquitos on dogs for 6 months.  Provecta Pro can be used by dogs and puppies at least 12 weeks old that weigh at least 5 pounds (2.2 kg).  Do not use this collar on cats.  Cats cannot tolerate the deltamethrin.

Provecta products are usually well tolerated in animals.  There is minimal risk for overdose, side effects, or drug interactions if used as labeled or as directed by your veterinarian.

Provecta products are available without a prescription.  

Provecta II for Cats and Provecta Advanced for Dogs are liquids that you apply to your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades once a month (every 30 days).  Provecta Pro is a collar worn around a dog’s neck for six months.

To apply Provecta II for Cats, remove one tube that is the appropriate dose for the cat’s weight.  Hold the tube upright and remove the cap.  Turn the cap over and push the other end into the tip of the tube to break the seal.  Then part the cat’s hair until you can see the skin and squeeze the contents onto the skin at the base of the skull.  Do not touch that area until it is completely dry.  Do not allow your pet or other pets in the household to groom (rub or lick) the application site until it dries.  Repeat the application every month (every 30 days).  If there is a severe flea infestation, Provecta II for Cats can be repeated as frequently as every seven days for up to four treatments, then continued as monthly treatments.

To apply Provecta Advanced for Dogs, remove one applicator tube that is the appropriate dose for the dog’s weight.  Hold the tube upright and fold back the safety tab.  Then using scissors, cut the across the tip of the applicator.  Part the dog’s hair until you can see the skin and squeeze the contents onto the skin in one spot between the shoulder blades.  Do not touch that area until it is completely dry.  Do not allow your pet or other pets in the household to groom (rub or lick) the application site until it dries.  If there is a severe flea infestation, Provecta Advanced for Dogs can be repeated as frequently as every seven days for up to four treatments, then continued as monthly treatments. 

To use Provecta Pro, unroll the collar and place it around the dog’s neck.  Adjust for proper fit, allowing for two fingers to be comfortably placed between the collar and the dog’s neck.  Buckle in place.  The collar should be worn continuously.  It may take two to three weeks for maximum effectiveness to occur.  The effectiveness of the collar is not affected by getting wet. If there is a severe flea infestation, the living areas of the dog also need to be treated with appropriate pest control measures.  The Provecta Collar may be worn with a lead or restraint collar.

Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals.  Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.  

  • Provecta products do not require a veterinary prescription.
  • Provecta II for Cats starts to kill fleas within 12 hours on cats.
  • Provecta II for Cats and Provecta Advanced for Dogs are once-a-month, fragrance-free topical medicines that remain effective after bathing and swimming.
  • Provecta Pro provides six months of continuous protection against ticks, fleas, and mosquitos in dogs.

You and your veterinarian should monitor your pet for signs that the medicine is working (absence of live fleas and ticks depending on the product being used), as well as for side effects of the medicine.  There is no routine lab monitoring needed with Provecta products.

Do not use a Provecta product in an animal that is allergic to its ingredients.  Do not use Provecta products in dogs or cats below the minimum age or weight on the product label.  Do not use cat products on dogs and do not use dog products on cats.  Use them with caution in frail, older, pregnant, or nursing dogs and cats.  Do not allow your pet or their housemates to lick the topical application site until it is dry.  Do not get the topical product in the pet’s eyes or mouth.

Your pet should not be able to lick the site of application of Provecta topical liquid products.  Other pets may try to groom or lick at the application site, especially cats that clean each other.  Try to prevent this from happening for the first 24 hours.  If your pet ingests the medicine, they will usually have excessive salivation (drooling) and may foam at the mouth.  If your pet starts acting strangely, seek veterinary care.

Side effects are uncommon in Provecta products if they are used as directed on the label.  Your pet may experience redness, itching, or other signs of discomfort at the application or collar site.  If any of these symptoms occur, bathe your pet with mild soap and rinse with large amounts of water.  

Other side effects with Provecta products may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (loose stool)
  • Lethargy (tiredness)
  • Agitation

If you suspect that your pet is having a serious side effect or may have been overdosed, call your veterinary clinic immediately. If it is outside of regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. Note that fees may apply for emergency consultation.

You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase your pet’s risk for serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements that your pet is using.

  • Keep Provecta products out of the reach of children.
  • Wash your hands with soap after handling Provecta products.
  • Do not handle Provecta products if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
  • Avoid getting Provecta topical solution in your mouth or eyes or on your skin and clothing.
  • Avoid contact with the area of application of Provecta topical products on your pet until it is dry.

Provecta products are very well tolerated by animals and the risk of an overdose is low.  If you are concerned your pet is having an adverse reaction or if you suspect your pet has gotten more medicine than intended, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

If your pet misses a dose, give the dose when you remember and then restart the dosing interval from that date.  Do not double the dose of the medicine.  

Store Provecta products in their original packaging in a cool, dry place.  Do not contaminate food, feed, or water with Provecta products.  Use care when disposing of Provecta products as they are extremely toxic to aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates.  Do not reuse the used Provecta Pro collar or container.