Pica after Imidacloprid + Moxidectin (Advantage Multi) in dogs

62 reports to the FDA describe pica in dogs given Imidacloprid + Moxidectin. That is 0.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

62Reports
76%Marked serious
44%Recovered
1.6%Died or euthanised
1 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
22 43%
1–2 days
4 7.8%
3–7 days
10 20%
1–4 weeks
7 14%
Over a month
8 16%

How the animals did

Recovered
27 44%
Still unwell when reported
5 8.1%
Euthanised
1 1.6%
Not known
29 47%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
5
1–3 years
28
4–7 years
15
8–11 years
9
12+ years
4

About this medicine

Imidacloprid kills fleas (spot-on or collar). Moxidectin prevents heartworm disease (monthly topical, or a 6- or 12-month injection for dogs).

Products with this combination include Advantage Multi. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Questions owners ask

Can Imidacloprid + Moxidectin cause pica in dogs?
62 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 1 day of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Pica with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Imidacloprid + Moxidectin in dogs · Medicines most reported with pica