Bayer Animal Health has announced that its parasiticide -  Advocate Spot-On Solution - is now licensed to be used weekly, and for a prolonged period of time, in severe cases of demodicosis in dogs.

According to the company, recent work carried out to obtain the new weekly indication shows a number of benefits of this increased application frequency for severely affected animals. Dogs treated on a weekly basis showed a greater reduction in mite numbers, fewer clinical signs, and improved hair regrowth and weight gain over the trial period, when compared to dogs treated monthly.

Advocate remains licensed for monthly use on mild to moderate presentations.

A spokesperson for the company said: "The new claim for the weekly use of Advocate should give veterinary surgeons a more effective route to go down when dealing with more severe cases, compared to monthly use. However, demodicosis is a complex condition which presents the practitioner with many challenges. So, from past experience with this condition, we would urge vets to be patient and also recognise the importance of treating any underlying disease process likely to exacerbate the situation."

Advocate Spot-on Solution has also been recently licensed for the prevention of Angiostrongylus vasorum, and the treatment of Crenosoma vulpis.

For further information, please contact your Bayer representative or the Bayer technical advice line on 0845 1305995.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.