Vectra Products for Fleas and Ticks in Dogs and Cats

Medically Reviewed by Joshua Conrad, PharmD on October 20, 2024
Written by Kathleen Claussen, DVM
6 min read

The Vectra line of products (manufactured by Ceva Animal Health) includes topical products (products that are applied to the skin) for the control of adult fleas, including all immature flea stages. Vectra 3D for Dogs has the added benefit of repelling and killing ticks, mosquitos, lice, mites (excluding mange), biting flies, and sand flies. Vectra 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.  

All Vectra products for external parasites contain the active ingredients dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen.  Dinotefuran is a nitroguanidine, neonicotinoid insecticide, and pyriproxyfen is an insect growth regulator.  This combination of ingredients controls adult fleas and all immature flea stages, including eggs, larvae, and pupae. In addition to dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen, Vectra 3D for Dogs contains permethrin, which is a synthetic neurotoxic pyrethroid. Permethrin has activity against fleas, ticks, lice, and some mites, as well as repelling activity against flies, gnats, and mosquitoes.

For dogs, there are two Vectra topical liquid options: Vectra for Dogs and Vectra 3D for Dogs. Vectra for Dogs is labeled for one month of protection against fleas. Vectra 3D for Dogs is labeled for one month of protection against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, mites (excluding mange), biting flies, and sand flies.  

For cats, there is Vectra for Cats. It is labeled for one month of protection against fleas.

Vectra 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.

Vectra products are available from your veterinarian or without a prescription where pet products are sold. 

Vectra products are topical liquids that you apply to your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades once a month (every 30 days).  Dogs and puppies should be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilograms) to use Vectra for Dogs. Dogs and puppies should be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms) to use Vectra 3D for Dogs. Cats and kittens should be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2.0 pounds (0.9 kilograms) to use Vectra for Cats. Do not reapply more than every 30 days. Do not use Vectra products for dogs on cats and vice versa. Vectra for Dogs and Vectra for Cats are not the same.

To apply a Vectra topical liquids, make sure the skin at the back of the pet’s neck is dry and healthy.  Use the appropriate tube of Vectra product. Hold the applicator upright. Press the smaller disk downward to the larger disk to break the seal. Then part the hair using the applicator tip and apply the entire contents of the tube as directed on the label. Apply directly to the skin. Avoid putting the solution on the hair. 

Do not touch that area until it is completely dry. Do not bathe or allow your pet to swim for 24 hours following application of the topical liquid. Do not allow your cat or other pets in the household to groom (rub or lick) the application site for several days. Do not get the product in your pet’s eyes or mouth. Do not use Vectra 3D for Dogs on cats, as this could be fatal. You may want to wear disposable gloves while handling the product.

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.  

The benefits of Vectra products include:

  • Dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen (Vectra for Dogs and Vectra for Cats) are licensed by the EPA for the control of adult fleas, including all immature flea stages.
  • Vectra products are quick drying and non-greasy.
  • Vectra for Cats starts killing fleas within 6 hours.
  • Vectra for Dogs starts working within 2 hours and kills fleas within 6 hours.
  • Vectra 3D for Dogs repels and kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and lice.
  • Vectra 3D for Dogs remains effective after bathing and swimming starting 24 hours after application.

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

Do not use a Vectra product in an animal that is allergic to its ingredients. Do not use Vectra products in dogs or cats below the minimum age or weight on the product label. Use them with caution in older, weak, or sick dogs and cats. Do not use Vectra products on other small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.  Use with caution in pregnant or nursing animals. Do not use Vectra 3D for Dogs in cats or kittens, since permethrin can be lethal to them. Use Vectra products with caution when your pet is receiving certain other medicines such as other flea and tick medicines. 

Your pet should not be able to lick the site of application if using Vectra 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 until the skin is completely dry.  Keep cats away from treated dogs for 24 hours after application. If your pet ingests the medicine, they will usually have excessive salivation (drooling), vomiting, diarrhea, or even foam at the mouth. If your pet has any of these symptoms or starts acting strangely, seek veterinary care.

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

Other side effects with Vectra products may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (loose stool)
  • Excessive drooling
  • Unusual behavior

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. 

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.

Do not use other antiparasitic (flea, tick, etc.) products such as collars, shampoo, or powder that contain the same ingredients as Vectra products.  This can cause an overdose of the ingredient.

  • Keep Vectra products out of the reach of children.
  • Wash your hands with soap after handling Vectra products.
  • Do not handle Vectra products if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
  • You may wish to wear disposable rubber gloves when handling Vectra products.
  • Avoid getting Vectra topical solutions in your eyes or on your skin and clothing.
  • Avoid contact with the area of application of Vectra on your pet until it is dry.

Vectra products are usually 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 Vectra products in the original packaging in a cool, dry place. Protect them from freezing. Do not allow Vectra products to contaminate water or food products.