AdTab dosage for dogs by weight: how much to give
What AdTab is and how it works against fleas and ticks in dogs
AdTab is an oral flea and tick treatment from Elanco whose active ingredient is lotilaner, an isoxazoline that paralyses the parasite’s nervous system. It comes as a chewable tablet with a yeast-and-meat flavour, given once every 30 days.
Lotilaner blocks GABA- and glutamate-gated chloride channels in fleas and ticks: the parasite convulses and dies. In mammals those channels have a different structure, so the medicine circulates in your dog’s bloodstream without affecting them.
The key advantage is speed. Fleas start to drop off within 4 hours; 99% are dead by 8 hours. Ticks die within 24–48 hours. That breaks the flea reproductive cycle and greatly reduces the risk of tick-borne disease.
AdTab vs spot-ons, collars and other tablets
A spot-on still makes sense when you want a repellent effect: Advantix repels mosquitoes and sandflies thanks to permethrin, and in areas where leishmaniasis is a concern that can matter. It’s also useful for dogs that are impossible to tablet. Its Achilles’ heel: bathing or heavy scratching in the 48 hours after application can reduce effectiveness.
An oral tablet wins on convenience: you give it and you’re done. There’s no residue on the coat, it doesn’t depend on water exposure, and there’s no risk from a companion cat licking the dog. It’s systemic. A collar such as Seresto —8 months, imidacloprid + flumethrin— remains a good option for outdoor dogs or dogs that don’t tolerate tablets.
| Format | Typical active ingredient | Duration | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdTab (oral) | Lotilaner | 1 month | Systemic; not washed off by water |
| Frontpro (oral) | Afoxolaner | 1 month | Same convenience; similar profile |
| Advantix spot-on | Imidacloprid + permethrin | 1 month | Repels mosquitoes and sandflies |
| Frontline Tri-Act spot-on | Fipronil + permethrin | 1 month | Repellent; classic pharmacy option |
| Seresto collar | Imidacloprid + flumethrin | 8 months | Long duration with fewer missed doses |
Important warning: NEVER use a dog parasite product containing permethrin (Advantix, Vectra 3D, Frontline Tri-Act, many collars) on a cat living in the same household. Permethrin is severely neurotoxic to cats and can be fatal through direct contact or if they lick the dog’s coat.
Dosage: how to choose AdTab by your dog’s weight
- How to give the chewable tablet without drama
- Safety, side effects and contraindications
- When to contact your vet
- Recommended products
- Frequently asked questions
What is AdTab and how does it work against fleas and ticks in dogs?
AdTab is an oral antiparasitic treatment from Elanco. Its active ingredient is lotilaner, an isoxazoline that acts on the nervous system of fleas and ticks. It comes as a palatable chewable tablet and is given once every 30 days.
Lotilaner blocks GABA- and glutamate-gated chloride channels in fleas and ticks. This disrupts the parasite’s nervous system and kills it. In mammals, these channels are structurally different, so the medicine can circulate in the dog’s bloodstream without acting on the dog in the same way.
The key advantage is speed. Fleas start to be killed within hours, while ticks are killed more gradually over the following day or two. This helps break the flea life cycle and reduces the risk linked to tick-borne disease exposure.
AdTab vs spot-ons, collars and other chewable tablets
Spot-on treatments still make sense when you want a repellent effect. Products such as Advantix use permethrin to help repel mosquitoes and sand flies, which can be useful in areas where vector-borne diseases are a concern. Spot-ons are also useful for dogs that simply refuse tablets. Their weak point is practical: bathing, swimming or rubbing soon after application may reduce performance.
Oral chewable tablets win on convenience. You give the tablet and the active ingredient works systemically. There is no residue on the coat, no waiting for the liquid to dry, and no issue with water exposure. A collar such as Seresto — with up to 8 months’ protection — can still be a good option for outdoor dogs or dogs whose owners prefer long-duration protection without monthly dosing.
| Format | Typical active ingredient | Duration | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdTab / oral chewable | Lotilaner | 1 month | Systemic action, unaffected by bathing |
| Frontpro / oral chewable | Afoxolaner | 1 month | Same convenience, similar profile |
| Advantix spot-on | Imidacloprid + permethrin | 1 month | Repels mosquitoes and sand flies |
| Frontline Tri-Act spot-on | Fipronil + permethrin | 1 month | Repellent action from a classic pharmacy format |
| Seresto collar | Imidacloprid + flumethrin | Up to 8 months | Long-lasting protection with fewer missed doses |
Important warning: NEVER use a dog flea or tick product containing permethrin — such as Advantix, Vectra 3D, Frontline Tri-Act and many collars — on a cat or where a cat may lick the treated dog. Permethrin is highly toxic to cats and can be fatal through direct contact or grooming.
Dosage: how to choose AdTab by your dog’s weight
The authorised dose is based on your dog’s body weight, so choosing the correct tablet strength matters. If your dog is between two ranges, do not guess or split tablets unless the product leaflet allows it. The aim is to reach the right therapeutic concentration in the bloodstream.
| Dog’s weight | Tablet | Number of tablets | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 to 2.5 kg | AdTab 56 mg | 1 | Every 30 days |
| Over 2.5 to 5.5 kg | AdTab 112 mg | 1 | Every 30 days |
| Over 5.5 to 11 kg | AdTab 225 mg | 1 | Every 30 days |
| Over 11 to 22 kg | AdTab 450 mg | 1 | Every 30 days |
| Over 22 to 45 kg | AdTab 900 mg | 1 | Every 30 days |
| Over 45 kg | Combination | Ask your vet | Individual dosing plan |
The minimum authorised age is 8 weeks and the minimum weight is 1.3 kg. For pregnant or lactating bitches, use should be assessed by a vet, as safety data may be limited depending on the product and market authorisation.
How to give the chewable tablet to your dog without drama
Many dogs take it easily because AdTab is a flavoured chewable tablet. For more suspicious dogs, try hiding it in pâté or soft food, mixing it with wet food if the leaflet allows, or placing it at the back of the tongue as a last resort before gently encouraging swallowing.
Set a reminder on your phone. I usually recommend using the first day of each month as a simple reference point so you do not lose track.
Experienced-owner tip: give the tablet with the main meal rather than on an empty stomach. Food can support absorption and may reduce the chance of occasional vomiting.
Safety, side effects and contraindications
Lotilaner has a wide safety margin in dogs when used according to the product leaflet. That does not mean it should be treated casually. It is still a veterinary medicine and should be used at the correct dose for the dog’s weight.
The most common side effects are usually mild and short-lived: occasional vomiting in the first few hours, softer stools in dogs with sensitive digestion, or mild lethargy on the first day. These often settle on their own. If vomiting repeats several times, or your dog stops eating or drinking for more than 24 hours, contact your vet.
The product leaflet should always be checked in dogs with a history of epilepsy, seizures or neurological disease. Isoxazoline products have been associated with rare reports of tremors and seizures in animals with neurological susceptibility. In epileptic dogs, your vet may prefer another flea and tick option.
In Collies and related breeds with confirmed MDR1 mutation, lotilaner is not usually managed in the same way as ivermectin-sensitive medicines, but dogs with known sensitivities or chronic conditions should still be assessed individually by a vet.
When to contact your vet
AdTab is flea and tick protection, not a complete solution for every parasite or skin problem. Ask your vet for advice if:
- You still see live fleas 48 hours after dosing. There may be an environmental infestation at home — eggs in carpets, sofas, bedding or floor gaps — that requires household treatment and intensive vacuuming.
- Your dog scratches obsessively or develops bald patches despite being up to date with parasite protection. This may be flea allergy dermatitis, atopy, mange or another skin condition.
- You remove a tick and part of it remains embedded, or the area becomes significantly inflamed over the next 72 hours.
- You notice tremors, loss of coordination, excessive salivation or seizures after administration. Stop use and seek urgent veterinary advice.
- Your dog is under 8 weeks old, weighs less than 1.3 kg, is pregnant or lactating, or has a chronic neurological condition.
From the pharmacy, we can advise on responsible product selection and correct use. Diagnosis, special cases and prescription decisions belong with your vet. Pharmacy advice should support veterinary care, not replace it.
Recommended products to protect your dog from fleas and ticks
Frequently asked questions about AdTab for dogs
How often should I give AdTab to my dog?
AdTab is given every 30 days. In areas where fleas are active for much of the year, monthly protection is often the simplest approach. In colder areas or for mostly indoor dogs, some owners pause treatment during low-risk months, but this should be agreed with your vet or suitably qualified adviser.
Does AdTab also treat intestinal worms in dogs?
No. AdTab covers fleas and ticks. For internal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms or whipworms, your dog needs a separate worming product. Adult dogs are often wormed regularly depending on lifestyle, age, hunting behaviour and household risk, especially where children are present.
Do I need a veterinary prescription to buy AdTab?
Supply rules depend on the market and the exact product authorisation. In the UK, lotilaner chewable flea and tick products are supplied under the relevant veterinary medicine category and should be purchased with advice from a suitably qualified person. If your dog has epilepsy, is pregnant or lactating, is very young, underweight or taking chronic medication, speak to your vet before use.
Can I bathe my dog on the same day I give AdTab?
Yes. Because lotilaner works systemically through the bloodstream, bathing does not remove it from the coat in the way it can affect some topical treatments. This is one of the main advantages of an oral chewable tablet for dogs that swim, go to the beach or need frequent washing.
My dog vomited after taking the tablet. Should I give another one?
If your dog vomits soon after dosing and you can clearly see the whole tablet, ask your vet or pharmacist before repeating the dose. If vomiting happens later, some of the active ingredient may already have been absorbed. Do not automatically double dose unless a professional tells you to.
Can AdTab be combined with vaccines or other medicines?
In many dogs, flea and tick protection can be used alongside routine veterinary care. What you should avoid is combining two products from the same antiparasitic class without veterinary guidance. If your dog is on long-term treatment for epilepsy, heart disease, liver disease or another chronic condition, check with your vet first.
What is the difference between AdTab and Credelio?
Both products are based on lotilaner from Elanco, although brand names, presentations and authorisation details can vary by market. Always check the product strength, target species, weight range and leaflet before use, rather than relying only on the brand name.
Can I give AdTab to a pregnant or lactating bitch?
Do not assume it is suitable during pregnancy or lactation. The safest option is to ask your vet, who can assess the dog, the parasite risk and the product leaflet before recommending a suitable flea and tick treatment.
